OFA wrote Transport Canada Minister Pablo Rodriguez to express deep concern that railways are insisting that farmers sign new agreements related to their existing private railway crossings. These crossings are crucial for Ontario farmers to access their fields and pastures. OFA is aware of situations where railway companies are demanding that farmers sign new private crossing agreements, transferring the associated costs and responsibilities onto farmers.

As railway companies fall under federal regulation, the OFA seeks the Minister’s assistance in urging these companies to honor their pre-established obligations for maintaining private railway crossings. Furthermore, OFA asks the Minister to dissuade railway companies from making revisions to existing private crossing arrangements in their favour.

OFA’s request is substantiated by a resolution (#23-10-01) passed by OFA’s Board of Directors on October 20, 2023, supporting the position that federal-regulated railway companies should not impose new agreements on landowners where existing private crossings are in place.