Private Members Bill Targets CN For Lack Of Maintenance On Right Of Way

By 250 News

Victoria, B.C. –A private members bill has been introduced in the BC Legislature aimed at getting CN, who took over the operations of BC Rail,  to restore fencing that is becoming out of date along the old BC Rail line. Cariboo South MLA Charlie Wyse says many ranchers are being affected by the neglect.  

“This bill addresses many of the problems created when Gordon Campbell broke his promise and sold BC Rail,” said Wyse. 

“Since CN has taken over they have not been maintaining fencing or even calling ranchers when cattle have been struck and killed.  In one case, they started burying the dead cattle without contacting the owner.  This is clearly unacceptable as this represents a significant financial loss to owners.”

Since the sale of BC Rail, ranchers have also been asked to pay for fencing along the rail corridor even though the rail was built through their land.  The bill also states that the railway should be responsible for preventing the spread of toxic weeds.

“Whereas before BC Rail used to do these things, we are now seeing an expectation that ranchers will pay for them – a significant cost for individual owners,” Wyse added.

The bill has support from various communities along the line, from Fort St. John to Whistler, and from several BC Cattlemen Associations.

Letters of support for the bill include those from: City of Fort St. John, District of Wells, Village of Clinton, Village of Pouce Coupe, Municipality of Whistler, District of Chetwynd, Peace River Regional District, Onward/Mission Ranch,  Anahim Lake Cattlemen’s Association, Tatla Lake Livestock Association, Chilcotin Stockman’s Association, Lac La Hache Livestock Association, and the British Columbia Cattlemen’s Association

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