28 April 2006
Council Looks at CPR Injunction
Crowsnest Pass - Councillor Gary Taje says he plans to do anything he can to slow the
construction process on CPR's proposed railway siding if they refuse to listen to municipal input.
Councillor Taje met with CPR biologist David Spata as well as representatives from Alberta Environment and the Department of Fisheries
and Oceans at the site of the proposed siding, a 7,500 foot stretch between Drain Brothers in Blairmore and the Bushtown area of Coleman
last week.
Council had previously sent a letter stating they were supportive of the siding in that location as long as it ran on the south side of
the track, so as not to disturb an ox-bow in the river at that location.
CPR representatives said they wanted it on the north side of the track so as not to disturb the wetlands.
Councillor Taje says the option presented by CPR could potentially jeopardize the walking path, the river, and the fishery.
According to Taje, the meeting at the site lasted nearly an hour, and got pretty heated at times.
"Basically, at the end of the meeting, (Spata) turned to me and said, "regardless we are starting on
1 May 2006", explained Councillor Taje. "The saying is true that there are four levels of government - municipal,
provincial, federal, and above them all is the CPR."
He added Council has already sent letters to various levels of federal government to try and slow down the siding's construction.
"We're looking at whatever grounds we can to get an injunction. All delays cost money and we're hoping if they see they face
delays, they may look at our (ideas) again," said Taje. "I don't like to make waves if I don't have to, but when people put
you in a corner, you have to fight."
CPR spokesperson, Ed Greenberg, says the 1 May 2006 deadline is not when construction would begin, but rather when CPR
would have to have all the proper paperwork and information to Alberta Environment to start the approval process.
He says CPR wants to stress that they feel they have a cordial, productive relationship with Council and the Municipality.
"The fact is, we value our relationship with the Municipality and Council which is why we have a team working directly with
(them)," said Greenberg, adding CPR has appreciated all the input received from Council, to "keep in step as best as possible
with the local jurisdiction... and come to a mutually constructive decision."
Greenberg also says CPR will have all requirements and notifications, such as Alberta Environment approval, arranged prior to starting
construction.
"We will make sure all regulations and standards are met," he said. "At the end of the day, we want a project that fits
in with our priority of safe train operation and environmental stewardship."
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