CN RailBC Rail Agreement

WHEREAS the CNBC Rail agreement leads to a container port in Prince Rupert, a major rail hub in Prince George, re-opening the Hythe Connector in the Peace, creating hundreds of direct jobs while opening vast new opportunities throughout northern BC in fishing, agriculture, forestry and manufacturing; AND WHEREAS municipalities will benefit from more taxes, new passenger rail tourism, and less truck damage to roads, while shippers enjoy lower rates, faster turnarounds and 600 new rail cars; AND WHEREAS all northern communities, including First Nations will benefit from the resulting 125 million dollar Northern Economic Development Initiative, providing spin-off opportunities and provincial revenues to the benefit of all British Columbians: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of BC Municipalities call on the Province to complete the CNBC Rail agreement as soon as possible.