Welcome to Sussex – In the Heart of Southern New Brunswick!

Beginning Thursday October 10, 2024 Sussex engineering consultants have mobilized a drill to conduct subsurface assessment and collection of core samples relating to our flood mitigation project planning. 

This geotechnical investigation / work is expected to take approximately two (2) weeks to complete and these activities will provide valuable insight into the geotechnical conditions to assist the engineering consultants with design data to accommodate registration of the Flood Mitigation Project under the Provincial Environmental Impact Assessment legislation and as well as the Federal Impact Assessment legislation.

RSW24 THEME: There is no ‘Undo’ button.

This week, we celebrate Rail Safety Week, an important initiative led by Operation Lifesaver aimed at raising awareness about the hazards associated with railway tracks and trains. As we continue to see incidents of trespassing and accidents at crossings, this campaign serves to educate the public and help prevent tragic events.

Alarming Statistics

Recent statistics reveal a troubling reality: around 2,100 North Americans are injured or killed each year due to unsafe behaviors near railway tracks. This statistic highlights the urgent need for education and awareness regarding rail safety.

So far in 2024 (January-June), an average of 10 Canadians per month have been seriously hurt or killed at crossings, or by trespassing onto federally regulated railways. That’s a 33% increase over the five-year historical average. 

Operation Lifesaver’s Mission

Operation Lifesaver is a national public rail-safety program dedicated to reducing these preventable tragedies. Supported by Transport Canada and the Railway Association of Canada, the organization works diligently to inform Canadians about the dangers associated with rail properties and trains.

Key Safety Messages

Railway safety experts emphasize several key points:

• Always expect a train, as schedules can be unpredictable.
• Never trespass on railway tracks; it is both illegal and extremely dangerous.
• Trains require significant distances to stop, often more than 2 kilometers when traveling at 90 km/h.
• Only cross tracks at designated crossings, adhering to all warning signs and signals.

Industry Collaboration

Major railway companies, including CN Rail, are collaborating with Operation Lifesaver to enhance safety awareness. Chris Day, Interim National Director of Operation Lifesaver Canada, emphasizes that “rail safety is a shared responsibility” and encourages everyone to contribute to the goal of “getting to zero” incidents.

Looking Ahead

As Rail Safety Week progresses, the message remains clear: vigilance and education are essential in preventing accidents. By promoting a culture of safety and awareness, Operation Lifesaver and its partners aim to significantly decrease rail-related accidents and save lives across North America.

The town of Sussex has commissioned two new site-specific murals that will be created this September/October and will remain on public display for 5-10 years. These two new dynamic pieces of art will connect and engage with the community, transforming the sites into vibrant, inviting, and meaningful public places. The town recently passed a Public Art Policy which outlines the inclusive and open process for public art selection, and sees Sussex working closely with AX, the Arts & Culture Centre of Sussex (AX), a charitable non-profit organization that provides accessible, dynamic and inclusive cultural programming for the community.

The two locations chosen for this year’s murals are the Sussex Regional Library and a private residence on Needle Street. These have been selected as priority sites based on Sussex’s commitment to Truth and Reconciliation efforts.

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