Editor:
Re: Demand an end to coal transport, letters, May 17
I thoroughly support your call to action.
For the last number of years concerned citizens have been bringing the rail line to the attention of local politicians.
Of even greater concern than coal is the situation the residents and visitors to Crescent Beach may encounter with train decoupling and slides that block the train tracks.
READ ALSO: Surrey wants BNSF to slow Crescent trains
These block individual and emergency personnel access and egress in case of situations such as fire, health emergencies and, yes, a possible derailment allowing toxic cargo to go into the air or the bay.
Although the city councils in Surrey and White Rock have supported funding for a feasibility study to address rail relocation this has not been high on the list for provincial or federal governments.
Premier Horgan refuses to meet with concerned citizens as does Transport Minister Claire Trevena however they have happily funded $600,000 to a feasibility study with Washington for a high-speed train proposal.
Federal MP Gordon Hogg and Liberal MLA Tracy Redies have been diligent in pressing Transport Canada and BNSF on safety issues related to the rail line that runs along the ocean.
It is interesting the provincial government is more interested in Washington’s proposal over the safety British Columbians.
Lenore Van Oene, White Rock
