CN Rail 2022 Vegetation removal program underway across Northwest

CN Rail has outlined how their 2021 Vegetation removal program
will take place over the next five months

One sign that Spring may be just around the corner, is the launch of the Annual vegetation management program along the CN Rail line between Prince Rupert and Prince George, with the national railway launching its management work in April, with completion anticipated by October.

So far there is no definitive dates listed for the work in specific areas of the Northwest other than the six month window that CN has outlined, along with a link to access further notes as the program moves forward. 

In a notice on the CN Website, CN outlines the scope of the work that they plan to embark on this  Spring and Summer:

CN is required to clear its right-of-way from any vegetation that may pose a safety hazard. Part II of the Rules Respecting Track Safety adopted by Transport Canada provide that “vegetation on railway property, which is on or immediately adjacent to roadbed, must be controlled.” Vegetation on railway right-of-way, if left uncontrolled, can contribute to trackside fires, reductions in visibility at road crossings, damage to integrity of the railway roadbed and impair proper inspection of track infrastructure. 

As such, for safe railway operations, the annual vegetation control program will be carried out on CN rail lines. Certified applicators will be applying herbicides on and around the railway tracks, mainly the graveled area known as the ballast, but also on other areas of the right of way where necessary for safety purposes. All product requirements for setbacks in the vicinity of dwellings, aquatic environments and municipal water supplies will be observed.

The notice also includes a Frequently Asked Questions portion to address some of the elements of the program ahead.

CN's vegetation program has made for some controversy in the past, with area environmental groups expressing concerns about the implementation of the program and impact in the Northwest.

In September of 2021, the Railway was assessed a 2.5 million dollar fine for a 2017 spraying program on the rail corridor between Prince Rupert and Terrace.

June 2018 -- Concerns of Environmental groups for CN Vegetation plan gain increased media attention across the Northwest
November 2017 -- Province continues investigation into CN Rail spraying program of fall
October 2017 -- CN Rail facing question following NW fall vegetation control program

More notes on CN Operations across the Northwest can be found from our archive page.