Skip to content

LETTERS: Number of coal trains is excessive

Editor:
17683411_web1_190514-PAN-M-coal-train-file

Editor:

We moved to White Rock 20 years ago in retirement, and after considering other places to retire, we chose White Rock, as we both love to walk and the pier/promenade was ideal.

When we moved here, there were five or six trains daily, and I was intrigued with the railway, as I am a strong proponent of moving goods by rail as opposed to having semis clogging up our highways.

With the advent of coal being transported to Delta Port by BNSF, there are now in excess of 20 trains passing through White Rock, which annoys and irks me to no end.

It is almost impossible to go for a walk on the promenade without encountering a BNSF train, spewing out exhaust, blaring whistles and screeching wheels on the tracks, making it intolerable to enjoy a walk or enjoy a nice lunch on a patio at one of our fine establishments on Marine Drive.

The main reason for my “mini rant” is to question why our elected officials allow this toxic material to be brought through our community and shipped overseas. I understand that our neighbours to the south refuse to allow coal to be brought to port in their states.

We are tempted to move, but other than the BNSF issue, we love it here in our “City by the Sea,” and would appreciate others joining me, putting pressure on our elected officials to act and attempt to put an end to coal trains, period.

Floyd Stanley, White Rock