An empty grain train eastbound on the the Laggan Sub passes the Bearspaw Reservoir - 18 Jun 1967 Doug Wingfield.

22 October 2011

Fenced Out

Calgary Alberta - Canadian Pacific Railway intends to construct a long and expensive fence along Bearspaw Dam Road. The cost is to be shared 50/50 with the city. The fence is to prevent Calgarians from accessing the popular Bearspaw Dam area by crossing the railway tracks. While I appreciate Canadian Pacific's concern for the safety of its employees and the public, there are alternatives they might consider before going ahead with this unpopular plan.
 
For the cost of building this fence, the CPR and the city could construct a pedestrian overpass. With a little more money thrown in, an overpass might be built that could also accommodate TransAlta and city water department vehicles, as they need to access this area several times per day. This would also be advantageous in case of an emergency at the TransAlta facility or the Bearspaw Raw II station. There is also a tunnel east of the crossing that could easily and cheaply be developed to accommodate pedestrian use.
 
The Bearspaw Dam lands are unique in Calgary.
 
The area is large, there is little vehicular traffic, and an abundance of interesting wildlife. It is enjoyed by fishermen, hikers, dog walkers, families out for picnics, rafters, and naturalists alike.
 
It seems extremely heavy handed of the CPR and the city to deny Calgarians access to this wonderful spot by proceeding with this fence without exploring all of the alternatives.
 
Val Hudson.