Canadian Pacific number 5764 with a load of salvaged rail near Carleton Place - 27 Jun 2012 Michael Britt.

9 August 2012

Voice on Committee Dealing with CP Rail Line Important for Mississippi Mills

Mississippi Mills Ontario - Ever since Canadian Pacific announced last May 2011 that it was closing its rail line between Smiths Falls and Mattawa, Lanark and Renfrew counties have been working together to acquire the bed for future use.
 
A joint committee has been established to deal with the matter.
 
Coun. Val Wilkinson, during the regular meeting of Mississippi Mills council on 26 Jun 2012, explained committee members include Lanark County's warden, Corporate Services Committee chair, Community Development Committee chair, and chief administrative officer (CAO).
 
"However, no one is from Mississippi Mills," she noted, even though much of CP's rail infrastructure and line passing through Lanark County is within the borders of the municipality. "We need to express our disappointment."
 
In council chambers for the 26 Jun 2012 meeting was the former mayor, Al Lunney.
 
"I couldn't agree with you more that you need a representative on the committee," he stated. "I think you need to send a motion to the county indicating you want to be on the committee, and these are the items of concern we have identified."
 
Lunney believes a number of issues affect Mississippi Mills taxpayers and require discussion, including bridges (Almonte and Pakenham), crossings (farm and road), fencing, and weed control.
 
"I agree with that 100 percent," said Coun. Alex Gillis. "We need to retain control of the bed throughout the municipality."
 
"I have to agree with councillor Gillis," said Coun. Rick Minnille. "I am concerned we as a council have not stated what we want."
 
"I think it's very important we get a motion forward," said Coun. Denzil Ferguson. "Mississippi Mills is the most affected community."
 
Coun. Bernard Cameron agreed the town must be represented on any committee dealing with the dispersal of any land running through the municipality.
 
"There are all kinds of things that can be done if we have control of that rail bed," he said. "However, there are significant risks, too."
 
"We must make it known to the powers that be that we have a vested interest in being in control of this land," continued Cameron. "If we don't let people know they will rightly assume we don't care."
 
Councillors concluded CAO Diane Smithson would author a draft motion to be brought forward to the council meeting on 7 Aug 2012.
 
At this moment in time tracks are being dismantled and railway equipment such as anchors, spikes, and ties salvaged.
 
Tara Gesner.