Transport Canada opened a public consultation in January 2021 regarding potential modifications and a deadline extension of the Grade Crossings Regulations. KAP welcomes the opportunity to provide feedback on this important issue.
If a private grade crossing is not deemed low risk by the proposed changes to the regulations, farmers would benefit from a deadline extension on these crossings. KAP recommends a three-year extension on crossings requiring compliance, to allow sufficient time, if applicable, for farmers to file a claim with the Canadian Transportation Agency if disputing the responsibility of costs associated with grade crossing upgrades. An extension would also allow farmers to apply for funding under the Rail Safety Improvement Program, which would offset potential upgrade costs. Sufficient funding for improvements to railway crossings has not only been advocated by KAP but also by other advocacy groups across the province and country.
Click here to read the full submission.