Editor:
Re: Train-stop advice ‘counter to our goal,’ April 14.
White Rock Coun. Grant Meyers’ decisive NIMBY attitude is most likely reflected by others on council towards the BNSF and any plan to reinstitute the historic passenger train stop.
In past years, there was passenger-train service to both White Rock and Crescent Beach. As a youngster, I remember travelling to New Westminster in approximately 20-25 minutes. This was long before Highway 91 was built.
The advantages of a BNSF passenger stop in White Rock are many. The border crossing and traffic are one consideration; there is also the option of having someone drive you across the border to the Fairhaven Amtrak station. Most of the passengers using this service would be Canadian citizens, landed immigrants or tourists.
The Marine Drive business area would potentially benefit from this investment by the BNSF, being comparable to the Fairhaven district in South Bellingham. The Fairhaven district is robust with local small businesses with an established business core.
The issue of parking could be easily resolved and profitable to the City of White Rock, or possibly the Semiahmoo First Nation people.
The City of White Rock might consider using existing West Beach parking lots located in the 14500-block of Marine Drive. Personally, I think that the Semiahmoo First Nations parking lot located behind the Washington Avenue Grill would be the best. This parking lot already has an existing entry and exit gate that could be upgraded to a credit card/debit card pay station. Additionally, security by a Semiahmoo First Nations Security firm could provide patrols.
A shuttle service for BNSF passengers could also be provided by the Semiahmoo First Nation. The RCMP and BNSF Police are currently in place for any criminal investigations.
I say “all aboard” and hope that we grow with expected population density and, as well, do anything and everything toward assisting small business on the Marine Drive corridor.
Ron Eves, White Rock