Editor:
I see on local TV’s “News in Review” that Kitimat’s city council is receiving credit for working with Alcan to renew access to their Hospital Beach, the city’s only access to the ocean.
Alcan’s concern, as I understand it, was increased construction traffic in the area, and a solution has been found.
This sounds just like the problem that CN has identified to justify closing off the road along the waterfront in Prince Rupert. Perhaps our city council should take a tip from Kitmat’s. The citizens of Prince Rupert are being slowly cut off from their access to the ocean as well, except for the small area of the Waterfront Park.
I have been walking along that road for 30 years, including taking many school groups there. This summer, I have been walking all the way to Rushbrook and back, a wonderful recreational activity. I have never seen an accident along the road itself. In fact, for a large part of the way there is another lane off to the side that could well accommodate walkers. I realize that this issue will have to be argued all over again if and when the pellet plant gets going, of course. But it seems to me that council could at least try to find some compromise or solution, and that CN could surely take a less rigid position. If industries wish to feel welcome in Prince Rupert, they must realize that they have to win over the people of the city by being good neighbours and contributing to the lifestyle and activities which make Prince Rupert special.
Trish Banighen