Re: Mary Cienkowski’s letter to the editor, (Gazette, Your Views, March 20)
This letter is considered, well written and asks valid questions regarding fencing to the CN right of way in St. Albert.
Will city council respond to those queries?
Train whistles are blown at crossings to alert traffic of an approaching train.
How does a fence protect these crossings? There is no reduction in danger at the crossings with the fencing, and CN may or may not enact whistle cessation.
Further, cessation of whistles at crossings increases the risk of crossing accidents.
I am aware that the fencing is a cost-shared project, but to spend city tax dollars on a program that will decrease crossing safety is not money wisely invested.
This money could have been spent on many other beneficial initiatives.
The city has cut funding to the affordable housing program because the Housing Society cannot present a budget that is self-sustaining.
Is this an oxymoron, or just moronic? How can a non-profit group that is assisting people who require affordable housing, develop a self-sustaining business plan when the need far surpasses the ability to provide?
In closing, I read in the Gazette that the city is publishing a pamphlet outlining eight priorities residents should consider when electing our representatives in the upcoming election. Two of the eight priorities espoused by our mayor are predictable funding and accessible housing options.
Is this a case of “let someone else do it?” And if money becomes available, will our council invest it wisely?
Howard Schettler, St. Albert
