Pickering Mayor Discusses Rail Safety with Federal Ministers Pickering, ON, April 14, 2010 – On Monday, Mayor Dave Ryan met with the Honourable John Baird, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, and the Honourable Rob Merrifield, Minister of State (Transport) to discuss his concerns with rail safety in Pickering and other populated areas of the province. On March 30, 2010, a CN freight train derailed at the Pickering GO station. As this was the third train derailment in Pickering and sixth in Durham Region since 2004, Mayor Ryan had asked to meet with both ministers to address this recurring safety issue. Mayor Ryan was accompanied by Pickering’s CAO, Thomas J. Quinn and Dan McTeague, MP Pickering-Scarborough East. The delegation met with the ministers for over an hour and in turn received three specific commitments. Namely, the City of Pickering will receive full disclosure and documentation on the March 30th train derailment; a tri-party meeting will be organized for June which will consist of Mayor Ryan, the two Ministries, and representatives from both CN Rail and CP Railway; and the Federal Government will introduce legislation to enhance the national rail safety regulatory framework. “The recent train derailment in Pickering underscores how vulnerable we are to a potential rail disaster. As such, we need to ensure that public safety remains a top priority for all stakeholders,” said Mayor Ryan. “I am very pleased with how receptive, engaged and concerned Ministers Baird and Merrifield were during our meeting. I look forward to working with them and the rail companies to ensure that meaningful improvements are made to rail safety, particularly in urbanized areas.” Further, Mayor Ryan also took the opportunity to discuss the problem of graffiti on a large number of rail crossings and bridges in the city. While seemingly less harmful, graffiti is a blight on the community and may lead to other forms of urban decay. Minister Baird stated that allowing graffiti to remain unchecked is unacceptable, and that he will address this escalating problem with both rail companies. -30- As the gateway city to the east GTA, Pickering (population 94,000) is strategically located where Toronto, York and Durham Regions meet. Pickering is an affluent community that is steeped in history, natural beauty and small town charm with all the amenities and services that a big city has to offer. The City of Pickering is considered a municipal leader in fiscal management, service delivery, sustainability and the environment; and offers a wealth of sports, leisure and recreation opportunities to its residents. Pickering has been recognized by Profit magazine as one of the ten best cities in Canada for growth companies and received the 2008 FCM-CH2M Hill Sustainable Community Planning Award. Media Contact: |
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