Proximity Initiative

Canada’s railways have played a fundamental role in communities across Canada for more than a century. From coast to coast to coast, towns have been built around rail tracks and Canadians have relied on railways to ensure the efficient movement of goods and people.

But the practice of developing land in close proximity to railway operations, and the expansion of rail in urban areas, has caused some challenges for municipalities, developers and railways. That’s where the Proximity Initiative comes in.

Starting the Conversation Between Railways and Communities

Created in 2003, the goal of the RAC Proximity Initiative is to prevent problems from arising between railways and residents. The initiative is led by a committee of elected officials and senior railway representatives from across Canada, who work together to develop strategies to reduce misunderstanding, increase safety, and avoid unnecessary conflict arising from railway-community proximity.

By providing the public with up-to-date resources and information on rail infrastructure and operations, municipal planning guidelines, and a dispute resolution process, the Proximity Initiative is helping to bridge any gaps between railways and residents, while pursuing common goals that will benefit communities, railways and the country as a whole.

For more information, please download this infosheet on the initiative.

To find out more about the RAC Proximity Initiative, please contact:

Jenelle Saskiw
Project Manager, RAC Proximity Initiative
jsaskiw@railcan.ca
(780) 214-0757

Ben Chursinoff
Project Coordinator, RAC Proximity Initiative
bchursinoff@railcan.ca
(613) 564-8095