Dear Member,
The Minister of Transport has issued a Ministerial Order, instructing both CP and CN Rail to cease rail operations near Lytton, B.C. for a period of 48 hours, effective 00:01 PDT, July 9th , 2021. The news release can be viewed HERE. The Assistant Deputy Minister, Policy, Mr. Serge Bijimine has issued the following statement.
Colleagues,
As you are aware, as a result of wildfires in Lytton, B.C., the village and nearby Indigenous residences have been severely affected by the wildfires and an evacuation order was issued by the Village of Lytton. Residents have been allowed to temporarily return to their homes and inspect their properties on July 9, 2021. I wanted to update you on the latest development related to this situation.
We have been monitoring the situation from an economic impact as well as a safety and security issue. Based on 2020 traffic data, significant CN and CP traffic flow in this area.
Transport Canada is committed to protecting Canadians who live and work along railway lines by putting in place necessary safety measures to reduce the risk of serious accidents. Transport Canada has issued a Ministerial Order in the interest of safe railway operations, and to protect public safety for the temporary return of residents to inspect their homes in Lytton, British Columbia. The Ministerial Order, which takes effects at 12:01 AM PDT on July 9, 2021, for a period of 48 hours unless revoked earlier in writing, requires:
- Canadian National Railway (CN) to cease movement of trains except for emergency fire response, and maintenance and repair work on its Ashcroft subdivision between Kamloops and Boston Bar, British Columbia; and
- Canadian Pacific Railway (CP) to cease movement of trains except for emergency fire response, and maintenance and repair work on its Thompson Subdivision between Kamloops and Boston Bar, British Columbia.
The safety of the public and integrity of the transportation system is of the utmost importance for Transport Canada. Going forward, the department will work with Indigenous communities with regard to railway safety, and will work closely with the people of Lytton and all those affected by the wildfires to ensure they are supported and know where to seek assistance.
Sincerely,
Michael Broad
President