Pitt Meadows green lights Harris Road rail crossing monitoring and alert system
Implementation time is uncertain as they wait an approval of federal funds
Pitt Meadows residents may soon be notified of wait times at the Harris Road rail crossing.
Council approved $40,000 in funding for a rail monitoring and alert system at the crossing at a Dec. 9 meeting, which would alert users of any blockages at the crossing beforehand and allow them to choose an alternate route. Staff will also apply for a $160,000 grant from Transport Canada’s Rail Safety Improvement Program (RSIP).
The Harris Road rail crossing has been a topic of discussion in Pitt Meadows for years. Trains block it for 3.5 hours each weekday — and that number is expected to double by 2030 with Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railway’s plans to increase track capacity.
“This is something that is going to make us more livable,” said Coun. Alison Evans of the monitoring and alert system. “We know people get stuck at the train regularly.”
She added that it will prove the need for a permanent grade crossing and help reduce the climate impacts of idling cars.
Council expressed concern about the possibility of the federal government not approving the funding, which could delay the start of the project.
“Grant opportunities, until you got them, you don’t got them, so I don’t like to count those chickens,” said Coun. Bob Meachen.
Council also discussed funding the project if the federal grant isn’t approved.
“It might be something that council and community would want to move forward with, even if we have to fund the $160,000,” said Mayor Nicole MacDonald.
Mark Roberts, Pitt Meadows chief administrative officer, said he would direct staff to return to council in six months time if their application isn’t successful.
Everyone voted in favour.
“And hopefully we don’t see you in six months on it,” Mayor MacDonald joked.
