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Caption: Changes...
It is very sad how often once well known locations across Ontario can be ruined so quickly. Not only was this a spot where many railfans could shoot 1960's era searchlights, It was also a quiet and safe spot to hang out while not having to worry about trespassing or unwanted "people".
Now, neither is the case anymore and it's unfortunate. For those who do not know, recently some railfans who were at this spot got threatened with a 600$+ fine by CN Police for just standing on the gravel/dirt road (at the left of the pic). Apparently that is CN's property even though there aren't any signs or fences in front of the dirt road saying this.
This was my first and probably last time shooting this location, but what I have heard from many other railfans was that they have never gotten bothered by CN for railfanning here and even that this short road was owned by the City of Halton. Well I don't think this is the case anymore.... Railway police should really be putting in effort inside of their own yards keeping watch of people who actually steal valuable railway equipment instead of harassing innocent railfans who just want to enjoy some trains. Feel free to comment about this because I want your opinions! I could be talking out of my rear end here ????
Enough ranting, for those who stuck around, here is the Halton's finest L570 with a new C6M leading going by some foreman setting up new Vaders for the approach Speyside/Mansewood Control Points.
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It doesn’t look like thats the case anymore.
I’ll try to post a link to the Halton Hills Rural map. The right of way now shows that it it right beside the Third Line down the Tenth Side Road and is even wider around where the Signals are been installed. Real bummer as that was my spot when the first train rolled down that track. https://www.haltonhills.ca/en/residents/resources/Documents/Aerial_RURAL_LargeText_36x48P.pdf
Interesting map!
I very rarely went to Scotch Block, and I found really no reason why the CN police would be so concerned about railfans parking in the area. They obviously know that litter and other problems are caused by “outsiders” but I guess everyone has to be treated the same.
It is a shame things turn out the way they do, but for the number of years I have been trackside I have noticed the “noose” closing in on us guys, with more and more places going off limits.
It makes me think we are better off hanging out where the ‘taggers’ hang out. Have you ever seen interrupted tagging on freight cars? Its rare.
I was just at Mile 30 on Saturday. Nobody bothered us. There have been occasional enforcement over the last few years at Mile 30 and these encounters have not gone unnoticed, but whatever happened last week must have been a large group of people asked to leave because this really blew up.
Detailed maps are better seen here:
https://map.haltonhills.ca/HT5/Index.html?viewer=p.HT5&LayerTheme=9
Click the above, zoom in, add “ortho” layer and you’ll see the property line is in the middle of the road, except for a portion south of the tree, the access road is entirely on CN property.
The enforcement I was told was mostly due to the illegal dumping. Unfortunately, it’s just a matter of time CN gets sick of it and fenced all of this off.
Of course, it’s town property, so please everyone complain if they fence off property that isn’t theirs. If they do fence it off, they’ll put a fence pretty much down the middle of the access road.
Went back to look at when the map was updated and was on 09/13/2023. I’m guessing that’s when the property expansion happened out to the road. Too bad.
For those wondering, here is the YouTube video where the railfans were told to leave:
https://youtu.be/zRC3-90Ugm8?si=oTp_uKb0jWjgY4oS
While they are right, there should be signs, the fact is once the police trespass you verbally it’s a valid warning, signs or not.
Quite the (polite) warning. I know of other places where signs have been put up to no avail. Especially for us guys who have traveled a long distance just to see power at a shop and the first thing that greets us is a “No Trespassing” sign. The sign, just as if it was on your own property, indicates one can be charged if warranted.
Nowadays it doesn’t matter if you’re not doing anything wrong, people will still try to chase you away for being even just an inch outside of public property…