Members of the Kwikwetlem First Nation in Coquitlam were frustrated with what they say is the lack of consultation from CP Rail in the closure Feb. 6 of the only access to the reserve. But after contacting the media and the rail company, a compromise and alternative solution was reached.
Without telling the band in advance, CP Rail announced via signage it would close Colony Farm Road for scheduled maintenance tomorrow, raising concerns about emergency response, causing problems for children getting to school and preventing about 50 health officials and practioners from attending a community health day.
Band members were told that the work was needed for emergency repairs and some of the track hasd to be removed and new track reinstalled, closing the road from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
However, a last minute deal was reached to find an alternative route onto the reserve.
Dale Lessoway, a band administrator, said a community health day which had been planned for months could go ahead because an alternative route via United Boulevard was found after talks with CP Rail.
CP Rail spokesperson Ed Greenberg stated in an email that local CP Rail officials dealt with this issue.
"CP acknowledges there was an unintentional breakdown in communication with the band, something we recognized very quickly, which is why it was important to have a direct discussion with band officials as quickly as possible on Wednesday. Our railway regrets any inconvenience the situation placed on the Kwikwetlem First Nation and we were pleased we were able to address concerns," stated Greenberg in an email.
"CP values our relationship with the band and our railway is looking forward to continuing to build a strong collaboration for the future," the statement added.
