Balancing Growth and Safety: The Proximity Initiative

Posted on October 2, 2024

Canada’s rail network is an expansive system stretching nearly 43,000 kilometres, linking communities and industries across the country. As governments seek to encourage housing developments in response to growing concerns about supply and availability, urban development is often concentrated around railway lines. This shift highlights the urgent need to prioritize strong safety measures to ensure the well-being of these communities.

Recognizing the longstanding challenges, the Railway Association of Canada (RAC) has been leading the Proximity Initiative for over 20 years. This initiative promotes collaboration between railway operators, municipalities, and communities to address the risks that come with building close to rail corridors. By providing guidance on early-stage planning and safety protocols, the initiative helps ensure that developments near railways remain safe and livable.

This year, RAC has actively promoted the Proximity Guidelines at various industry events by, for example:

• Engaging elected officials to promote the Proximity Guidelines and rail safety at the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Conference.
• Connecting with planners, developers, and engineers to emphasize the need for early adoption of the Proximity Guidelines at the Canadian Institute of Planners Conference.
• Discussing Saskatchewan’s growing population, housing needs, and the importance of incorporating the Proximity Guidelines at the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Conference.
• Promoting rail safety and “call before you dig” campaigns to reduce utility strikes near railway corridors in collaboration with the Saskatchewan Common Ground Alliance.

Looking ahead, RAC will continue to emphasize the importance of Proximity Guidelines implementation through ongoing engagement at upcoming events like the Alberta Rural Municipalities Conference. These efforts ensure that as Canada’s housing landscapes evolve, the balance between growth and safety remains a top priority.

For more information on the Proximity Initiative, visit: proximityinitiative.ca.

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