Taylor Council rejects Rail Safety Week proclamation due to safety concerns

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – The Council of the District of Taylor has declined a proclamation request from CN Rail to declare Rail Safety Week in September.

An emailed proclamation request from CN Rail for the District of Taylor to declare September 23rd to September 29th Rail Safety Week in the District frustrated the mayor and council over a lack of response regarding continued safety concerns.

During the September 9th district council meeting, Mayor Brett Taillefer and council members reviewed the proclamation request, which came without a delegation, unlike when the same proclamation request was made in 2023. 

When the council raised that proclamations are usually only approved if a delegation presents them, Mike Whalley, Interim Deputy Corporate Office, confirmed that the lack of delegation ‘made this year’s a little on the awkward side.’

“I just don’t think we can support it when they’re so dangerous,” Councillor Desirae Graziano stated, later citing that one of the most significant complaints the council receives relates to the railways in Taylor. 

“Safety [is] just not words on a piece of paper,” Mayor Brett Taillefer stated in agreement. 

The mayor went on to describe how the district has been asking CN to address the tracks crossing the Alaska Highway. He stated they have already proven a safety hazard and expressed concern that the danger will worsen in the winter months. 

“It’s gonna be nasty and not safe, and I’ve personally emailed them multiple times and been told, ‘Yeah, we’re gonna come fix it.’ And we haven’t seen it,” Taillefer said. 

Taillefer also pointed out that the weeds on the side of the tracks have not been cut properly and have now become a fire hazard as they start to die.

Counselors also discussed the dangers of vehicles slowing or going to the road shoulder when crossing the railroad tracks on the Alaska Highway and risking accidents with other road users as a result. 

Agreeing they would not be approving the proclamation request, the council voted to send a letter explaining their reasons and once again highlighting the safety concerns surrounding rail infrastructure and maintenance in Taylor. 

“It’s a safety issue, it’s not an ask, it’s a need,” Councillor Michelle Turnbull said.