Mayor of Brighton, Mark Walas.(Photo/Joyce Cassin/Quinte News)
According to CP Rail public works manager Jennifer Benedict, the Lawson Settlement railway crossing in Brighton either closes or gets upgraded immediately.
She said there have been numerous email exchanges between CP and municipal staff, but this was the first time the majority of council heard about it.
Mayor Mark Walas said he spoke with someone last week about the crossing, after seeing the delegation on Monday night’s council agenda.
Councillor John Martinello suggested secret meetings were held between the mayor and CP.
Michael Vallins of CN said that costs could exceed $500,000 for CN alone once the new safety regulations come into effect in 2021, and until then, it could cost $300,000 to bring it up to current safety standards.
Closing the crossing would result in three grants from the railways and Transport Canada, resulting in a positive balance for Brighton ratepayers.
Walas said he’ll be calling a special meeting with CP, CN and Northumberland County in hopes to come to a conclusion.
