CN, GRCA have met over abutment issue

It has taken nearly a year, but council here is finally getting some action on eroding abandoned rail abutments on the Conestogo River in Drayton.

Councillor Andy Knetsch has been pushing for something to be done about the erosion around the site, mainly because of the possibility of a collapse of the old rail bridge abutment into the river. A steep slope on one side of the abutment is eroding quickly.

On June 26, the issue came up when council considered unfinished business.

Chief administrative officer Patty Sinnamon said the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) and officials with the Canadian National Railway (CN) have now held a site meeting and are considering a fence around the area to keep people away from what is literally a cliff. She added there were “no comments about removing it.”

Sinnamon said CN has no environmental concerns and is waiting for the GRCA to comment on the situation. After that, officials will come to council to discuss the issue.

Sinnamon concluded, “We’re sort of the  mediator between the two groups.”