Municipality Association challenges rail companies

Times Contributor

 

Strathmore Times Contributor

The Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties board representatives updated the Wheatland council on initiatives underway to represent county ratepayer’s issues.

The committee addressed issues involving the railway crossing closures and negotiations to improve the maintenance of bridges and crossings.

“We are submitting a report to the National Transportation Board,” said Bob Barss, Association President. The Association website www.aamdc.com shows that the report addresses railway-roadway grade crossing policies. He indicated that many rural counties were having issues with the rail companies. 

Councillor Ben Armstrong said the county recently had two deals to complete culvert and crossing work. The contract began in September and completed in December. Payment for the work from the rail line to the county wasn’t paid for three years. Councillors said that in past negotiations with rail lines, the provincial minister’s office had placed pressure on the County to withdraw negotiations and let the rail line do what they wanted. The rail lines often close lines and then alter the terms of the agreement. The County of Wheatland is unique in Western Canada because in many places they own the land that the rail lines run through, predating the establishment of the railroad in this area. Whether there was a need for lighted crossings was also an issue. The municipalities also pay 50 per cent of maintenance costs but proper maintenance is not being done.

The representatives suggested that there should be a federal initiative taken on rail issues. They wanted the rail lines to clarify their intent for any line closures. Some municipalities had negotiated different terms for high impact crossings versus low use areas. One example was a locked approach where landowners and emergency services retained keys. Councillor Brenda Knight agreed that not all crossings needed the same standards. 

“When they close lines, we have to read between the lines,” said Councillor Alice Booth. 

Transport Canada has scheduled consultations about the issue in Edmonton on June 19.