A PROPOSAL TO EXAMINE THE FEASIBILITY OF RAILWAY RELOCATION AND REROUTING IN EDMONTON
BY
RESEARCH BRANCH PLANNING DEPARTMENT CITY OF EDMONTON
EDMONTON, ALBERTA
AUGUST, 1974
TABLE OF CONTENTS Page LIST OF FIGURES AND MAPS
ii
SUMMARY
iii
INTRODUCTION HISTORY
3
SUGGESTED TERMS OF REFERENCE
8
Introduction
8
Terms of Reference
8
Objectives of the Railway Relocation Study 13 Urban Development Plan
15
Transportation Plan
20
Financial Plan
21
STAGING FOR RAILWAY RELOCATION STUDY
22
CONCLUSION
26
LIST OF FIGURES AND MAPS Page FIGURE Proposed Staging of Railway Relocation Study 2
23
Proposed Organizational Structure for Railway Relocation Study
24
"Possible Action Areas" Considered for Railway Relocation or Rationalization ....
17
MAP 1
2
Areas Considered for Relocating Railway Facilities
11
19
SUMMARY The City of Edmonton Administration, acting on instructions from City Council, is in the process of initiating a railway relocation and rerouting study.
The proposed study would
examine the feasibility of undertaking a comprehensive railway relocation programme in the Edmonton urban area.
The initial
terms of reference for the railway relocation study project have been established, and a Project Steering Committee, composed of Municipal and Provincial Government representatives and senior railway technical personnel has been formed.
The
City has obtained consent from the Province of Alberta (through the offices of the Honourable Don Getty, Minister of Federal and Intergovernmental Affairs) to apply to the Ministry of State for Urban Affairs, and the Ministry of Transport for support in preparing an "Urban Development Plan", and a "Transportation Plan".
If the detailed railway relocation studies con-
clude that railway relocation or rationalization is feasible and desirable in Edmonton, the "Urban Development Plan" and "Transportation Plan" will be used in support of an application to the Canadian Transport Commission to rationalize certain railway operations in accordance with the provisions of the Railway Relocation and Crossing Act. The intent of this submission is to establish a "prima facie" case for obtaining federal support in the preparation of the "Urban Development Plan" and "Transportation Plan".
An organi-
zational framework and a procedural schedule is also included to indicate a (possible) method of involving the three levels of government.
Tr-level intergovernmental co-operation is iii
essential if the City and the Province are to develop a railway system which is compatible with long-range local provincial and national interests, while at the same time leading to an improved quality of urban living in Edmonton.
iv
1 INTRODUCTION In the past decade the existence of railway lines and yard areas within the boundaries of Edmonton city has resulted in more frequent conflicts between alternate land use interests, the public, and the railway companies.
At several locations
in the urban area the presence of railroad facilities imposes limitations on the rational development of the City's transportation network.
As the city continues to grow and expand
it is likely that competition for land within the urban area, and the conflict generated by rail-oriented activities will intensify.
The feasibility of relocating or rerouting railroad
operations in Edmonton must be examined and related to the immediate and long-range policies and objectives of the City. On several occasions in recent years the railway companies operating within the Edmonton area have expressed general interest in the long-term rationalization of yard areas and trackage whenever such relocation and rerouting represents an economically viable alternative for railway concerns. However, it is unlikely in the absence of any City initiatives that the railway companies should be expected to independently undertake comprehensive relocation or rationalization programs compatible with the goals and objectives of the City.
Until recently
there has been no overall framework within which such relocation or rationalization programmes could be initiated and ensure inputs from all agencies and interests affected.
The pas-
sage of Bill C-27, "The Railway Relocation and Crossing Act", affords the opportunity for the City to positively encourage the comprehensive redevelopment of urban land presently utilized
for railway trackage and yard facilities.
In addition, the
new legislation provides for financial support and legal authority required to prepare and implement urban development and transportation plans for urban areas involving railway properties.
3 HISTORY On April 10th, 1972, a motion by Alderman Hayter respecting railway relocation and rationalization within the core area of Edmonton was referred by City Council to the Commission Board. Alderman Hayter's motion suggested that the City should encourage the participation of other levels of government and of the railways in a jointly-financed relocation study.
In response
to Mr. Hayter's motion, the Utilities and Engineering Committee recommended that a Committee-in-Council be appointed to meet with officials from the Provincial Government, the Ministeries of Transport and Urban Affairs, and railway companies to prepare "mutually-acceptable terms of reference for a study programme dealing with railway facilities and operations in Edmonton, and opportunities for their relocation".
City
Council concurred with the Utilities and Engineering Committee recommendations and advised that terms of reference should be set out and reported back to Council. Acting on Council's recommendations and instructions, the City of Edmonton prepared initial terms of reference for a railway relocation study and in the fall of 1972 made representation to both the Federal and Provincial Governments for participation in a "railway relocation study". At that time the City Administration was advised by Federal Officials that legislation respecting railway relocation and rerouting in Canadian cities would be presented in the next session of Parliament.
The City
was also informed that efforts were being made to form a trilevel intergovernmental co-ordinating mechanism to expedite progress on co-operative intergovernment programmes in the future.
4 In February 1973, anticipating the passage of railway relocation legislation, representatives of the City met with Ministry of Transport officials to determine, if possible, the details of the proposed legislation.
Federal officials in Ottawa in-
dicated at that time that no applications for study support could be accepted until after the railway legislation was passed likely early in 1974. On May 7th, 1974, an act of parliament, cited as the "Railway Relocation and Crossing Act - Bill C-27", was passed by the House of Commons.
Bill C-27, provides Federal assistance for
the planning and implementation of railway relocation and rerouting proposals, and is the result of participation by the Canadian Government in a railway rationalization study for Winnipeg during the past four years.
The Bill established
guidelines for the preparation of the studies and comprehensive development plans required prior to programmes of railway facility rationalization.
Additionally, the Bill assures Federal
financial support to develop and implement railway relocation schemes. In response to the passage of Bill C-27, an interdepartment meeting was held on May 13th, 1974 between the Engineering and Transportation and Planning Departments of the City of Edmonton to discuss the possibility of applying to the Canadian Transport Commission for financial and legislative support for railway relocation studies and projects in urban areas, as provided by Bill C-27.
The importance of immediate action on this mat-
ter was emphasized and, as a result, outline "Terms of Reference" and a suggested method of procedure for application to the
Federal Government were submitted to the Municipal Planning Commission on May 23rd, 1974. The Municipal Planning Commission and the Commission Board endorsed the terms of reference and application procedure developed by the City Administration.
Accordingly, on June 11th, 1974,
City Council indicated unanimous support for the Administration's recommendations and instructed: ... the City Administration (to) initiate the necessary procedures to prepare submissions for consideration to obtain financial and legislative support from the Canadian Transport Commission, the Ministry of Transport, and the Ministry of State for Urban Affairs, according to the provisions of the Railway Relocation and Crossing Act. In July, 1974, the City Administration - under the direction of the Commissioner of Special Projects, S. J. Hampton - prepared a "letter of intent" and supporting documentation for submission to the Federal Government in August, 1974.
During
the same period of time, contact was established with the Canadian National, Canadian Pacific and Northern Alberta Railways, and the Provincial Government in an effort to convene the Project Steering Committee as soon as possible.
The initial
contacts with the railway companies and the Provincial Government were favourable and subsequently the following individuals were named to the Project Steering Committee: Chairman - S. J. Hampton, Commissioner of Special Projects, City of Edmonton
6 Members - E. H. Shute, Manager for Alberta, Canadian Pacific Railways - J. 0. Pitts, Manager for Alberta, Canadian National Railways - J. I. Lessard, Assistant Chief Engineer, Northern Alberta Railways - S. C. Rodgers, Superintendent, Planning Department, City of Edmonton - G. Hodge, Superintendent, Engineering and Transportation Department, City of Edmonton - N. Giffen, Executive Director, Edmonton Regional Planning Commission - E. K. Barry, Acting General Manager, Finance Department, City of Edmonton - J. Telford, (Interim Appointment), Department of Industry and Commerce, Province of Alberta. The Province of Alberta was not actively involved during the initial process of preparing the documentation and supporting materials required for the submission of a preliminary statement of intent to apply to the Federal Government for railway relocation assistance.
However, the establishment of a tri-
level mechanism to ensure the co-operative and co-ordinated involvement of the Provincial Government in the negotiations and transactions between the City and the Federal Government is regarded as essential to the success of the railway relocation project in Edmonton.
Recently, the Ministry of State for
Urban Affairs and the Province of Alberta have been involved in discussions to establish a tri-level intergovernmental committee.
It is anticipated thatfinal negotiations leading to
the committee's assembly will be completed before the end of August, 1974.
8
S UGGESTED
TERMS
OF
REFERENCE
Introduction The legislation contained in the Railway Relocation and Crossing Act represents a unique opportunity for Canadian municipalities to obtain the financial and legislative assistance necessary to initiate comprehensive railway relocation programmes.
The aesthetic quality and future development of Edmonton
is reduced or restricted by the existence of railway lines and yard areas at a number of locations throughout the city.
Con-
sidering the increased pressure for residential, institutional and commercial land and the limited potential for expansion of rail terminal and switching facilities in Edmonton, it is evident that the City should proceed immediately to initiate railway relocation and rerouting studies.
Suggested guidelines and poli-
cies for implementation should evolve from these studies whenever railway relocation, rationalization or rerouting is evaluated as feasible and desirable. Terms of Reference To apply under the Railway Relocation and Crossing Act, the City in co-operation with the Province of Alberta must initiate procedures requesting financial and regulatory assistance from the Ministry of State for Urban Affairs and the Ministry of Transport in the preparation of an intergovernmental submission to the Canadian Transport Commission.
To satisfy the require-
ments of the Act submissions to the Canadian Transport Commission must include two major components; an "urban development plan" and a "transportation plan" for the "transportation study area" affected by the railway relocation proposal.
The
"transportation plan" is intended to ensure a means for the effective control of all modes of transportation within the defined "transportation study area".
The "urban development plan
should provide a "comprehensive plan... respecting the development and use of land within,or within and adjacent to ... "the study area". A financial analysis must also be presented with both plans. The "financial plan" must clearly demonstrate: - how the costs and benefits of then-transportation plan" are to be shared by all parties affected by the relocation or rerouting; - how the costs of the "transportation plan" are to be met if accepted by the Canadian Transport Commission; - how the payments required by the "financial plan" are to be made or carried out; and - the availability of alternate or supplementary financing from Municipal or Provincial sources. The City of Edmonton may apply to the Canadian Transport Commission provided documented evidence is available upon request to verify that the Provincial Government, as well as any municipalities within the study area have been infoLmed, and agree to the urban development and transportation plans submitted. It is unlikely, however, that the City would proceed independent of the Provincial Government, or other municipalities within the study area.
Considering the variety of unrelated or independ-
ent interest groups which would necessarily be involved with any
10 railway relocation and rerouting scheme within the Edmonton area, it is imperative that the study be an inter-disciplinary and intergovernmental endeavour.
This recognizes that the changes
in a transportation facility, in this case railways, will lead to opportunities for improvements in areas of concern to other departments and agencies. In other words, while the costs of railway change are of concern to transportation agencies, the effects of such change are primarily in areas other than transportation.
In addition, it is absolutely essential that the
railway companies be involved in an advisory or observer capacity at a very early stage. Recommendations or suggestions based on the professional and technical expertise of railway personnel could in many instances determine the future directions of the study. Each government department, agency, or interest group involved in the study would be required to provide the staff and facilities necessary to effectively contribute to the study.
However,
the major components of the transportation and urban development plans (including financial parameters) should be prepared and assembled by a Study Team of Consultants.
The Study Team would
be under the direction of a Project Manager responsible to a Project Steering Committee, composed of: - senior representatives of the City Engineering and Planning Departments; - senior representatives from the Department of Municipal Affairs, Province of Alberta; - senior members of the Edmonton Regional Planning Commission; and
11 - senior railway technical personnel. The Project Steering Committee would be responsible for: - the overall technical guidance and periodic review of the study; - establishing liaison with the various interest groups involved; and - presentation of the submission materials to the Commission Board (City of Edmonton), City Council (Edmonton), the Province of Alberta, the Government of Canada, and finally to the Canadian Transport Commission. The Project Study Team will require the co-operation of the many government and railway company study groups involved in the study.
It is recognized, however, that each of the depart-
ments, agencies and companies involved or affected by the study have special interests which may be in conflict.
The staff
within each agency, department or company must have a primary responsibility to report to their administrative heads, who will be either members of the Project Steering Committee, or represented by senior staff on the Steering Committee.
With this
approach, the Study Team is independent of any of the representatives on the Project Steering Committee in its analysis and evaluation of the plans and programmes under consideration. A primary function of the Steering Committee will be to uncover conflict situations, analyze the issues, and review the alternatives identified for final resolution.
The proposed organiza-
tion for the Edmonton Railway Relocation and Rerouting Study is
12 shown in Figure I (see page 23). The Project Manager's role is an especially critical one. Candidates for the position should be carefully reviewed to ensure that a competent individual capable of co-ordinating the work of any one consultant, or group of consultants that make up the Study Team, is selected.
The Project Manager must also
ensure that effective lines of communication (and co-operation) are maintained between the interest groups represented on the Steering Committee and the Study Team.
An individual with an
engineering and planning background, preferably supplemented by technical expertise in railway operations seems most appropriate, but final responsibility for the appointment of the Project Manager should remain with the Commission Board, acting on the basis of recommendations from the Project Steering Committee.
The Project Manager would be appointed as the
Executive Director of the Project Steering Committee to ensure that effective communication is established between the Steering Committee and the Study Team. Each department within the City Administration, the Railway Companies, and Provincial and Federal Government Agencies affected by the relocation proposal should designate a liaison or Information Officer responsible to ensure that requests for information by the Study Team are handled promptly and efficiently. While the Steering Committee will provide direction to the Study Team, the departmental liaison officers will not be required to provide major inputs,beyond the supply of information and advice,to the physical development and compilation of the study. Consultants, under the supervision of the Project Manager, will be required to develop and produce the comprehensive urban
13 development and transportation plans (including financial parameters) necessary for application to the Canadian Transport Commission. Objectives of the Railway Relocation Study The primary objectives of the railway relocation and rerouting studies will be: - to forecast the long-term effects of the continued presence of the existing railway facilities on the economic, environmental and social conditions in the urban study area; - to determine the feasibility and net costs of removing railway facilities completely, or in part, from designated areas within the urban study area; - to determine the feasibility and costs of programmes for environmental improvement, social development, property redevelopment and urban transportation systems development in those corridors and parcels of land from which railway facilities are removed; - to develop a financially-feasible action plan for stages changes to the railway facilities in Edmonton; and - to establish priorities for implementation of feasible railway relocation, rerouting, or rationalization programmes that are identified and consistent with longterm goals and objectives of the urban study area. The railway studies that are envisioned must be comprehensive in nature, and therefore, should examine:
14 the feasibility of eliminating or reducing the number of railway crossings within the city; - alternative methods of improving the physical environment in areas adjacent to existing and relocated railway facilities in the Edmonton Region; - the possibilities of relocating rail-dependent industries at minimum social and economic cost; and - the effect of railway relocation on urban and regional land values, as well as demand. The railway relocation studies would take full cognizance of the immediate and long-term implications of railway relocation and would be related to the policies and objectives of the City 1 of Edmonton as established in the General Plan and Part I. of 2 the Transportation Plan. In addition, the railway studies must: - contribute to the development of an efficient, integrated system of transportation in the Edmonton Metropolitan Region; - guarantee the continued socio-economic viability of neighbourhood units, and the city as a whole; - consider the existing and anticipated pattern and intensity of land use; - recognize the interests of rail-dependent private, commercial and industrial concerns; - recognize regional, provincial and national development goals;
1 General Plan, City of Edmonton, March 1972 2 Transportation Plan, Part 1, City of Edmonton, June 1974
15
ensure the continued economic operation of the Canadian National, Canadian Pacific, and Northern Alberta Railway Companies; and -• be based on a reliable assessment of the amount of legislative, financial, or other participatory support which would be required from the various levels of government, industry, and the public. Urban Development Plan The quality of the urban environment and future urban development is reduced or restricted by the existence of railway tracks and facilities at a number of locations throughout Edmonton.
The basic objective of railway relocation or ration-
alization is to improve the social and economic character of neighbourhoods and the city as a whole.
In addition, railway
relocation or rationalization schemes should lead to more efficient and rational use of land within the urban area.
The
goals and objectives for urban development in Edmonton as contained in the City of Edmonton General Plan provide the basis for development of a comprehensive "urban development plan" required under the provisions of the Railway Relocation Act. The General Plan establishes some basic "Principles for Railway Transportation" which are intended to ensure that the development of railroad facilities in the city proceeds on a rational basis, compatible with other objectives and policies of the General Plan Many of these objectives and policies relate to the direction and rate of city growth, urban land use, and the form and function of the city's Central Area.
Principle 4 of the "Trans-
portation Chapter" of the General Plan indicates that:
16 Railway trackage, marshalling yards and operations should
he rationalized in Edmonton
through elimination, relocation and consolidation in order that an efficient, convenient and nuisance-free standard of service is provided 3 throughout the city. The other principles pertaining to the provision of rail service in the city emphasize the requirement for "close coordination between all concerned agencies.... inasmuch as the 4 ramifications of ..,. (relocation) proposals are manifold". It is essential that the impact of any railroad rationalization or relocation projects on adjacent land use be considered and that a high level of rail service be provided (or maintained) to service industrial outline plan areas.
Rail service is
vital to ensure the continued viability and attractiveness of the industrial areas of the city.
In addition, a high level
of rail service must be maintained or provided to inter-connect the major industrial areas, and to allow the efficient and economic movement of goods between rail-dependent industries. The special requirements and demand for the inter-modal movement of freight traffic in the city must also be examined when specific railroad facilities are considered for rationalization or relocation. On the basis of these observations it is recommended that the railroad facilities and operations identified below (shown on Map 1) be considered as possible "Project Action Areas" in the proposed Railway Relocation and Rerouting Study.
3 "Transportation", General Plan, City of Edmonton, March 1972, p. 12.9 Lpc cit.„
17 —
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MAP 1
"Possible Action Areas" CONSIDERED FOR RAILWAY RELOCATION OR RATIONALIZATION
Mar shalling yards s h:1 l ce m , „, facilities -cons,dered for relocation Facilities considered for rationalization
18
The following marshalling yards and maintenance facilities should be considered for relocation:' - Northern Alberta Railways (WAR) marshalling yards north of 125 Avenue and east of the St. Albert Trail; - Calder Yards marshalling area and maintenance facilities north of 125 Avenue, south of 127 Avenue, 97 Street to 124 Street; - Canadian National Railways yarding and maintenance facilities north of 104 Avenue, south of 105 Avenue, between 97 Street and 116 Street; - Canadian Pacific Railways Station and yard area north of Jasper Avenue and between 109 Street and 111 Street. (We understand that this property has recently been transferred to Marathon Realty Limited); and - Strathcona Railway Yards, which roughly occupy the area between 103 Street and 98 Street, south of Whyte (82) Avenue, and north of 68 Avenue. The following operations should be considered for rationalization: - the South Industrial Outline Area; - the area north and west of the Northwest Industrial Area, and adjacent to the CN mainline; and - the vicinity of Clover Bar south of Highway 16 East (see Map 2).
4 Loc. cit.
NA MO
.......... s St. AlBER1
11/1“.1.4.«•lit 6., LoL, 2
1\
.. ••••
...............
Clover Bar Northwesj Ir!Idus rial
Outline Plan
111E.WOOD
; South Industrial Outline Area
MAP 2 •
AREAS CONSIDERED FOR RELOCATING RAILWAY FACILITIES
20 The existence of rail yards in the Central Area and adjacent to major residential development in the city, limits the potential for growth and "present(s) major physical barriers to the city's 4 transportation network". Relocation of the Calder, Downtown and Strathcona yards would release valuable land for commercial and residential development.
Rationalization of the CN north-
east line and the CP line to the south would create an attractive rapid transit alignment and eliminate the intrusion of railway freight movements in the Central Area. Transportation Plan Part I of the City of Edmonton Transportation Plan establishes policies and objectives for the development of an efficient, integrated transportation system in Edmonton.
The Transporta-
tion Plan is also intended to provide a conceptual framework for the long-range planning of transportation facilities which minimizes land use conflict and environmental disturbance. Edmonton's Transportation Plan is still under development, and future sections of the Plan will examine the opportunities which may exist to utilize transportation corridors, either for railrapid transit or other modes of public transit.
On the basis
of recent discussions with the Federal Government it is understood that the City's Transportation Plan will provide an appropriate basis for the development of a comprehensive "transportation plan" required as supporting documentation in the City of Edmonton's application to the Canadian Transport Commission. Some revision and expansion of the document might be required to emphasize the fundamental inter-relationship which exists between the full achievement of the policies and objectives of 4 Loc. cit.
21
the Transportation Plan, and successful implementation of a comprehensive railway relocation or rationalization scheme. Financial Plan At the present time the City is unable to provide any estimate of anticipated costs required to conduct the railway relocation studies or to implement a relocation programme.
However, ac-
cording to requirements of the Railway Relocation Act the City Administration will prepare a detailed "financial plan" for submission with the transportation and urban development plans to the Canadian Transport Commission.
The financial plan will
demonstrate: - how the costs and benefits of the transportation plan are to be shared by all parties affected by the relocation or rerouting; - how the costs of the transportation plan are to be met if accepted by the Commission; - how the payments required by the financial plan are to be made or carried out; and - the availability of alternate or supplementary financing.
22
STAGING FOR RAILWAY RELOCATION STUDY The"Proposed Staging for the Railway Relocation Study" (see Figure 1) outlines a tentative time framework for procedure with the urban development plan and transportation plan required for application to the Canadian Transport Commission under the provisions of the Railway Relocation Act.
It is estimated that
13 months to two years will be required for completion of the documents required for application to the Canadian Transport Commission.
Time estimations for completion of the project are
flexible,however, it could depend upon developments within the Project Steering Committee on railway relocation and the level of co-operation which the City receives in its negotiations with other government agencies and private interests involved in the Railway Relocation Study. The proposed method of staging is outlined below (see Figure 2). Phase I
Suggested Terms of Reference
The Engineering and Transportation, and Planning Departments will develop a mutually-acceptable outline of suggested terms of reference for approval or comment to the Municipal Planning Commission, Commission Board, and City Council.
This initial
proposal should contain an acceptable organizational structure, and outline aprocedure, and an inquiry to be submitted to the Minister of Transport and the Minister of State for Urban Affairs in the fall of 1974. Phase II - Detailed Terms of Reference If Council approval is obtained to proceed with the proposed study and to submit an inquiry to the Federal Government, the
FIGURE 1 PROPOSED STAGING OF RAILWAY RELOCATION STUDY May 10, 1974
.May 23, 1974
May 14, 1974 Submit "Su.ggested Terms Of Reference" and
Develop acceptable study concepts and preliminary organization
INTERDEPARTMENT MEETINGS
Proposed Oreani7atioaal Strtiftltr fnr
comment and approval. Submit request for approval to initiate procedures to obtain study funding.
August 30, 1974 CITY COUNCIL
CTC NOT MSUA
August 19, 1974
COMMISSI01,, Submit "Letter of Intent to BOARD ityly" and Supporting documentation
Appoint Project Manager. Develop —"Detailed Terms of Reference" including "Cost-Sharing Formula" and "Study Budget"
Preparation of final submission including "Transportation. Plan", "Urban Development -Plan", and "Financial Plan".
PROJECT STEERING COMMITTEE
PROJECT Apply MINISTRY OF STEERING -- to ->STATE FOR COMMITTEE MSUA URBAN AFFAIRS
from Project Study Team. Call
for submission of briefs by interested and affected parties.
Apply to CTC for railway re1-Tcation funding and support
CTC
COMMISSION BOARD
August 15, 1974 Develop "Letter of Intent to Apply" and supporting documentation. Form Project Steering Committee.
Make application to PROJECT PROVINCIAL Provincial and Federal STEERING OVERNMENT Governments for study fundinc0,. COMMITTEE
Preliminary plans/proposals PROJECT STUDY TEAM
MUNICIPAL ' )LANNING COMMISSIM
-1
CITY COUNCIL
FEDERAL OVERNMENT
Initiate or PROJECT Form PROJECT 1 .abandon study . .. STUDY 1--‹-Project- STEERING dependent upon TEAM 1Study Team COMMITTEE support received.
Initiate or abandon project
FIGURE 2 PROPOSED ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE FOR RAILWAY RELOCATION STUDY
CITY COUNCIL
COMMISSION BOARD
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT
MUNICIPAL PLANNING OMMISSION
TRI-LEVEL INTERGOVERNMENTAL COMMITTEE
MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT
RAILWAY AND INDUSTRY
PROJECT STEERING COMMITTEE Chairman - Commissioner of Special Projects - S.J. Hampton Executive Director - Project Manager (not yet appointed) MEMBERS Planning Department, Superintendent, Mr. S.C. Rodgers Engineering & Transportation, General Manager, Mr. G. Hodge Finance, A/General Mgr., Mr.E. Barry . Edmonton Regional Planning Commission Executive Director, Mr. N. Giffen C.P. Rail, Manager for Alberta, Mr. E.H. Shute Northern Alberta Railways, Assistant Chief Engineer, Mr. J.I. Lessard Canadian National Railways, Manager for Alberta, Mr. 3.0. Pitts Department of Industry & Commerce, Province of Alberta, Mr. J. Telford
PUBLIC
PROJECT MANAGER , -Execuitve Director ] of Steerin Committee
PROJECT STUDY TEAM
ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS
PLANNING CONSULTANTS
SOCIAL CONSULTANTS
ECONOMIC CONSULTANTS
DEPARTMENT LIAISON REPRESENTATIVES
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS
25 Project Steering Committee would be organized and detailed terms of reference will be developed to include a budget and some indication of cost-sharing commitments required for study preparation from the railway companies, Municipal, Provincial, and Federal agencies.
Detailed terms of reference developed in
Phase II would be presented to the Commission Board and Council for ratification and will form the basis for confirmation of financial support from the provincial and federal authorities. Phase III - Initiate Study Once Federal, Provincial, and Municipal support is guaranteed, a Project Manager would be appointed to initiate the preparation of urban development and transportation plans for the study area. Phase IV Application for Railway Relocation Fundinq and Assistance Phase V - Project Implementation
26 CONCLUSION The location of railway maintenance yarding and freight facilities adjacent to residential areas in the downtown core of Edmonton reduces the aesthetic quality and results in the inefficient utilization of prime urban land.
The Railway Reloca-
tion and Crossing_Act provides the first opportunity for the City to initiate the comprehensive studies required to investigate the feasibility of physically removing or rationalizing railway facilities presently located within the city boundaries. Previous attempts by the City Administration to undertake railway relocation studies have been restricted by the lack of cooperation between the principal parties involved or affected. The Railway Relocation Act which requires full co-operation and co-ordination between theaunicipal, provincial, and Federal agencies, ensures that obstacles •encountered in the past will not continue to impede the development of a program of railway relocation studies for Edmonton in the future. Railway relocation and rerouting studies in Edmonton should place a strong emphasis on the socio-economic consequences of implementing a programme of railway relocation or rationalization.
Land released by relocation of the railways should be
considered for all types of land uses and not strictly for use as transportation, corridors.
In addition, the City must not
assume that it will receive disposition of the land made available by railway relocation.
Rather, the City should view its
role as one of regulating and integrating land uses in the affected areas in an attempt to encourage the more efficient and economic utilization of scarce urban land.
Considering the
27 increased pressure for residential, institutional, and commercial land, and the limited potential for expansion of rail terminal and switching facilities in. the city, it is recommended that the City Administration take immediate steps to prepare urban development, transportation, and financial plans required for submission to the Ministry of State for Urban Affairs, the Ministry of Transport and the Canadian Transport Commission.