The CP rail tracks, often bearing dangerous crude oil, run alarmingly close to the Casa Loma campus. Photo: Tina Todaro/The Dialog
Explosive crude oil being transported through the railway tracks in Toronto might pose a serious concern to the public residing in the vicinity.
One such railway track runs right beside the Casa Loma campus at George Brown College (GBC).
“A lot of people are not aware of how much crude oil is being transported through their area,” said Josh Matlow, Ward 22 counsellor in Toronto.
Matlow, who wants trains to be diverted to avoid heavily populated areas of Toronto, stresses that Canadian Pacific Railway (CP) never conveyed crude oil information to the public who he says have a right to know what’s being transported so close to their homes.
On April 1, city council adopted a motion by Matlow which requested the government of Canada to require that freight rail owners inform municipalities of the volume and frequency of potentially hazardous materials travelling through the city boundaries, the specific material type, and that this information be made readily available to the public.
Stemming from the rail tragedy last year, when a train carrying petroleum crude oil derailed in Lac-Mégantic, Quebec, causing a deadly explosion and fire, Matlow and team of local politicians and community members are cracking down on the issue saying, “the public has a right to know.”
According to a report by Transportation Safety Board of Canada, the number of trains carrying shipments of crude oil has increased dramatically from 500 car loads in 2009 to 160,000 car loads in 2013.
Stacey Andrews, manager of public safety and security at Casa Loma campus, said “If there was a train derailment, it depends on what was on that train, we had be working closely with CN Rail and we currently have communications with the railway.”
Student Association Casa Loma campus director Nick Kiriakou believes that although the chances of a train derailment are slim, students should be aware of possible danger associated with the transportation of crude oil close to the campus.
Students at the Casa Loma campus should be vigilant of procedures put in place to ensure their safety. They are encouraged to read the documents and flyers on lockdowns, emergency and evacuation procedures available in campus as well as on college’s website.
