POLICY COORDINATING COMMITTEE OF MAYORS. __
IN GREATER VANCOUVER |

600~4330 Kingsway, Burnaby, B.C, V5SH 4G8 (604)432-6376

February 26, 1986

The Honourable A. Fraser - :
Minister of Transportation and Highways ;
Province of British Columbia
Parliament Buildings
VICTORIA, B.C. V8V 1x4

Dear Mr. Minister

Re: Transportation of Dangerous Goods by Rail through Greater i
Vancouver

As you know, the Mayors and Councils of Greater Vancouver have been
seeking improved safety in the movement of dangerous goods in our area _ i
for some time. The recent accident in Fort Langley~has’ again brought ~
to public attention the continuing danger to densely populated areas
of accidents involving the movement of dangerous goods by rail and is
further justification of the need for appropriate routing plans, :

operations and emergency response plans in this and adjacent areas of
the Lower Mainland.

As Mayors, we have taken the opportunity at the Hearings of the
Canadian Transport Commission/Railway Transport Committee to press our
views for a long term plan. The proposed hearing on March 3, 1986 has

scheduled time for consideration of that topic. A cory of our brief
is enclosed.

a Specifically, we are requesting leadership by yourself and the federal ;
pe Minister of Transport to ensure that a process is established which :
ee we will put in place a workable plan in 15 months. Since your Ministry
ae . is responsible for provincially incorporated railways and highways,
a and for the coordination with other Ministries such as Environment,
Health, and Municipal Affairs, your Ministry's involvement is key to
the success of such an endeavour.

I trust that you will work out, the appropriate roles for your Ministry

and for federal involvement with your colleague the Federal Minister
cf Transport. We have also written to him to seek his Ministry's
active participation.

+ee/2

26

Village of Belcarra, District of Burnaby, District of Coquitiam, Corporation of Delta, City of New Westminster,
City of North Vancouver, District of North Vancouver, City of Port Coquitlam, Clty of Port Moody, Township of Richmond
District of Surrey, City of Vancouver, District of West Vancouver, City of White Rock.