Transport Canada has suggested the Town of Bowden may want to have safety improvements done to a railway crossing in the community.
The railway crossing in question is located on 17th Avenue, west of 20th Street.
Councillors and town staff are considering the idea but are leery, citing concerns about how expensive the project might be and how much of that bill the town might have to cover.
A Transport Canada website says its Grade Crossing Improvement Program can fund up to 50 per cent of the cost of such projects to a maximum of $550,000 per project.
“Contributions cover the cost of safety improvements only and do not include future maintenance costs. Responsibility for remaining costs must be negotiated by the involved authorities (usually railway companies and municipalities),” an overview of the program on Transport Canada's website says.
“The scope of the improvements is at the discretion of the Town of Bowden and could include flashing lights, bells and/or gates. The cost would depend on what improvements are decided by the town,” Transport Canada spokesman Sean Best says.
Applications to fund a project in 2017 must be received by Aug. 1 this year.
“I've sent away emails but I haven't got anything back yet,” Bowden chief administrative officer James Mason says. “I know they're expensive because I have done research on this stuff elsewhere.”
"I've sent away emails but I haven't got anything back yet. I know they're expensive because I have done research on this stuff elsewhere."JAMES MASON CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERTOWN OF BOWDEN
