We are developing a Rail Safety Plan for Port Hope. In February 2023, staff applied for and successfully received a grant from Transport Canada's Program to Enhance Rail Safety Engagement (PERSE). This $75,000 grant will support the development of a specialized Rail Safety Program for the Municipality of Port Hope, including a Rail Safety Plan and a Continuity of Operations Plan.
The development of this program will be in collaboration with Loomex Group Ltd., and will involve significant consultation with various stakeholders. We expect the development phase to take approximately nine months, culminating in a comprehensive strategy that will include staff training and a municipal emergency exercise scheduled for 2025.
Funding from the federal government will cover all associated costs, ensuring that we can implement a robust program that includes both an Evacuation Plan and a Continuity of Operations Plan.
Community Engagement
As we develop this Rail Safety Program, we will be conducting numerous engagement sessions. These include internal sessions with our police, fire services, municipal staff, First Nations representatives, and Council members, as well as external sessions that will involve community members. Our goal is to ensure that all aspects of rail safety are thoroughly considered and integrated into our final plans.
We invite all residents to join us for an in-person engagement session on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Town Hall (56 Queen Street, Port Hope). This session will provide an opportunity to meet our team and the consultants from Loomex Group Ltd., discuss the program, and offer feedback and recommendations that will be used in shaping the new Rail Safety Plan.
For those who are unable to attend, your input is still very important to us. Please help us by completing a short survey that will guide the development of our plans. Your participation is crucial to our success in enhancing rail safety in our community.
For more information, visit myporthope.ca/rail-safety.
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