4 August 2006
CPR Addresses Council on Siding
Crowsnest Pass Alberta - Representatives from Canadian
Pacific Railway were on hand at Tuesday's Council meeting to update them on the proposed siding between Blairmore and Coleman.
In his presentation, Brent Laing, general manager of structures and engineering for CPR, said although they are a
federally-regulated railway, they want to work with the municipality to come to a win-win situation.
He brought an overview of the proposed siding project, which would involve having the east switch located east of the Drain Brothers
private crossing. The Drain Brothers crossing would then be relocated 1,000 feet eastward. The west switch would be located just east of
the 88 Street crossing in Coleman.
Laing's presentation also included what was entitled, "Items of mutual interest for Municipality, community, and CPR". These
included upgrades to warning systems, an alternate access route for emergency vehicles, providing routes for a proposed waterline and
recreational pathway on CPR right-of-way, and providing tenure for the existing municipal sewer line, which is currently
on CPR right-of-way and subject to 90-day cancellation.
Councillor Gary Taje said he felt the last item was an implied threat that if Council does not go along with the proposed route, they
will have to find a new location for the sewer.
In a later interview, Mark Seland, director of public affairs for CPR, says this was not a form of a threat but rather the opportunity
to work with the Municipality.
Instead, he said, they want to work with the Municpality to come to secure a long-term agreement for the sewer, water, and
pathway. "Quite frankly, we could build this (siding) and do nothing more. (But we're) working through Mayor (John) Irwin to
address concerns regarding the siding," said Seland.
Seland also said CPR is planning to add a Jordan Rail on the siding, which could prevent cars on that track from tipping and spilling
their contents, and also new switching technology, which would allow trains to enter the siding without coming to a complete stop,
thereby potentially lowering waiting times at crossings.
Mayor Irwin said he appreciates the CPR representatives attending Council to get both sides talking about the issue.
"If either one of us tries to finalize a hard and fast position, it won't work," said Mayor Irwin.
Later during Tuesday's meeting, Council was set to vote on second reading of the Rail Yards Bylaw, which would prohibit the construction
and operation of rail yards and sidings within the Municipality.
"(If there is) a court battle, one of is going to win, and both of use are going to lose a lot of money," Councillor Taje said
to Laing. "You're federally regulated and have the legal right to build (the siding)... but we have the right in the Municipal
Government Act to implement laws to protect our people and property. (Moving the siding) a matter of three miles will (mean) you're
doing the right thing for the residents of the Crowsnest Pass."
Council voted unanimously to pass second reading of the bylaw.
In a later interview, Councillor Taje said he feels CPR representatives meet with them and are very nice until something is said they
disagree with. "They came there like a trio of gun slingers to put a gun to Council's head," said Councillor Taje. "They
treated Council like they were stupid."
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