TRURO, N.S.
Cathy Hinton isn’t thrilled about the prospect of a fence along the back of Truro Centre, essentially cutting off a route many use to go between the downtown and Victoria Park.
The town recently received a letter from CN, asking that they share costs of a chain-link fence, about 763 metres long, constructed along the tracks. Cost is estimated at about $75,000.
“My concern is that it would divide the area,” said Hinton, town councillor for the area’s Ward 3.
“I don’t want the park to be cut off further from downtown. The walkway is fantastic for tourists. It’s a connector to the park, which is the jewel of the town, and many of my constituents use it to get downtown.”
The letter from CN states CN police have expressed concerns about trespassing between the Prince and Young Street crossings, and that there are safety concerns over people using the old platform link at the VIA station as a crossing.
The Town of Truro had requested CN to repair the platform link, writes Julien LeBlanc, CN senior office-design and construction, in the letter. “After review of this file CN has confirmed that this platform link was never designed and authorized as a public crossing either by agreement or board order. CN has no record of its presence other than it was used in the past to connect three station platforms.”
The letter states only one platform currently remains at the station, so it can no longer be considered a platform link. To use this platform as a public crossing, the crossing will have to meet the requirements of Transport Canada’s Grade Crossing Regulations, it said.
Options put forward are to install an automatic warning system – which may involve relocating the crossing outside of the station platform – or to close the crossing and erect a fence along the track, across from the platform.
Truro Mayor Bill Mills said the town met with CN, and there was discussion about safety, liability and fencing.
“That area is used quite a bit, so there are concerns about the impact on people,” he said. “Staff is going to look at the issue, and will make a recommendation to council.”
He added council and CN will continue to discuss the issue.
“We have to think of safety first, but I’m not a supporter of a fence,” added Hinton. “I’d like to have areas more open, not cut off.”
CN officials could not be reached for further comment before press time.
