Proclamation - Rail Safety Week, September 18 - 24, 2023

“Whereas Rail Safety Week is to be held across Canada from September 18 to 24, 2023; and

Whereas 232 railway crossing and trespassing incidents occurred in Canada in 2022,  resulting in 66 avoidable fatalities and 43 avoidable serious injuries; and

Whereas educating and informing the public about rail safety (reminding the public that railway rights-of-way are private property, enhancing public awareness of the dangers associated with highway rail grade crossings, ensuring pedestrians and motorists are looking and listening while near railways, and obeying established traffic laws) will reduce the number of avoidable fatalities and injuries cause by incidents involving trains and citizens; and

Whereas Operation Lifesaver is a public/private partnership whose aim is to work with the public, rail industry, governments, police services, media and others to raise rail safety awareness; and

Whereas CN has requested municipalities adopt this resolution in support of its ongoing efforts to raise awareness, save lives and prevent injuries in communities, including our municipality;

Now Therefore Be It Resolved That I, Warden Mandy Martin, on behalf of Northumberland County Council, do hereby proclaim September 18 to 24, 2023 as ‘Rail Safety Week’ in Northumberland County; and

Further Be It Resolved That Northumberland County Council is pleased to acknowledge the recent completion of rail safety enhancements for the Brighton railway crossing on Prince Edward Street, noting these safety enhancements, along with the Municipality of Brighton and our railway partners, demonstrate our commitment to continuously improve railway safety infrastructure and to protect the lives of our residents.”