The activation of the Last Mountain Railway in the northwest communities of Regina poses serious threats to our quality of life, health and safety. We will experience the repercussions of integrating frequent, long, and slow-moving freight trains within our densely populated, prairie neighborhoods.

The persistent sounds of train engines and screeching wheels, as well as chronic low air quality from harmful particulate matter and nitrogen oxides coming from diesel engines and idling vehicles, will significantly degrade our living environment. Structural damage to homes, a rise in health hazards, and an overall disruption to our sense of community will arise. For us, this isn't just about inconvenience; it's about the drastic changes in our day-to-day lives and the well-being of our families.

Safety is compromised as low-speed, long trains increase the number of blocked major road intersections for extended periods, hindering daily activities, work commutes and crucially, the access of emergency vehicles and school transportation. All the major roads and walkways  in our northwest communities will be impeded at various and unpredictable times from 1st Avenue North, Sherwood Drive, 9th Avenue (Ring Road), Rink Avenue., Dalgliesh Drive, Rochdale Boulevard, Whelan Drive and Gilmore Drive. There may be multiple intersections blocked at the same time with some trains having 50 railcars. We simply do not have the road and pedestrian infrastructure to handle the volume of traffic congestion that is going to occur and safety concerns it will have for our children walking to school. With the expansion of communities west of Dorothy Street,  the additional commuter traffic off of the new Bypass to 9th Avenue, and the proposed development of Cooperstown, there is no room for freight train transport. Plus this track runs through some of our cherished cycling and pedestrian pathways and parks. This is not safe nor enjoyable for our families to have trains running through them. 

The associated noise and vibration disturbances aren't just a minor annoyance—they will be constant and severe with 2 to 3 trains per week, with 20-50 railcars and frequency increasing to more than this with demand. This will reduce our property values, making our homes difficult to sell and making it challenging for residents to maintain a peaceful home life. According to the World Health Organization, prolonged exposure to high noise levels can lead to increased stress, sleep disturbances, and even cardiovascular diseases.

Our diverse and vibrant communities of northwest Regina deserve better. We want to ensure that the valuable input of those directly affected is considered and prioritized. We call upon the City of Regina, our local government, railway authorities, and urban planners to assess and create an alternate route for the freight trains that will pass through the residential zones of northwest Regina. We want economic growth for our province but not at the cost of our lives and well being. Mobil Grain and Last Mountain Rail are not Saskatchewan nor Canadian owned as they were acquired by GCM Grosvenor which is a NASDAQ global investment firm based out of Chicago, Illinois. Global investment firms are increasingly focusing on rail infrastructure for its predictable cash flows but often prioritize shareholder returns over the concerns of local communities. They have a 20 year deal with AGT Foods and we do not want 20 years of trains in our communities, especially when they are going to increase the frequency as they see fit.

This isn't just about preserving our neighborhoods and communities; it’s about striving for a healthier, safer, and more thoughtful approach to urban planning in Regina. Please join us in opposing the activation of the Last Mountain Railway and demanding practical solutions that protect our communities. Sign this petition to safeguard the health, safety, and quality of life for all residents in northwest Regina.