Feds to upgrade rail crossings

TORONTO, Ontario—Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, marked Rail Safety Week by announcing new funding for railway crossing improvements.

This year, Transport Canada will provide more than $10.9 million to upgrade over 400 railway crossings across the country through its Grade Crossing Improvement Program (GCIP). Under the GCIP, eligible railway crossings are upgraded based on factors such as traffic volume and accident history.

Transport Canada also provides funding through its Grade Crossing Closure Program (GCCP) to encourage the closure of certain grade crossings that are under federal jurisdiction. This year, under the GCCP, Transport Canada is providing $125,000 in funding to close seven crossings, in addition to $50,000 approved last year to close seven crossings.

Garneau was also slated to address the Economic Club of Canada, where he planned to discuss the future of Canada’s transportation system and how Budget 2016 investments, including funding of $143 million over three years to enhance rail safety and the transportation of dangerous goods, will help protect communities and build a safer, more efficient and sustainable transportation system.

Following his Economic Club speech, Minister Garneau planned to participate in a Town Hall meeting on rail safety. The Town Hall was hosted by the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of International Trade and Member of Parliament for University–Rosedale and the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs and Member of Parliament for Toronto–St. Paul’s, and will bring together rail and community stakeholders.