Lount St. rail signal bridge draws ire
[attach]878[/attach]A signal tower spanning the train tracks at the foot of Lount St. has residents accusing CN Rail of railroading their community.
The dispute started in 2007 when CN began construction on a signal bridge over the tracks near Lount, a street near Monarch Park. Some residents say the first they heard of the bridge was the clamour of construction.
Area resident Ron Farr says the main problem is that CN Rail has refused to cooperate with the community.
“We’ve basically gotten a ‘we don’t care’ from CN Rail,” says Farr who is also a member of the Olde Riverdale Neighbourhood Association.
Although a meeting was held in 2007 between government officials, CN Rail and residents, Farr says it led to little compromise from CN Rail.
MPP Peter Tabuns likens the situation to the biblical tale of David and Goliath.
“No, there was no public consultation,” Tabuns said. “And no, (CN Rail) was under no legal obligation to have one.
“I think the community is bruised, and that CN Rail was unnecessarily brash,” Tabuns said.
CN spokesperson Frank Binder said the signal tower is essential to the operation of CN, VIA and GO Transit. He also said there was public consultation on the project, and that CN Rail has put forward a solution.
“In response to local concerns we have proposed the planting of 11 spruce trees,” to block the signal tower from view, Binder said.
However, the community doesn’t see that as a solution and, despite protests, CN Rail has begun planting the trees.
According to Farr, any attempt to get CN to the bargaining table has fallen on deaf ears.
“We want them to present alternatives in good faith and let the community take part in the solution,” Farr said.
“So far the three levels of the government have been ineffective at bringing CN to the table.
That may be because the signal was installed on CN land leased by GO Transit as a part of improvements to the GO system. GO spokesperson Vanessa Thomas said the program is funded by the federal, provincial, and municipal governments — the same governments Farr said are unable to resolve the issue.
Many residents think relocating the bridge in a less populated area would be a preferred solution, but claim the government is unlikely to pay a one million-dollar price tag for the project.
“If you compare the loss of property value, we’ve probably lost a million dollars already,” Farr said, noting this is a larger problem.
“In a democracy, the people of a community have wishes and a corporation shouldn’t be able to override the community.”
Resident Leona Adam said some members of the community are considering legal options, but feel they are at a disadvantage.
“While (CN Rail’s) lawyers could probably outperform ours any day, why can’t their work crews do the same, do the right thing, and move the bridge?”
For those residents considering legal options, Tabuns has a warning.
“Private rail companies are very powerful, even the city is cautious with the private rail companies because of the huge resources they have available.”
