Those who opposed the CP Rail Logistics Park in Pitt Meadows need to keep making themselves heard, urges Pitt Meadows Mayor Bill Dingwall.
CP Rail is in the process of a third round of public engagement into the proposed expansion of its rail yard near the Pitt River Bridge. Although many people will have voiced their opposition in the two previous public engagement opportunities, Dingwall said the third round of feedback must offer the railway and Canadian government the same strong message.
“This is very important. We remain a council that’s unanimous against it,” said Dingwall.
The Logistics Park would be home to fuel and ethanol storage facilities, vehicle storage, and agriculture products. Fuels are obviously hazardous, but he noted grain products are also a significant fire hazard when in silos.
He said the expansion represents health, safety and environmental hazards to the city.
READ ALSO: CP’s Pitt Meadows expansion need not clear federal impact assessment
Dingwall believes the opposition – which includes the city, residents groups, the Katzie First Nation and the Agricultural Land Commission – is being heard.
“We haven’t been a pushover.”
The railway maintains the community will benefit from 150-250 direct jobs, including hundreds more during construction, as well as increased property taxes to the city. It will also support the country’s trade goals, and reduce the number of trucks on regional highways.
If approved, the project will be operational in late 2027 or 2028.
CP is offering virtual open houses:
• Jan. 13, from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
• Jan. 17, from 7:30-8:30 p.m.
• Feb. 1, from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Those wishing to attend online can sign up online at vancouverlogisticspark.ca
The third round will focus on the environmental effects evaluation, and the company’s proposed mitigation.
After this public engagement, CP will make its application to the Canadian Transportation Agency to approve the expansion.
The first round of public engagement started in December 2020, and resulted in a summary report which is also available online at vancouverlogisticspark.ca and the second engagement also resulted in a report.
READ ALSO: Agricultural Land Commission opposes CP plans in Pitt Meadows
Have a story tip? Email: ncorbett@mapleridgenews.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.