Editor:
I’m trying to get information on how the BNSF was able to acquire the land in Canada for their railroad.
Apparently it goes back to 1903, when the contract was struck and, apparently, Canada was very grateful for the train coming up this way.
I’ve seen no mention of what monetary consideration was given for the land, but I assume it wasn’t much. I think, however, this so-called agreement would be null and void by now and due for a revival.
White Rock might be able to gain a little more negotiating power with regard to the coal trains and the problem of pollution.
I also fail to understand why the First Nation has only leased the land to the BNSF, thereby keeping them in their place, and are able to go to the bargaining table when improvements have to be made.
Meanwhile, the City of White Rock is stuck with an archaic contract that holds them hostage and gives them no bargaining power. Why didn’t Canada just lease the land?
D. Barros, White Rock