United churches demand answer about James Street Swing Bridge
Chuch group says they are doing their part to advocate for affected First Nations people
United Churches in northwestern Ontario are putting pressure on CN Rail about the failure to reopen the James Street Swing Bridge to vehicle traffic.
A fire in October 2013 caused the closure of the bridge. Since then only rail traffic and pedestrians have been allowed to use it and the church is asking why CN is "dragging its feet on providing engineering reports."
“We certainly don't have any illusions of power about ourselves, but to have one more of the organizations if you will -- and in this case the United Church of Canada congregations -- asking CN for an explanation may add a little pressure,” said Ernie Epp, chair of Christian Outreach and Social Action for the Cambrian Presbytery of the United Church.
He added that the church is concerned about the safety of people at Fort William First Nation.
"Travelling into the city of Thunder Bay has become more difficult and dangerous for them [Fort William First Nation residents], since they are forced to use Highway 61 via a hazardous intersection," said the letter sent to CN.
A spokesperson for the railway said the company has received the letter.
"As discussed with local stakeholders earlier this month, CN Engineering is reviewing short term solutions for the bridge," said Lindsay Fedchyshyn, Regional Manager, CN Public and Government Affairs.
``We hope to have the review complete by the end of the month.``