Community Safety Train Was a Success

Friday September 9, 2005 was a special day on the Lakeland & Waterways Railway (LWR). As part of the celebration of Alberta’s Centennial, the LWR operated a “community safety train” from Edmonton to Radway, Alberta – providing more than 300 students and teachers from local schools with an opportunity to learn about Operation Lifesaver and other railway safety initiatives.

“Our goal was to promote to our younger guests a better understanding of what the railway industry does, and most importantly our desire that they remain safe around railway tracks,” said Tim Husel, General Manager of the LWR. “We had a great response from all involved, and if one person who attended now thinks twice about trespassing or racing a train at a crossing, our efforts will have been successful.”

Through the support of Alberta Prairie Railway Excursions, CN, the Village of Radway, and the Mackenzie Northern Railway, a special five car train was operated.

LWR served the group a light lunch during a stopover at Radway which included a brief Operation Lifesaver presentation and a chance for the group to interact with railway employees and volunteers with Operation Lifesaver. The Operation Lifesaver Educational Vehicle (OLEV), sponsored by OL partners, also attended the event.

LWR organized the event as part of a series of special excursion trains that operated throughout northern Alberta during the first two weekends of September.

The excursions were coordinated by Alberta Prairie Railway Excursions to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Alberta within Confederation, and were well received by the various communities on both LWR and the Mackenzie Northern Railway, said Mr. Husel.