David Grevy’s letter to the editor in the June 1 Nelson Star regarding crossing of the CPR railyard (“Tracks need to be crossed”) in the vicinity of Cottonwood Creek calls out for a reply if for no other reason than for the safety of children.
Grevy’s arguments are unsound. He would take exception to someone limiting his enjoyment of his own property when used for its intended purpose (the bicycles for instance). Yet he would deny CPR the right to use its property (the railyard in the vicinity of Cottonwood Creek) for the legitimate purpose of serving its customers (a lumber mill, a pulp mill, and the largest lead/zinc refinery in the world). “Any public input or debate” regarding his or CPR’s use of property would be spurious.
He argues that the railcars being on the tracks is dangerous because people cross through them. There is nothing inherently dangerous about railcars, properly secured, standing on a rail track. It is the action of the people which is dangerous.
His statement regarding “a giant ugly train, parked there for no other reason than to block” clearly indicates that his knowledge of the operation of a railway is deficient. I am a retired CPR employee who has met many other railroaders across Canada and United States. Their jobs are complex and require a great deal of knowledge. Universally among railroaders, one of their greatest concerns is trespassers. Railroaders do not want to take home the knowledge that, while the railroader was on duty, a trespasser was killed or injured.
Each time you cross the railroad tracks at any place other than a public crossing, you are trespassing. In addition, you are teaching your kids to trespass. Please be a responsible and do not trespass on railroad property. Please use Hall Street crossing.
John Neville
Nelson