SUNDRE - Council agreed during its Jan. 24 meeting to express support for a proposed passenger rail service in the Calgary-Edmonton corridor.
Thomas Fryer, executive director of Alberta Regional Rail Inc., has recently presented the project’s outline to neighbouring municipalities.
Sundre’s council received an information package detailing the proposal, which according to Fryer could theoretically transport someone from Olds by train all the way to Portland, Ore. without ever needing to use a vehicle.
“I think this is great, and I enjoyed reading it,” Coun. Jaime Marr said about the information package.
The councillor moved to accept for information the documents enclosed in council’s agenda package, which carried unopposed.
Mayor Richard Warnock said he had recently attended a Central Alberta regional mayor’s meeting, where a request was raised asking Sundre council to go one step further by way of sending a letter of support for the project that would potentially benefit neighbouring municipalities such as Didsbury, Carstairs and Olds.
“I think this is a good thing. I don’t mind supporting a letter,” Coun. Paul Isaac.
However, Isaac felt it was also important to know what kind of implications — if any — the project might have for Sundre.
“How will it support our residents? Is there going to be anything that we can benefit from it?” asked Isaac.
Marr said she recognized the potential boost not only to tourism and travel in the area, but also for the film industry.
“I really feel that the film industry running that corridor is going to be there,” she said.
Coun. Chris Vardas said it’s important to show solidarity with neighbours.
“When you give a letter of support to your surrounding communities, it’s also good will,” said Vardas.
It’s not always about what the community might get directly out of it, he said, adding supporting one another is a two-way street, especially if Sundre finds itself seeking support for anything else down the line.
Marr went on to move for council to write a letter of support, which also carried unanimously.
