Thursday June 12, 2014 (Vol. 39 No. 47)
V O I C E
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W H I T E
R O C K
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S O U T H
Looking for a positive reaction: Two South Surrey families are hoping that sharing their children’s stories will encourage an increase in registrants for a planned allergy-safe camp in Mission’s Zajac Ranch this summer. i see page 11
S U R R E Y
w w w. p e a c e a r c h n e w s . c o m
Rail-safety measures include closure of boat launch and suggested chain-link fence along promenade
City livid over waterfront barricade Tracy Holmes Staff Reporter
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Citing an “immediate threat” to safety, a Transport Canada inspector ordered the City of White Rock to close off its West Beach boat launch, and BNSF to ensure trains are blowing their whistles from dawn to dusk, along the length of the waterfront. “What he wants is a six-foot-high fence along the promenade,” an outraged Mayor Wayne Baldwin told Peace Arch News Monday, after discussing the demands in open council. “We’re being dictated to by some petty little bureaucrat in Vancouver,” Baldwin told residents during question period. “We find this outrageous. It’s stupid. It’s an overreaction. This individual took it upon himself to safeguard the public. We will appeal.” While fencing the length of the promenade was not part of the orders issued Friday – those discussions are ongoing as part of a safety review ordered by the federal agency last summer – waterfront visitors will soon see six-foot-high chain-link fence along the west edge of Bayview Park, at the bottom of the Coldicutt Ravine and from the Finlay Street crossing east to Semiahmoo First Nation land. The fencing – to be in place this month – was proposed by BNSF after Transport Canada inspections May 30 and June 2 identified risks. A gate at the boat launch was installed Tuesday. According to orders – emailed to PAN by Transport Canada railway signal-systems officer Dennis Maskell Monday night – the directives follow a mix of incidents and inadequate steps by the city to address safety along the rail line since 1996. The most recent incident on the
We’re being dictated to by some petty little bureaucrat in Vancouver. We find this outrageous. It’s stupid. It’s an overreaction.a Mayor Baldwin `
Tracy Holmes photo
White Rock Mayor Wayne Baldwin angrily oversaw Tuesday’s installation of a six-foot fence closing the boat launch. tracks was in February, when a senior was struck after wandering from a nearby care home. The last fatality was on the East Beach tracks in July 2013, when jogger Anita Lewis was struck and killed. Transport Canada also cites the city’s push to encourage locals and tourists to the promenade; an increase in businesses, tourists and trains; increased risk factors; and an observation last week of beach visitors putting themselves at risk as further justification for immediate action.
“Pedestrians have been noted walking, jogging and stopping on the railway tracks, walking their dogs on the railway tracks and doing yoga on the railway tracks,” Maskell writes in his cover letter, noting that on June 2, “there were trespassers in front of the locomotive running to get ahead of it, six teenagers, a mother and her two children, all climbed through the railing and darted in front of the locomotive and crawled through the railing closest to the promenade parking. “There was no horn warning from
the locomotive, nor was there any whistling at the pedestrian crossings within the promenade. While discussions and communications continue, it is my opinion that the public safety of persons using the promenade and related track area are at great risk.” While signage affixed to the gate by the City of White Rock notes the closure is permanent, Maskell describes the orders and notice as “temporary measures to support rail safety and public protection.” i see page 4
Pedestrians have been noted walking, jogging and stopping on the railway tracks, walking their dogs on the railway tracks and doing yoga on the railway tracks. As a result there have been pedestrian deaths, injuries and near misses at or near the crossing locations.a Transport Canada
Burglar advised to ‘do the right thing’
Second World War hero robbed of medals Contributed photo
A thief took Jack Miles’ medals.
A 96-year-old Surrey man is without medals recognizing his service as a pilot in the Second World War, following a break-and-enter May 30 at his 56 Avenue home. And Surrey RCMP called on the culprit this week to “do the right thing” by returning them. Among items stolen from former RAF pilot Jack Miles during the break-in are a row of five
medals honouring him for service in Canada, Burma and Southeast Asia – plus a framed certificate of appreciation issued by the British Air Ministry in 1946. The break-in took place between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., Miles said Wednesday. While other items were taken, he told Peace Arch News he’s only concerned with seeing the medals and letter.
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“I’d have a hard time acquiring another set,” he said “Even if they drop them off in my mail box, and take off, there’d be no questions asked.” Said Surrey RCMP Cpl. Bert Paquet: “Although of little value to anyone else, the sentimental value of these medals is priceless to this war hero and his family.” – Alex Browne