WHEREAS following a public consultation process, the federal government has implemented new Grade Crossing Regulations 2015 concerning at-grade vehicular and train crossings, a measure that challenges local governments in terms of budget planning and prioritizing of local infrastructure needs; AND WHEREAS local governments have been directed to conduct, at local expense, assessments within two years and to implement identified safety improvements within seven years, with fines and penalties for non-compliance: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM and FCM call on the federal government to fully fund the completion of crossing upgrades and extend the deadlines for both the assessment and implementation phases in response to these new regulations.
Minister of Transport The Grade Crossing Improvement Program GCIP, funded under section 12 of the Railway Safety Act RSA, provides a contribution of up to 50 percent of the cost of a crossing improvement project. The maximum contribution to a recipient for a single project is limited to 550,000. These contributions cover the cost of safety improvements only and do not include future maintenance costs. While the GCIP was not designed to be used solely for the purpose of meeting the minimum requirements of the Grade Crossings Regulations GCR, it does provide funding for safety improvements, such as installing flashing lights, bells and gates. For more information on the GCIP and the eligibility requirements of the funding program, please consult the Applicant Guide for Railways at: www.tc.gc.caengrailwafetypublications-767.htm or the Applicant Guide for Road Authorities at: www.tc.gc.caengrailsafetypublications-768.htm Transport Canada Developed a phased-in approach to implementing the GCR, which allows railway companies and road authorities sufficient time to comply with all of the requirements of the GCR. You can find the GCR at: laws-lois.justice.gc.caengregulationsSOR-2014-275 In addition, you may be interested in a publication that provides an overview of the various components of the GCR, which can be found at: www.tc.gc.caengrailsafetyrailsafety-973.html