To the Editor,
There is a large and dedicated crowd of steam train enthusiasts around the world. I’m sure most of them would love to ride the rails on carriages pulled by Port Alberni’s 1929 Baldwin steam locomotive.
The whistle is also a fine sound to hear on a summer’s day in old Port as one works around the house or in the garden.
I must admit, when there was talk of a coal train, I wanted those tracks gone! Now…hmmmm…maybe keep it going?
Now that there’s a hefty bill to pay for maintenance and trestle replacement, we can see the price of the fun, a bit of history, and necessary investments in tourism infrastructure.
I believe last week’s writer who insisted on a good business plan and some projections of where the money will be recouped (even partially) is absolutely necessary. Bridge repairs and maintenance quotes seem to always nearly double, once they get underway. Firm estimates and bottom lines need to be enforced. Dare we even think about what happened with the Johnston Street Bridge in Victoria? Then the Kitsuksis bridge on Gertrude Street, with the unexpected costs of moving the gas main, even though it was in full sight. This stuff happens.
The first step is gauging public support: This is after taxpayers know what the extra cost will be on their property taxes.
Genuine and realistic separate estimates ought to be solicited, and the whole process from bidding to completion will, of course, be carefully monitored by our trusted representatives.
Who’s going to handle the management? The city? The train association? Total accountability and leadership will be required even for a paltry couple of million. The McLean Mill is another story, but without the train going there (particularly the steam train) it’s a bit of a goner. Where is the federal money in all this, I ask our MP Gord Johns? Where is the province’s golden handshake, MLA Scott Fraser?
So I’m in favour of doing it, getting it going and fixed, market the heck out of it in Europe. Tie it in with the MV Frances Barkely tours, and get the Lady Rose back here from Tofino, and set it up as a floating restaurant, or dock it in cement down by Harbour Quay.
Afterall, tourism in Canada is safe, inexpensive and is going nowhere but up as the rest of the world seems to be somewhat dangerous and chaotic. Port Alberni has the best of nature at its doorstep. Bicycle paths, walkways, they all really help. I won’t mind another 20 bucks on my property tax bill for a few years either, but let’s not waste money. Let’s thoroughly study and understand the things that are going to be done beforehand.
Mike Wright,
Port Alberni