Proclamation – Rail Safety Week, September 23 to 29, 2024

“Whereas Rail Safety Week is to be held across Canada from September 23 to 29, 2024; and

Whereas 229 railway crossing and trespassing incidents occurred in Canada in 2023; resulting in 66 avoidable fatalities and 39 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 and Operation Lifesaver have 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 Brian Ostrander, on behalf of Northumberland County Council, do hereby proclaim September 23 to 29, 2024 as ‘Rail Safety Week’ in Northumberland County.”