On the heels of learning that CP Rail is supportive of Cochrane’s pursuit for not one, but two grade-separated railway crossings in the downtown core, Mayor Jeff Genung is looking to get the ball rolling to begin lobbying the province and federal government. “This is a game changer for us ... it’s time for Cochrane to come to the table. ,” said Genung, who was joined by Coun. Pat Wilson Aug. 29 at an emergency training exercise held at CP Rails’ Alyth Yard in Calgary. Wilson and Genung are the Cochrane representatives for the the Calgary Metropolitan Region Board. The pair were among six special guests – Okotoks Mayor Bill Robertson, Olds Mayor Michael Muzychka, Calgary MP of Heritage Bob Benzen and Calgary MLA Jamie Kleinsteuber – and Genung took the opportunity to speak with CP Rail’s director of government affairs Mike LoVecchio about Cochrane’s future as the town continues to grow and struggle with its interface with the tracks. Genung said that shortly after Cochrane’s last railway fatality in mid-May, LoVecchio reached out to him. There have been three railway fatalities in the last few years. After meeting, Genung learned that shooting for the stars was possible: that CP Rail would support Cochrane lobbying for two grade-separated rail crossings – one at Centre Avenue (already included in the town’s 10-year capital plan) and one at Fifth Avenue. The town council representatives learned from LoVecchio that with CP’s support, the project could happen quickly – in around two years, should a vie for federal and provincial grant dollars be successful. CP Rail would also contribute to the projects. “I’m absolutely thrilled about it ... there are definitely some synergies there,” said Wilson, adding that CP Rail is looking to upgrade their Cochrane sidings to accommodate larger trains (now around 10,000 feet long, compared to traditional 7,000-foot long trains); siding in rail terminology refers to a low-speed track section that connects to the main tracks. They may be used for marshalling, stabling, storing, loading and unloading vehicles. Wilson added that CP is a good conduit for getting federal grant dollars. In the interim, the onus is on Cochrane to get busy with a concept plan; one for the Centre Avenue crossing is already included in the council-approved study of the crossing, with a budget of $303,500. This would shift the town’s 10-year capital plan and find budget dollars for a concept design for the Fifth Ave rail crossing. The Centre Avenue crossing is in year 10 with a preliminary budget of $32 million; council has discussed moving this up the priority list in the face of Cochrane’s mounting traffic congestion issues and the unconfirmed timeline of the cloverleaf intersection project at highways 22 and 1A. The at-grade pedestrian rail crossing in Heartland and Horse Creek Road is a different project. “If we had the free flow under the track at Fifth Ave and Centre this would take lot of traffic pressures off our highways,” added Genung. An email from CP rail stated, "CP supports the reduction of at-grade crossings within our network. We work closely with road authorities who wish to construct grade separations and follow the applicable CTA guidelines."
