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The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and Railway Association of Canada (RAC) recently agreed to extend a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that addresses noise, vibration, safety and other issues for an open-ended term. The parties also agreed to review the agreement every two years.

FCM and RAC originally signed the MOU in May 2003. Three joint committees continue to seek ways to develop new techniques for mitigating noise and vibrations, enhancing public safety around railway operations and improving municipal planning.

RAC, which represents the interests of 55 freight and passenger railroads, and FCM maintain a database and Web site at www.proximityissues.ca to provide information on rail proximity complaints and municipal/railway contacts.

"It is in everyone's interest to negotiate appropriate relationships between railways, cities and communities, to plan ahead and resolve problems before they occur, and to develop mechanisms for resolving unanticipated issues," said Jean Perrault, president of FCM — which represents the interests of more than 1,775 municipalities — in a prepared statement.