City Council to discuss railway crossings, possible bus to Hiawatha

Ward 5 Coun. Corey Gardi and Ward 3's Lisa Vezeau-Allen are expressing concern about the condition of railway crossings in Sault Ste. Marie.

A resolution placed on the agenda on Monday's City Council meeting by the two councillors  asks for up-to-date maintenance schedules for all of the city's rail crossings, as well as names of parties responsible for the work.

The following is the full text of the resolution:

Mover: Coun. C. Gardi
Seconder: Coun. L. Vezeau-Allen

Whereas there are many railway crossing within the boundaries of the City of Sault Ste. Marie; and

Whereas there are many different arrangements for each crossing through agreements between the city and the different rail entities that own the respective lines and/or Transport Canada order; and

Whereas there are different causes for degradation in the structural condition of these crossings, not the least of which being our harsh climate and the extreme conditions these crossing are exposed to; and

Whereas it is very important that these railway crossings are maintained for the safety of the people and cargo being transported on the rails, as well as for the safety and protection of those crossing them with their vehicles; and

Whereas when these crossings are not regularly and properly maintained they could lead to significant damage to a crossing motor vehicle(s) that could result in a serious expense to the family or business who own/operate the vehicle;

Now therefore be it resolved that city staff be requested to prepare a report to City Council that includes the most up-to-date schedule for maintenance of each of the crossings within the boundaries of the City of Sault Ste. Marie, along with which parties are involved in the maintenance plan for each crossing, and the city's share and/or responsibilities at each of these crossings.

In an unrelated matter, Ward 1 Couns. Sandra Hollingsworth and Paul Christian will ask council to look into a new bus route to run to Hiawatha Highlands on weekends after Labour Day from one or both of the Sault Transit transfer hubs.

Monday's City Council meeting will be livestreamed on SooToday starting at 4:30 p.m.