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WHEREAS Rail Safety Week is to be held across Canada from September 23 to 29, 2024;
WHEREAS 229 railway crossing and trespassing incidents occurred in Canada in 2023 resulting in 66 avoidable fatalities and 39 avoidable serious injuries;
WHEREAS educating and informing the public about rail safety (reminding the public that railway rights-of-way are private property, enhancing public awareness of the dangers associated with highway-rail grade crossings, ensuring pedestrians and motorists are looking and listening while near railways, and obeying established traffic laws) will reduce the number of avoidable fatalities and injuries caused by incidents involving trains and citizens; and
WHEREAS Operation Lifesaver is a public/private partnership whose aim is to work with the public, rail industry, governments, police services, media, and others to raise rail safety awareness;
WHEREAS Canadian National Railway (CN) and Operation Lifesaver have requested Council support this proclamation in support of its ongoing efforts to raise awareness, save lives, and prevent injuries in communities, including our municipality.
NOW THEREFORE, l, Mayor Burkett, and on behalf of the Council of the Township of Severn, do hereby proclaim September 23 to 29 as National Rail Safety Week in Severn.