Montreal incorporates property development guidelines into long-term plan, RAC says

The city of Montreal has become the first major urban area in Canada to adopt new guidelines for developing properties near rail operations into a long-term development plan, according to the Railway Association of Canada (RAC).

"Guidelines for New Development in Proximity to Railway Operations" were developed by the RAC and Federation of Canadian Municipalities as part of a joint initiative to address railway-community issues concerning noise, vibration and safety.

"We're very pleased to see the proximity guidelines included in Montreal's long-term vision. Ultimately, this will provide for safer, more livable conditions for Montrealers moving forward," said Sean Finn, the initiative's co-chair, in a press release.

On Jan. 29, the Montreal Agglomeration Council — which represents the city and 15 other independent cities on the island of Montreal — approved the development plan, which will steer the city's development and land use planning over the next 10 years. The plan also identifies requirements — such as setback distances and vibration thresholds — that must be met if sensitive land uses are proposed adjacent to a main rail line or yard.

The province of Quebec and Montreal Metropolitan Community will review the updated plan before the cities in the agglomeration update their respective urban plans.