VANCOUVER, May 31, 2013 /CNW/ - FCM Annual Conference and Trade Show - The Railway Association of Canada (RAC) and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) today unveiled brand new land use guidelines and a website intended to promote best practices and awareness about the issues associated with developments near railway operations.
The document, Guidelines for New Development in Proximity to Railway Operations, was launched as part of the FCM Annual Conference (booth #503) and builds on guidelines first launched in 2004. Using input from various stakeholders, the updated guidelines address issues concerning noise, vibration and safety and focus on the increasing challenges associated with new residential development.
"We hope the new guidelines will help governments to create or update their policies, regulations and standards for new residential development in proximity to rail operations in order to apply best practices and create consistency across the country," said FCM/RAC Proximity Initiative Co-chair and Southwest Middlesex, ON Mayor Doug Reycraft.
Demand for new forms of infill developments across Canadian cities is growing, including on sites in proximity to railway corridors. As older 20th century commercial and industrial properties are increasingly being converted to residential uses, proximity issues are top of mind. The new report outlines common issues that can arise when communities and railways are in close proximity. It also indicates mitigation guidelines and implementation mechanisms for new developments.
"The new guidelines represent an important step in ensuring that proximity issues are addressed and there is greater awareness around the issues," said Sean Finn, FCM-RAC Proximity Co-Chair and Executive Vice-President of Corporate Services and Chief Legal Officer at CN. "The railway industry aims to be a good neighbour and, as residential development continues to grow around rail operations, it is essential that municipalities across the country are aware of best practices pertaining to the intersection of property development and rail operations."
Another key component to the revamped initiative is an updated Proximity Issues website. The site uses a fresh colour scheme and user-friendly layout which have increased functionality. Included are updated issues lists and definitions and a complete reference section.
The guidelines and best practices were developed by the FCM/RAC Proximity Initiative with the help and participation of stakeholders from all levels of government, railway operators, municipal urban planners, the FCM and the RAC.
About the Railway Association of Canada
The Railway Association of Canada represents some 50 goods, tourist, commuter and intercity Rail businesses in Canada, their more than 32,000 employees and over 50 associate member suppliers. RAC acts to inform officials, develop programs, policies and resources and respectfully communicate with the public and media to strengthen the role and capacity of Rail to deliver leading services that are economically viable, socially cohesive, future focused and environmentally sustainable.
About the Federation of Canadian Municipalities
The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) has been recognized since 1901 as the national voice of municipal governments. It represents the interests of all municipalities on policy and program matters within federal jurisdiction. Members include Canada's largest cities, small urban and rural communities and 21 provincial and territorial municipal associations. Municipal leaders from all parts of Canada assemble annually to establish FCM policy on key issues. FCM's Board of Directors meets quarterly to review policy and program matters.
SOURCE: RAILWAY ASSOCIATION OF CANADA
Note to editors: Representatives of the FCM/RAC Proximity Initiative will be onsite to answer questions about the guidelines and showcase features of the new website.
Contact:
Cynthia Lulham
Project Manager
[email protected]
Mouktar Abdillahi
Federation of Canadian Municipalities
613-907-6395
[email protected]
Alex Paterson
Railway Association of Canada
613-564-8111
[email protected]
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