I am chair of Bluewater…

I am chair of Bluewater Trails, we have fundraised and received grants to link our city of Sarnia trail system to the St Clair Trail system in St Clair Township, Lambton County, which follows the St Clair river,

We are restricted to having a safe cycling and walking connection with the St Clair Trail, with industry south of Sarnia for cycling commuters, and from accessing the Aamjiwnaang First Nation south of Sarnia by an at grade shunting rail crossing which has been used constantly by trespassers since the rail line was installed to Service Chemical Valley companies.

The shunt line is a service line where locomotives run slowly moving tank cars. The main line is north of the crossing. The city of Sarnia and our committee has offered CSX to provide a safe marked crossing rather than have hundreds of trespassers weekly making a hazardous crossing. CSX has refused to consider the request. The land is city owned land. with a public road with paved bike route on each side.

This rail crossing was historically on the main road along the river, A narrow 1/8 mile long bridge crossing the rail line was built in the late 1950's or early 196o's to allow for light traffic to cross which is to dangerous for walkers and cyclists to use. City of Sarnia engineering estimate $500,000 to modify the bridge to allow cyclists a safer route. The estimate for a safe at grade crossing, which is favored by users is $ 150,000.

Aamjiwnaang First Nation support our need to provide a safe crossing, as many trespass users are Natives.

The Waterfront Regeneration trust uses the link to Sarnia from the St Clair trail and the Great Lakes tour had 150 cyclists cross the bridge, with police presence. as did other groups. An at grade marked crossing linking our paved shoulders and multi use pathway already in place would eliminate the need for police presence when groups use the narrow bridge.

Bluewater Trails, the City of Sarnia, the Waterfront Regeneration Trust and Aamjiwnaang First Nation would appreciate the Ministry of Transport Ontario to help resolve the issue with the Rail company CSX.

[Original Comment ID: 196626]