Headlines, recent and previous: “Downtown parkade axed from capital plan” and “Council tops 964K rail safety project”; “Fencing could lead to whistling cessation.”
These headlines are of great concern to me and I am trying to understand each as to which one of these would provide a service and benefit us in a better way – where the money would be spent more wisely; which one is essential; which one is a priority – or which one could be dealt with in another way.
As I have read the article over again, I am needing an explanation of the line that stated “We’re not investing this money because of whistles, we’re investing this money to keep kids off the tracks, cars off the tracks and keep fatalities down.”
What fatalities had there been? Where are the kids trespassing, and cars? Is it a particular area? Why do we need to build a fence with this kind of huge expense? What kind of a fence is going to be built with this huge price tag? (This price tag is unreal.)
Is there not another way to solve the problem of kids trespassing and cars – and could we take this step first, before sinking such a huge amount towards a fence?
I do not understand what is fact in here, or is there still another reason behind all this. Is it truly to have the cessation of the train whistle – because you have passed a bylaw to this effect, and in order for this to happen, you must build a fence. What is there about the train whistle that annoys you so much? How is the whistle any more disturbing than the police, fire, ambulance sirens that sound day and night?
I am troubled to see all this happening. A train is unique – it does provide some form of service to us all. I just cannot see through my thick skull that kind of funds being blown away. Could we not put a sign to educate people – “Do not cross” – “No trespassing”? Could this be a cheaper way and then we may be able to have a parkade – people would use and contribute funds (a pool) – people would use and contribute funds (a library) – could also benefit everyone. Promote books to read rather than iPads, computers and train everyone’s eyes.
Kids trespassing tracks – what kids? Young, or older? Regardless who: First – a sign, maybe a warning sign to them. Second – if someone sees them doing this then they should be told of the dangers; perhaps ask why they are doing this, and then, as a punishment have them write a few pages about “dangers” just so they may educate themselves and become more mature, more responsible in life; not to present problems. Teaching would be a benefit – it may also send a message to others.
Cars on tracks? I quite do not understand what cars would cross over an area that is not marked as such.
I want to conclude with this note. I am not criticizing anyone. Being mayor and councillor is loaded with many heavy tasks, duties governing over many people. Everyone has different thinking and visions, this is true.
But please let us have good reasoning how we spend huge amounts of money. Our taxes need to be at a reasonable rate. We are all having difficulties. Many have lost their jobs, many are on food banks. We need improvements on roads and parking in St. Albert.
Our first responders – police, firemen, ambulance personnel – their services require tax dollars as well.
To have in place a parkade for parking that is greatly needed – a pool and a library could benefit us more. Thus, this huge amount of money would be better spent to these rather than fencing.
Safety is immensely needed to be addressed, but it is everyone’s duty to be mindful, aware and follow rules, laws and adhere to safety – not create unsafe circumstances for themselves and others.
Mary Cienkowski, St. Albert
