HomeMy WebLinkAbout1976-02-20 Council MinutesBRIEF TO HALL COMMISSION FROM THE COUNCIL OF THE MUNICIPAL DISTRICT
OF KNEEHILL NO 48
February 20th,1976
CW PROPOSED RAIL LINE ABANDONMENT COSWAY - KNEEHILL
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The Canadian Pacific Railway line reached Acme in 1910 Because of demand
the Acme - Kneehill branch line was built in the early 19201s, and has
since served a rich farming area Elevators were built at Buoyant, Entice,
Carbon, Sharples, Hesketh; Gatine, Dunphy Kirkpatrick and Nacmine. Today
the only elevators remaining open are at Carbon, Sharples, Hesketh and
Kirkpatrick, most others have been taken down
Prior to 1950 large tonnages of coal from the Drumheller and Carbon areas
were also hauled on this line There is a definite possibility that this
business may again become very important due to other energy shortages.
It would appear that we are now thinking about up- dating our entire grain
handling system, from the branch line collection system right through to
the terminals Many articles have been written, hours of arguments belaboured
regarding the statutory rates for hauling grain by rail These rates have
not been substantially changed since 1922. The Crows Nest rates were
abolished in the mid - twenties and statutory rates have since been in effect
for grain No longer were these rates related to the Crow's Nest agreement,
and in no way were they considered as compensation by the Canadian Pacific
Railway to the western people for previous massive land grants The earlier
business deal ended and a national policy began
Regardless of the merits of long term committments by the railroads, and
the fact that they may or may not be making a profit, the results of cut
backs or reduction in services are serious to the western farmers Rolling
stock has been seriously reduced and branch lines have not been well maintained,
so we now find ourselves in a difficult situation The only assisrance
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v forthcoming in the past few years was the building of hopper cars by the
Federal Government. It would be difficult to assess the losses to farmers
on the 1973 crop by not having grain available in a sale position at a time
when world prices were high. 2
1 ;
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BRIEF TO THE HALL COMMISSION CONTINUED PAGE TWO
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Mazy alternatives have been suggested to help reduce the losses incurred by
the railroads in keeping many branch lines open such as joint use of
certain sections of track by Canadian Pacific Railway and Canadian National
Railway, or joint ownership
If provision could be made to tie in the Canadian National Railway and
Canadian Pacific Railway near Grainger there would be no need for the
Canadian Pacific Railway from that point westerly to the Cosway Junction -
a saving of approximately 7 miles
From Beiseker to Langdon the use of Canadian National Railway facilities
would adequately serve that area - a saving estimated at 30 to 35 miles of
Canadian Pacific Railway track
Abandonment of the Cosway - Kneehill Line should not be favourably considered
at this time because of the following additional reasons
1 No information could be obtained on losses or profits or subsidy applications
2 The Snavely Commission is making a study o actual costs of moving grain by
rail. That report might have a bearing on any decisions
3. The road network in the area is not developed to a standard which will carry
additional heavy trucking The costs of upgrading the roads cannot be met from
local municipal funds To grade and gravel to good standard now costs approximately
$50,000 00 per mile and good paving adds another $65,000.00 per mile in costs
4 Emphasis is now being placed on energy conservation. Movement of grain
by rail likely consumes only a small percentage of the fuel that would be needed
by trucks
Respectfully submitted
Ralph W. Brown, Reeve
Municipal District of Kneehill #48