Rail safety | Federation of Canadian Municipalities

Rail transportation supports our economy and quality of life. But the tragic train derailment and explosion in Lac-Mégantic, QC highlighted the potential risks of transporting dangerous goods through our communities. FCM brings municipal rail safety priorities to the federal government and advocates to ensure municipalities have the resources they need to keep their communities safe

The federal government has responded directly to our concerns over issues such as insurance and liability, information sharing and Transport Canada’s oversight of federal railways. In 2016, Ottawa committed $143 million over three years to improve rail safety. In 2018, it accelerated the phase out of legacy DOT/TC-111 rail cars.

We continue to work closely with Transport Canada to improve the safety of Canada’s railways—and to address the concerns of cities and communities.

Featured news & resources

See featured resources, news, events and training related to Rail safety.

Resources

Land use planning around rail corridors: railway proximity guidelines

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities and the Railway Association of Canada (RAC) are committed to building a common approach to the prevention and resolution of issues that may arise when people live and work in close proximity to railway operations.

News

FCM statement on rail safety announcement

Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) President Vicki-May Hamm issued the following statement in response to today’s announcement on the safe transportation of dangerous good by Canada’s Minister of Transportation.

News

FCM statement on the 5th anniversary of the Lac-Mégantic tragedy

Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) President Vicki-May Hamm issued the following statement in on the anniversary of the Lac-Mégantic rail tragedy.

News

Press Conference—Rail Safety Working Group

Remarks for Pauline Quinlan — Chair of Rail Safety Working Group

News

New Tank Car Standards a Step in the Right Direction

Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) welcomes stricter standards and expects special measures will be introduced during the phase-in period.

News

New insurance requirements for rail companies a significant step forward for municipalities

FCM welcomes the federal government's plan to establish a set of minimum insurance requirements for rail companies and to impose levies on companies that ship crude oil. The proposed legislation answers FCM's call for a comprehensive approach that makes railways and crude oil shippers pay the full costs of rail disasters.

Related focus areas

Explore the topics we’re working on related to rail safety.

Public safety

Off

Municipalities help keep Canadians safe and secure. We work to ensure that they have the right tools to protect Canadians from crime, health risks and emergencies.