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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 ------------------------------------------------- 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 Awb 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 ; J Y 10 BRIEF TO THE HALL COMMISSION CONTINUED PAGE TWO -------------------------------------------- - - - - -- 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