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Mining WEEK
Trashy turns flashy! Sparwood considers
BUSINESS
April 28th to May 4th, 2013
new railway crossing By Nicole Liebermann Free Press Staff
Elkford’s Lamplighter Pub - Page 14
W
SPARWOOD
A taste of culture Page 2 SPORT
Future Ghostriders in training- Page 20
ELECTION
MLA Question of the Week - Page 4 INSIDE THIS ISSUE
MINING WEEK PREVIEW
Teck Photo
April 28 to May 4, 2013 ies
e of mining in our communit
Recognizing the importanc
Mining Week Preview Pull-Out
Kids got creative with recycled materials at the Trashy But Flashy Fashion Show at the Fernie Community Centre Monday night. For the full story and more photos, turn to page 18. Photo by N. Liebermann
ith increased pedestrian traffic near Sparwood’s railway tracks, the District is looking at installing a railway crossing. Following the construction of the Iron Rails, Elk River Crossing, and the Link Trail, greater access to the trails beside the river has resulted in more residents and visitors to town walking along the railway area. Public safety is becoming an issue, as there are a number of unauthorized crossings that are being used to cross the tracks. The District has recently discussed two options - a public crossing near the Sparwood Station, or a private pedestrian-only crossing. “The costs are substantial and the biggest problem right now is the pedestrian traffic, that’s going to get worse, and that’s a big safety concern right now,” explained Danny Dwyer, Director of Engineering. “The private [pedestrian] crossing is maintained where we still have access to cross the railway for municipal purposes, and that does not have to be a lit and signaled crossing. A public crossing, because there are two tracks, is going to require substantial work.” Costs for both options have yet to be determined, however the development of a public vehicle crossing is estimated at roughly $500,000, not including road development, operations, and maintenance. A vehicle crossing would also require a whistle to be sounded for every train that utilizes it. Although a private pedestrian-only crossing could be built at a lesser cost, Dwyer felt that a vehicle crossing could grant the public access to a portion of land beside the river that could potentially be used for recreational purposes. Councillor Ron Saad agreed it was an option worth pursuing. “There is a lot of land over there and it could be utilized, and a private crossing would never have that,” he commented. “With a public crossing, at least we have the opportunity to utilize the land. I think before we make the decision we should sit down and really take a good look and see if we could utilize it as a picnic area, or something to do with Coal Miner Days, anything really.” District staff was directed by council to investigate locations and costs for both methods of safely crossing the railway tracks in Sparwood. The issue will be brought back at a future council meeting.
WHAT CHOICE WILL WE MAKE? Low Taxes or High Taxes? * New Jobs or Lost Jobs? * A Strong Economy or the Worst Economy in Canada? Access to Our Backcountry or More Road Closures & Parks? * A Strong Proven MLA or a Rookie MLA?
Our choice has consequences. To keep Kootenay East strong, our choice on May 14th is Bill Bennett
AUTHORIZED BY BILL BROCK, FINANCIAL AGENT FOR BILL BENNETT 250-426-3404