The mayor of Kamloops spent some face time with the Prime Minister to discuss a number of local issues of note.

Among them Ken Christian says is a surge in rail traffic and a request for federal funding help to deal with it.

“We are up over 55 trains a day and we have 25 at grade crossings. It is starting to slow down commerce and increase risks in neighbourhoods because first responders can’t get there. As western Canada moves its commodities through Kamloops I don’t feel the taxpayers should necessarily be on the hook for all of the infrastructure for overpasses.”

Christian says he also pressed the city’s case for federal funding for other infrastructure needs.

“I also had the chance to speak with the Prime Minister about the infrastructure needs of Kamloops and other municipalities with aging and decaying infrastructure. Plus the specific needs for infrastructure related to climate change in particular storm sewerage.”

He says the door is also open for more help on the homelessness front as well noting the city does take advantage of federal funding on that front and hopes to continue to do so.

Christian says Justin Trudeau appeared receptive to his concerns.