23 March 2005
Councillor Regrets
Perception His Comments Created
I understand my comments (see
story on page A3) about Revelstoke being
a "railway town" were not appreciated by some of the CP Rail workers.
To clarify my position I would like to say that in 1984, when I first arrived in this town, it was not
very attractive. In the past 20 years efforts by the city and citizens, like revitalization and
heritage restoration and the Aquatic Centre and, by the CPR, removing derelict buildings, draining
the "black lagoon", generous support of many initiatives such as the Railway Museum and
many other contributions to beautify this city have resulted in creating a very attractive place to
live and raise a family.
I am proud to live and work here.
Nevertheless we are also now becoming a tourist destination as well as attracting development. CPR has
always been proactive in promoting this development and will hopefully always be a large part of our
heritage and future economy.
My comments at the Council meeting last Monday to the residents of CPR Hill were meant to illustrate
the importance of this growth. We are now dealing with up to 37 trains a day and much louder whistles.
These noises during the night are not conducive to the new directions that we are working so hard to
develop.
It is my personal feeling that by working together we can achieve the best balance of safety and also
improve the quality of life for all.
It has been repeatedly stated by this Council that the ultimate goal for the crossing is
full-protection and we intend to work with the residents of CPR Hill to achieve this. As
it is, with this temporary change, their access is still better than what is given to the residents
in Arrow Heights and south.
My comment was not meant to reduce the importance of the CPR to this town. I well appreciate their
contributions to this community and it would be a sorry day when this partnership did not continue to
be mutually beneficial.
Terry O'Hagan - City Councillor - Revelstoke, B.C.
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