26 January 2007
CPR Agrees to Mediate, With Conditions
Crowsnest Alberta - "I'm sick and tired of (CPR)
dictating to us, and putting conditions on every time they want to meet with us," said Councillor Gail Sygutek during Tuesday's
Council meeting.
Councillor Sygutek made the comments after learning CPR had agreed to mediation with the Municipality regarding the siding currently
under construction between Blairmore and Coleman, providing the Municipality accepts that CPR will be opening the siding for operation
at its current location.
In his letter to Chief Administrative Officer Gordon Lundy, Gerry Nera, manager of the mediation program for the Canadian
Transportation Agency, confirmed that CPR had agreed to mediate.
"CPR has indicated that it is agreeable to mediate all issues concerning the operation and safety of the siding, provided that it
receives reassurance from the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass that it accepts that CPR will be opening the siding for operation at the
current location," said Nera.
"CPR has indicated that the siding will be constructed completely within its right-of-way and according to Section
98 of the Canada Transportation Act, CPR is not obligated to come to the Agency for approval."
Councillor Nestor Chorney said he didn't think it was right for CPR to put conditions on their mediation.
"I have a hard time understanding how (we can) mediate with a group who says before we mediate, this has to take place," he
said.
Mayor John Irwin said he thinks it's important to press forward with mediation with CPR.
Councillor Gary Taje agreed, adding however that Council should at least send a letter back stating they were not going to accept the
outcome before they've even had the chance to mediate their differences.
Councillor Taje made a motion to enter into mediation talks with CPR regarding the proposed siding, as long as both parties go in with
the full understanding that they won't resolve anything until they have a chance to talk.
Council voted 5-2 in favour of the motion, with Councillors Chorney and Sygutek voting
against.
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