Mum's The Word On A City Meeting With CN

Wednesday, January 25, 2006 04:10 PM

A derailment just west of the CN rail yard in Prince George back on Dec. 17th

A string of CN train derailments across the province over the last-half of 2005, particularly, the December 17th incident just outside of Prince George, prompted City Councillors to have the Mayor write a letter to Canadian National Railway requesting a meeting.

The letter went out December 20th and city staff confirm a response has been received from the company. But City Clerk Don Schaffer says it would be inappropriate to release details of when that meeting will occur prior to informing city councillors. Schaffer does say the specifics are being worked on and may be complete in time for next Thursday's deadline for the council agenda.

The next regularly scheduled council meeting is on Monday, February 6th. It becomes available to the public by noon the Friday beforehand.

In his letter to CN's Senior Vice-President for Western Canada, Mayor Colin Kinsley writes, "Prince George City Council is concerned for the safety of not only the citizens, but also CN workers as the number of incidents continue to increase."

The Mayor goes on to write, "I invite you to provide an explanation of what CN is planning to do to prevent future derailments, some of which could have disastrous results to the people, environment, and economy of this province."

A letter also went out to the Canadian Transportation Agency seeking assurances that regulations, "providing a safe standard for everyone are in place and enforced". City Hall confirms a response has been received from the CTA, as well.

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Posted on Wednesday, January 25, 2006 04:10 PM in News by 250 News

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Comments

Posted by: Palopu on January 25 2006 6:13 PM

Dont expect anything more that a standard run of the mill repy to the Mayors letter, and to the Meeting if and when it takes place. The CN has much bigger fish to fry than some local politicians in a remote City in the Hinterlands of British Columbia. Every conceivable situation you can think of is covered by Rules for National Railways, and they are overseen by the CTA. You will always have incidents. Not much different that Coal Mine accidents in Virginia, they have been going on for over 100 years and will continue.

Posted by: Foo738 on January 25 2006 7:19 PM

I agree. The Public Relations people will represent CN and nothing of value will take place. All will smile and say thank you and there will be no clout.