Alberta Municipalities Conference

Safety and livability are always a top priority for municipalities and the railway industry across Canada. In 2003, through a partnership with the Federation of Canadian municipalities and the Railway Association of Canada, a set of Proximity Guidelines were created to form consistent planning and reference points for developers, municipalities, and the railways to ensure harmony when developing near railway corridors.

Over the course of the last twenty years, we have continued to gather data, increase our partnerships, learn and work together to create safe communities. How best can we achieve this? We need to continue to engage and trust our elected officials and our industry partners. That is why, we are laser-focused on meeting every elected official across Canada, having discussions, and working to form solid partnerships that will keep our communities safe and will not impede the critical movement of goods across the country. We have continued to host virtual meetings, made presentations, and engaged with local leaders from coast to coast.

Jenelle Saskiw, Project Manager for the Proximity Initiative, recently spent time with 1200 delegates at the Alberta Municipalities conference in Calgary, Alberta, in September 2022. So many great conversations were shared! Common themes include the pressure of urban sprawl, increases in rural developments and acreages, and safety, noise and vibration concerns. As populations continue to grow, strong partnerships such as between the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and the Railway Association of Canada will continue to be critical.

Commitment to partnering with communities and developers is critical for the path forward and the Proximity Initiative remains committed to gathering pertinent information for the upcoming updates to the Proximity Guidelines. The goal is to create world-class guidelines, from coast to coast, that will promote proper planning and communication practices for all. The Proximity Initiative looks forward to providing updates and continuing to meet with partners from across Canada.