Wildlife on the Rail Corridor
To address concerns of wildlife in the rail corridor, the fence was designed and installed at 6 feet in height, which can be jumped by both deer and moose. The recommend minimum height to keep moose or deer confined or excluded is noted as 8-9 feet in the Alberta agriculture and Parks Canada guidelines.
The tops of the chain link have been bent over to make them smoother and less damaging to an ungulates’ belly should they jump over the fence. The fence has also been installed level instead of following the changes in the ground elevation, allowing for small mammal passage underneath.
The City collaborates with CN on rail safety programing and operations. Safety measures such as visual and audio warning systems, to clear driver and pedestrian signage have been installed to inform and encourage safe road user behaviour.
Further questions or concerns on transportation safety or rail operations in St. Albert may be forward to trafficsafety@stalbert.ca
Background: The rail line fencing in St. Albert was installed to minimize and deter trespassing along the rail corridor. The project was funded 50% by the Federal Rail Safety Improvement Program (RSIP). The fence is installed at the property line of the rail corridor right of way and is not immediately adjacent to the actual rail line. This spacing typically leaves a minimum of 5 m or greater between the fence and rail line, to which ample spacing is available for animals to maneuver and not be in direct conflict with the rail line.Related Pages
Last edited: November 16, 2023