Public Consultations Set to Address Fort Rouge Derailment Issues

A series of public consultations will be conducted in Winnipeg to address concerns surrounding rail relocation and derailments, following a CN Rail incident on December 28, 2023. The consultations aim to gather community feedback regarding the recent derailment in Fort Rouge, which has raised significant health and safety concerns among local residents.

Community Engagement and Oversight

Leading the initiative is Lloyd Axworthy, who is heading a two-year study on rail relocation in the area. Axworthy emphasized the importance of community input, stating, “We prepared a report for the premier’s office and others about what are the actual sort of rules that can be applied and requirements (of CN) to notify. Let’s find out exactly what is going on and also consult directly with the community.”

The derailment occurred on a CN Rail main line situated between newly constructed condominiums and the Jubilee rapid transit station to the east, with local businesses located nearby along Pembina Highway and Taylor Avenue to the west. Following the incident, area councillor Sherri Rollins has actively called for increased transparency regarding the cleanup efforts.

Health Concerns and Cleanup Efforts

Residents living close to the derailment site reported unpleasant odours, raising alarms about potential health impacts. In response, the Winnipeg School Division evacuated local elementary schools “out of an abundance of caution,” as stated by spokesperson Jillian Recksiedler. Rollins expressed her desire for further oversight from provincial authorities and the Transportation Safety Board, particularly regarding the cleanup process.

In discussions with a CN spokesperson, Rollins learned that cleanup crews were engaged in melting down bitumen at the site, a process that has attracted scrutiny due to the lack of communication from the railway company. “It’s one thing to have a derailment. It’s another thing when that remediation entails a refinery that isn’t permitted,” she remarked.

CN Rail clarified that the cleanup involved transferring undiluted bitumen, a semi-solid form of heavy crude oil, from the derailed cars to facilitate its removal from the scene. The cleanup process was completed on a recent Tuesday afternoon, and the cleaned, empty rail cars are scheduled to be relocated from the rail yard in the coming weeks. According to CN spokesperson Scott Brown, while bitumen does produce a strong odour when warmed, it is not classified as a dangerous good. Brown also confirmed that environmental protection measures, including air-quality monitoring, were implemented during the cleanup, with provincial environment officials informed throughout the process.

The upcoming consultations represent a critical step in addressing community concerns and ensuring that safety measures are adequately enforced. As residents await further updates, local authorities are prioritizing transparency and public engagement in the aftermath of this incident.