A Few Notes On The Rail Line Before Giving MacLellan High Fives

If you want to skip to my three main rail line notes, scroll down until you hit the big bold titles below.

I realize there are several different groups with competing interests in the fate of the Cape Breton rail line owned by Genesee & Wyoming. I'll take a breath, crack my knuckles, and just dump out all of the stuff that comes to mind. Here we go:

The Port of Sydney Development Corporation and the port marketers (HPDP, SHIP) want the rail line maintained as they consider it of key importance to developing a shipping container terminal. Other groups want to take control of the rail line to ensure its preservation. Some creative minded people want to think of the rail line in terms of how it could be used to support tourism. Others are concerned that it interferes with their land ownership, introduces excessive (crossing) fees, and causes delays in their investments in (and their enjoyment of) their properties. Government officials are torn between subsidizing a line that nobody uses to help keep it in place for any potential use - and are quite concerned that if they did otherwise it would cost them too many votes. The new Donkin mining operation may be interested in the line for coal export. The FTZ Zone is next to, if not fully, meaningless but its proponents (Mark Eyking, Business Cape Breton) would have us believe it isn't, so they'll tie it to export possibilities. And last I heard the rail line was still interfering with the intended traffic flow on Spar Road as it enters Whitney Pier (aka the "road to nowhere").

Which special interests did I miss?

Though the rail line has never been a big focus area for me, my personal concerns are primarily focused on any interference it causes. A line that has no traffic on it shouldn't be blocking passage of traffic on Spar Road. Likewise, homeowners that have to cross the tracks to get to their properties shouldn't have to deal with nonsense and excessive fees to make their local investments.

If anyone believes the container port terminal is really viable, then they certainly will advocate that the line is a necessity. So I also acknowledge what they suggest despite never having any sense of strong confidence in the port development itself. Why would I? Last week Mary Campbell of the Cape Breton Spectator wrote that port marketer Barry Sheehy has been off writing a history book about Abraham Lincoln's assassin's time hanging out in Montreal, and lots of detailed research on the related subject matter (zzzzz...). If Sheehy turns out to be the type of polymath who can operate at an expert-level in both the international shipping industry and professional authorship of books on the history of the American Civil War, I'm still more impressed by how he manages his time so well. Based on how long it takes me to put together my poorly written blog posts, by contrast writing a deeply researched history book for publication while simultaneously marketing (with exclusivity) a billion dollar port project is quite the accomplishment. I struggle to decide what's an appropriate level of cynicism on this matter.

If I go on any further with the above, you may not get to those notes I promised in the title. So without further ado:

1. Geoff MacLellan's one year deal is already almost half over?

The media is reporting that we've bought ourselves another year of avoiding the scrapping of the rail line. The Cape Breton Post's Nancy King (via the Chronicle Herald) tells us they "back-dated" the deal. So we have about 7 months remaining?

"But while the year-long agreement was announced Friday, it was back-dated to March, Minister of Business Geoff MacLellan said in an interview." - Chronicle Herald, Sept. 1st, 2017

2. Genesee & Wyoming wanted to terminate freight service due to lack of business after increasing rates 300%?

The Financial Post and other media outlets state:

"In January 2015 Genesee and Wyoming was given permission by the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board to discontinue freight service in the fall of that year, which the company did, citing a lack of business." - Financial Post, Sept. 1st, 2017

But the Cape Breton Post indicated several times that G&W actually increased their rates (by 300%) in October 2014 (source). The GM of East Coast Rope told the CB Post that G&W increased rates for them that would "cost an additional $18,000 per car to get the cars past Port Hawkesbury". Owner and manager of Eyking Farms, Chris Eyking, said he felt the increases weren't "reasonable". Specifically, he told the CB Post:

"They basically moved themselves out of position of doing anything with the line anyway. In essence, they basically priced themselves out of even providing the service." - Cape Breton Post, Jan. 15th, 2015

3. Is the rail line actually being "preserved" in any way by G&W?

Minister Geoff MacLellan says the newly announced 1-year preservation deal is backdated to March 2017. Has any actual maintenance or preservation happened since that time?

As I stated earlier, I haven't been closely tracking the status of the railway. However, common questions I hear out there in the ether are whether or not the line could support double stacked traffic (container port consideration), whether the lines are safe or maintained at all, and the condition of the various bridge crossings.

The new study that the Port of Sydney has commissioned from consultant firm Hatch will be assessing the state of the line and estimating costs for repair and upgrade. For now, I'll just share this drone video that shows several severe washouts of the rail line. And I'll pose a question to those in the know: Has this been repaired?

Would repair of these washouts be a part of what is included in MLA MacLellan's new preservation deal with G&W?

 

NOTE: The views expressed above are my own and do not represent lokol (goCapeBreton.com). Read more

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Steven Smith Follow Me
That is my drone video. The washouts have not been repaired in any way. The video only shows one washout area. I know of an additional large washout area in the woods west of the junction of the Sydport spur.
Joe Ward My Post Follow Me
Thank you for this outstanding video, Steven. Without seeing this, the general public would have no way to understand the condition of the line without walking the line themselves. This doesn't look like a maintenance or preservation state to me. You must have an excellent drone. Very stable HD footage.
Steven Smith Follow Me
I appreciate the feedback. I'm always looking for something to video for historical purposes. If you hear of anything that may be of interest around CB, message me.
Lynn Hussey Follow Me
That's great to know!
Michael MacNeil Follow Me
Just thinking out loud I think a video or videos created at the height of a persons eyesight in the more scenic sections of the railway right of way would be interesting. Almost like you were actually hiking, bicycling or even on that rail car pedal car.
Steven Smith Follow Me
That's an excellent idea. I already have mapped out a few different sections I feel would be ideal for tourism.
P Sheehan Follow Me
There are many places where erosion is changing things very fast. The coast line by the Margaree Harbour and Belle Cote beaches AND especially the road to the Belle Cote Beach . In more general, all along the Cabot Trail from Margaree Harbour to Cheticamp, the distances between the Trail and ocean cliffs are often now less than 50 feet . The Province sits back and seems to ignore , maybe because it will be better to have a bad accident to justify doing something . In many places there is no option but to buy out some houses to move the Trail farther from shore . Big Bucks and changes will need 1-3 years of construction .
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P Sheehan Follow Me
That rail line looks pretty sad . Does anyone know how often it is being used ????
Jason Morrison Follow Me
Hi Joe, I agree that the railway crossing fees are ridiculous and while the line is in discontinuance they should not be permitted the charge the crossing fees since no track maintenance is being performed on the line. I don't understand the need for this subsidy since the recent amendments to the railway act would deter G&W from filling for abandonment anyway. From what I understand there is no money to repair the flood damage (mostly in the Coxheath area). Just money to cover G&W ongoing expenses for the Sydney Subdivision (grade crossing maintenance, track inspection, building security for the Sydney shops etc.) The crossing at the road to nowhere is not actually part of the CBNS, the interchange track (between the DEVCO Railway and CBNS) was owned by DEVCO and should have transferred to the Sydney Coal Railway. Scotia Railway Development Society will be having a public meeting Sunday Sept 10 from 2 to 4 PM in the Lighthouse Concourse at Harriss Cruise Pavilion. Elected officials have been invited. A 2010 Rail America (the previous owners of the line before G&W) report stated there was only one obstruction on running double stacked trains on the Sydney to Truro line. The now closed to vehicle traffic bridge on Fairmount Street on the northside.
Joe Ward My Post Follow Me
Thank you for the info, Jason. I realized that my "road to nowhere" link was bad, so I've updated it to the intended source: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/sydney-fire-station-road-to-nowhere-railway-tracks-1.3669234 So what I gather is that ownership of that part of the line is contested. I don't recall that being on my radar before. TY. You should consider posting your meeting as an event here on goCapeBreton.
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Jason Morrison Follow Me
Same goals and concerns as always, to protect the Sydney rail line from being removed and to find a solution to gain back traffic that was lost to make it viable. Preferably under local ownership and remove G&W from the picture.
Michael MacNeil Follow Me
Jason what local ownership are you talking about? Who locally has the money to operate a railway that is losing money?
Jason Morrison Follow Me
We are working on a plan to have a viable railway and unfortunately this doesn't happen overnight. As for the locals involved I am not at liberty to disclose their names at present.
Joe Ward My Post Follow Me
BCB might tell us it could be hemp oil, but likely only the traditional markets. Does anyone have any info on the breakdown of the type of products that were transported over the last twenty years, and at which volume? Which type of product was the last to decline?
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Jason Morrison Follow Me
So now your attacking my character based on contacts I might have because I like many other people see the value in a public asset. Would you say the same to the late Father Greg Or Doctor White who were both local citizens concerned about the permanent loss of the rail line and the effect that would have on our economy.
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Jason Morrison Follow Me
I released nothing to you but you can assume what you want, it is free world. The way you word your comments to a community group and its members trying to save a rail line over the years shows a lot about your character. I am done responding to your comments.
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Michael MacNeil Follow Me
Jason I just tried to edit my comment above and I ended up deleting it. I wasn't trying to attack your character. I believe that you have much knowledge on railroads. I also believe that you truly believe in a successful operating railway in Cape Breton. I have been fighting to save the railway right of way and get it protected for a long time. Your comment " We are working on a plan to have a viable railway and unfortunately this doesn't happen overnight. As for the locals involved I am not at liberty to disclose their names at present." ignited my radar. I already knew who wants to obtain the railway and operate with government subsidy. I just wanted it confirmed It is deja vu from " Whose port is it, Anyway. BTW Jason there was no need to keep the names secret because it was in the Cape Breton Post maybe a year ago Again I'm sorry you thought I was attacking your character
Martin MacLellan Follow Me
Joe: Thanks for your tireless and perhaps often thankless work on these important issues facing our community. You continue to provide insight and discussion on these issues, including the recent "mileage" allowance mess brought forward by CBRM. Keep up the excellent work.
Michael MacNeil Follow Me
It is hard to say goodbye to the train. I understand that but if nothing is done to fix that right of way soon we will lose the right of way. I do not understand spending more money on studies like Port of Sydney wants to get the cost to repair the rail line when we don't have any possible business case with money on the table. That study will be completed at a cost of $460,000.00 plus add the $ 720,000.00 to delay G&W 5 months from abandonment and we will still not have any actual private business with money on the table. With Donald Trump in power trying to change trade deals almost every day do you really think any major shipper is going to gamble with a new way to ship into the American market? especially when Halifax can now unload the bigger ships and is underutilized. Add to all this the fact that we are competing with a neighbour trying to do the same thing in Melford. When infrastructure like a railway start to deteriorate, nature has a way to accelerate the process, so in another three years the study they are proposing will be useless. Time to turn the lemons into lemonade in my opinion. And from what I have been reading the lemonade ain't too bad https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fconservationtools.org%2Fguides%2F97-economic-benefits-of-trails&h=ATNboJcMmBaWfE_hXXeeiTxuG2fQWapm9YrGEtgqbMsoPZRYIITeqEKIojKrV1pw17-cCnXydXFJbkutnzW-UC_bHFi3FaqAcw3D-4jzfV4kF1tkzzpBwiGVFWomtTN1qA2o87yTJPuPubnbY2FUwRQvz9UyB61Plb0cLSi9J128o7SmDp14-9rivGl_ez8TYt68Slb2sZVmHkomzWI3YckBJ4QRNTcHHl5vvEUqfOAfR6elP7lyFtIH21y5mFKCGGSPqCHQBG4ucX13PtsYuTr43mriGrL2eLiloOscuQ
P Sheehan Follow Me
Your timeline is what is critical. I have no idea what the projected versus actual timeline is for the Sydney container port but do know the Melford one is way behind schedule but they are still ahead of Sydney. All the $460 K and now $720 K is taxpayer money .The Sydney port people are all being paid from taxpayer money and what revenue they get from cruises, but is that a profit making operation? There was a number to fix the rail floating around a while back and think that was $8 million . Also, seems there is no investors yet for the container piers and no shipping firms committed . Things just don't seem to be happening here in a timely and a financial positive way . I always argue that government should look at the Railiner type trains for the whole province. Halifax has been talking light rail for years yet in Calgary and Edmonton during that that same period they have built their light rail and are expanding all the time . Ireland and Norway have trains , mostly passenger , running all over the place. And all along we are told we have good people working on Economic Development .
Michael MacNeil Follow Me
P Sheeham Do you remember the post below I made a while back? I still believe this or something similar to it is the answer to public transit, tourism draw. moving cruise ship passengers, bicycle and recreation use and keeping the rails for the future. Future permits for public schools, health care facilities and low income housing could be built around the rail/trail. One also needs to consider that if a container terminal was ever established, do we really want double stacked container trains running through our communities.? If they are going to build a billion dollar terminal than they can afford to run a new line cutting out public and private crossings direct from Sydport. IMO the container terminal idea was a brilliant dream at one time, nothing wrong with dreaming but its over. They researched and canvassed hard Thank You for that but its over stop wasting our tax dollars. Too many people making big money on that payroll we cant afford. https://capebreton.lokol.me/its-a-bus-its-a-train
P Sheehan Follow Me
the thing that ticks me off is that we have all these ED people from each municipality on CB ,and CBRM has this BCB thing and yet no where can you find one business plan or sign of project management schedules and reports . Who is measuring all these tax dollar so called "investments "??
Jason Morrison Follow Me
The $460K study is for the entire rail line from Sydney to Truro, this is required for investors to know what the full cost is to bring the entire line up to CNs standards. The 60K a month recently approved by the province is only up to 60K a month. I doubt they will ever come close to that number as little to no work is being done on the Sydney sub. Shippers are always looking for ways to streamline their operations and lower their costs, new ports have been proven to do this, but the process to develop a new port takes time and is probably still years away if it happens. Railways deteriorate very slowly, rail structures are built with heavy hardened steel. Most concerns will be rail bed stability and vegetation growth. The rails on the Sydney sub are in excellent shape and have many years of life left in them, sitting in place for several years will not reduce the lifespan.
Mike Johnson Follow Me
Jason, I appreciate your idealism on re-creating history and the railway, and neither I or the Members of the CBRV, care whether the Railway runs or not, but some of your information is incorrect. First, the $720/Year Agreement states that "Repairs or improvements of the rail line will not be reimbursed, but expenses directly attributed to the line such as salaries, insurance, security and building maintenance will be covered under the agreement." So we are essentially paying for G&W's costs for basic maintenance, already required by the National Railway Act. All of The money will certainly be spent! Second, the $460k Hatch study is being paid completely by CBRM and the Port of Sydney, who are using the remaining Federal funds from the harbour dredge. The province and ACOA both refused to support the study financially. The previous cursory study, commissioned by the Minister and TIR, did not include replacing the GN Bridge, and the trestles at Estmere and Ottawa Brook, or the current washouts, all of which will boost that number by another $200k or so. This is not my speculation but estimates from knowledgeable Transport Consultants who were studying the issues associated with CBRV over the past Winter. Unless the Hatch study recognizes these facts and comes in with a comparable number, it will be another sham in a long line of obfuscation and information obstruction associated with the container terminal. Irrespective of all this, G&W is still in violation of Decision 498-1233R from 1993, the NS and National Railway Acts, and the authority of the NSUARB.
Jason Morrison Follow Me
Hi Mike, we are no trying to recreate railway history but we are trying to preserve the line so the companies that used it can continue to use it and future companies that locate to Cape Breton have the option to use it. People seem to forget that over 500 jobs at companies that used the railway line will also be at stake down the road as the bottom line drifts away due to higher costs related to transportation. I know I am personally not fighting to save the rail line just to see a train roll by once and awhile, I am fighting for the rail line because I want CB to have a diverse economy. It doesn't make sense to loose the rail infrastructure because once it is gone, it is gone for good and any dreams of a diverse economy go with it. From my understanding the Hatch study will be looking at all the bridges and trestles along the entire line (Sydney to Truro) which will include Grand Narrows and the Ottawa Brook trestles. It is also my understanding from railway consultants, and employees that the Grand Narrows bridge needs work but shouldn't have to be replaced for some time. I wouldn't state that the members of CBRV couldn't care if the line runs or not because I have meet some the members and they would love to see the rail line operating and supporting the economy. They just don't want to be gouged in the process, which I fully agree with, the rates G&W are charging are unfair to those living along the rail line.
Mike Johnson Follow Me
Though I personally think that the Railway bed would better serve as one of the most scenic Recreation Trails in Canada, if I put the comma in a different place, it would read: "care whether the Railway is running or not, they cannot be allowed to defy the 'Laws of the Land' " And the problem I've got is that while we are wasting $720k on another subsidy, $460k on another study, and many millions promoting a fictional container terminal (that was supposed to be financed by the private sector), we are squandering the funds and opportunity to promote and incent the "future companies" to which you refer.
Jason Morrison Follow Me
I also don`t fully agree with the new subsidy, the changes to the railway act would deter G&W from ripping up the tracks. I honestly can`t understand why the province choose this route when they put safeguards in place to prevent it, but in the same breathe it also shows that this is still an issue with the province and I am glad for that. As for the 460K report on the line infrastructure, I am sure they could have picked a rail construction/maintenance firm to do this at a fraction of the cost over Hatch. Even G&W itself must have an idea on how much would be needed to bring the track speeds up to where they were when CN sold the line in 1993. Of course the container terminal is fictional, and it will be fiction until it happens. It might not materialize but I am glad it is being pursued because I would love for my kids to be able to work at home and not move away like so many of my generation has to find work. If it happens it could be a game changer for Sydney and area, if not I am glad those involved gave their best shot for it.
Joe Ward My Post Follow Me
I would love to know if the port marketers (HPDP/SHIP) get a commission on any contracts awarded to consultant firms like Hatch. Much wealth in the gold rush days was earned by the people who decided to sell picks and shovels. You don't have to strike it rich with gold if you can sell supplies to the prospectors who truly believe they just need to dig a little deeper to get rich.
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P Sheehan Follow Me
The province doesn't have a master plan for transportation beyond twinning highways . Light rail would be a great step forward and yet they don't even have a plan and have left it all up to the City of Halifax who have tossed this around for 30 yeas because they can't see beyond using buses. NO vision.
Joe Ward My Post Follow Me
Just some quick bullet points/questions after reading Jason and Mike's discussion: * If the agreement was backdated, the Province must already have written a cheque. I'm curious if they paid the full $60k for those months already passed. * I'm curious what the difference would be between repair of the line in present state versus repair of the line/rail install if the rails already went to scrap. Any ballpark numbers floating around out there? * How many Cape Breton companies would be using the line *if* G&W hadn't increased the fees by 300% (per media reports) prior to claiming a lack of business, then used as justification to discontinue service? * I wonder what the rate of usage was annually for the 5 years prior, broken down by customer's individual volume? How quickly was it declining? * How much of the motivation for the line repair is tied directly to the Donkin mine? Why wouldn't the billionaire that owns it consider acquiring it himself to get his coal out, and gain a near-monopoly on container transport if a container port ever really happened? * G&W must be chomping at the bit to pull up the rail if MacLellan had to offer to pay for something they'd be required to pay on their own anyway. Of course, they (G&W) have never been shy about reiterating their intention of pulling up the lines in any media interview they've done. It's only the port "consortium" and gov players like MacLellan that play up their delay in scrapping the rails as a big endorsement of the port. * If the container port doesn't happen, can Cape Breton provide any volume of economic activity that could justify the expense of rebuilding and maintaining the line? If there's no reasonable expectation, then we need our taxpayer money invested elsewhere. * If this gets expensive and it all goes south, can MacLellan survive the next provincial election?
Jason Morrison Follow Me
Hi Joe I will try this again, the site kicked me and lost my response as I hit post comment. I will try to answer some of the questions/points If the line was abandoned it would cost between 2 and 4 million per mile to relay to the standard it was in 1993 when CN sold it. Which is why it is imperative to keep the tracks in place as the repair cost is a fraction of the cost over a relay. There were 13 customers using the line up until the last big rate increase, only 5 remained until the end of rail operations. The rates for the Sydney sub were previously slightly higher then the rest of the network, I have the exact numbers but don't have them handy. The carloads were roughly 500, 700, 1000, 1500 and 1500 for the previous years of operation. Donkin is not interested in owning or running a rail line, but would use rail if it suits their needs. It is logistically and more cost effective for them to use rail over trucks. However rail has a construction cost associated with it that public roads do not. I doubt G&W is going to file for abandonment, the resent changes to the railway act would make them liable to re-mediate all railway properties, this cost could far exceed the scrap value of the rail line. If the port doesn't happen you will probably see G&W put the line up for sale before abandonment. If the railway can capture even 10% of the NFLD bound commercial traffic it could be viable. Up until 1996 CN railed inter-modal traffic to North Sydney to the ferry, after 96 CN trucked it on the highways to the ferry. Personally I think MacLellan took a hit because he didn't support rail as on option for Donkin coal. Most of the people we talked to in those communities (his riding) want to coal shipped by rail not over public roads or barged over 100 year old fishing grounds. Hope this helps
Mike Johnson Follow Me
I agree with much of that. Answers in sequence... *They did. That is what Geoff and CC had to do to get a deal. The Mayor wanted 3 years. G&W and the Treasury Board were not willing to that. *For what it's worth, Geoff once said that the value of the rails would cover remediation of the rail bed, as long as they did not have to dismantle the GN Bridge. *The last major customers were Eyking Farms, East Coast Rope, Copol and the Pt Edward Fabrication Company. I have talked to the first 2 and though paying more, they like the trucking arrangement, as product is del’d to their door. G&W was doing 500 cars a year and needed 10k to break even. They raised the rates as a means of to an end. *The Donkin Mine would be a good use of rail cars and a more reasonable investment for the Province, but it holds no interest for the Mayor or the Container Terminal, so it is not part of the Hatch Study or the Subsidy. *G&W IS dying to get out, but TIR’s changes to the abandonment criteria in March 2015, stymied that objective. (Though it did not help CBRV, it was the correct action.) *CB and the NS Govt have been trying and subsidizing for 50 years to bring heavy or mfg industry back to CB.....how’s that working out? ☹ As you have identified before we need creative, aggressive tax incentives and simplified processes that encourage and welcome new investment and initiatives, and small entrepreneurial business; instead we have exactly the opposite. If we had properly used all the subsidy and study money and funding for ineffective economic development entities, we would be much better off financially AND be a model retirement community. *Geoff is finished politically unless he becomes a stronger Minister and MLA and stops being dominated by stronger political personalities....CC, MacNeil, Zach Churchill, etc. Voters in Glace Bay are looking for a scrapper and he functions without commitment....a Million$ for the Railway and nothing for Bayplex....really?
P Sheehan Follow Me
Think most container traffic to NFLD is now going by ship, mostly by Oceanex, I've seen them take cars, trucks and heavy equipment . Think they do round trips 1-3 times a week.
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Mike Johnson Follow Me
So a year later, there has been no progress by the Preservation group, the Hatch study was a sham, (underestimating the repair cost by $150 million), the Donkin mine will use barges, Spar Rd is still blocked, we haven't heard CC even mention the container terminal, but G&W still gets their $60k a month! What great governance we have in CBRM and NS!! BTW, Michael Haynes did a book launch 2 weeks ago at Escape Outdoors on 'The Great (Trans Canada)Trail', even though it goes all the way across the country and effectively ends in Orangedale. Anybody want to argue that we don't "live in the worst run Municipality in the worst run Province in the Country?"
Mike Johnson Follow Me
So a year later, there has been no progress by the Preservation group, the Hatch study was a sham, (underestimating the repair cost by $150 million), the Donkin mine will use barges, Spar Rd is still blocked, we haven't heard CC even mention the container terminal, but G&W still gets their $60k a month! What great governance we have in CBRM and NS!! BTW, Michael Haynes did a book launch 2 weeks ago at Escape Outdoors on 'The Great (Trans Canada)Trail', even though it goes all the way across the country and effectively ends in Orangedale. Anybody want to argue that we don't "live in the worst run Municipality in the worst run Province in the Country?"
David Mitchell Follow Me
I wonder how the washouts are looking now,CBC&NS Rwy are doing an amazing job maintaining the line ,while we get the bill.
Mike Johnson Follow Me
G&W have made no effort to maintain the railway of repair the washouts, and we have never seen a 'survey' vehicle along Rte 223, but they take Govt's money and continue to charge fees to local residents, while the people who are supposed to represent us do nothing, at all levels. Btw, anybody who tells you that the bridges are salvageable is delusional.
Bill Fiander Follow Me
Though I try to be optimistic in regards to the port; it is slowly being eroded. Something was supposed to happen by the 'autumn' in regards to port development, and though the autumn is not yet over, it is moving fast into winter. https://www.capebretonpost.com/business/None/port-of-sydney-developer-updates-cape-breton-regional-municipality-on-proposed-container-terminal-193688/
Mike Johnson Follow Me
Well, it's indicative that CC has not even mentioned the container terminal in 9? months. With him running a desperate campaign for PC Leadership, if there were any legitimate political capital to be had, i'm sure we would have heard about it. After all, he pushed through the unnecessary cruise berth without owning the land, or revealing the environmental study.
David Mitchell Follow Me
Yes unforetunately, it's just a game re CC and the Chinese ,Novaporte dream team connection, meanwhile those in power are just padding their retirement packages ,Medford seems to have ground to a halt again,thathe may be a lot of spin too,who can you believe ???
Joe Ward My Post Follow Me
The lack of mention of the container port development in Clarke's leadership campaign, especially while losing the race and needing something to get him across the line, is very telling. He's even stopped dropping teasers about upcoming announcements.
David Mitchell Follow Me
Yes of course he was planning on his premiership ☺,now supposedly he just slides back into his old job,he's a true ,sly political animal.
We are communicating with Wayne from CB live tv now about a possible show on this topic for this Sunday. The full story about this railway situation needs to be heard by the public. Cape Breton needs to stand together on all topics like the railway, the health care situation, the Equalization situation, property tax rates, commercial tax rate, etc. Being divided will get us no where fast. No more deals made without our knowledge from now on. This is our future and survival we are talking about. Let us discuss this information together.
Mike Johnson Follow Me
If you would like any information or documentation on absolutely anything re the Railway, several of the people on your Executive know how to reach me. :)
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