Rail Safety Week 2026
Every year, Operation Lifesaver Canada leads Rail Safety Week to raise awareness, inspire action, and help prevent railway crossing and trespassing incidents across Canada. From September 21 to 27, 2026, we’re inviting Canadians to join the conversation using #RSW26 and help spread the rail safety message.
This year’s campaign features daily themes to help guide activities and conversations throughout the week. Explore the themed calendar below to learn what each day will highlight and discover ways to get involved.
Monday, September 21 — #STOPTrackTragedies
Highlighting the powerful stories behind the #STOPTrackTragedies campaign to encourage Canadians to make safe choices around railway tracks and crossings. Sharing the human impact of rail incidents and reinforcing that every tragedy is preventable.
Tuesday, September 22 — Operation Clear Track
Promoting education and enforcement efforts through Operation Clear Track, reminding everyone that rail safety is a shared responsibility between communities, law enforcement, the rail industry, municipalities, and community organizations working together to keep people safe.
Wednesday, September 23 — Crossing Safety: Look. Listen. Live.
Focusing on safe behaviour at railway crossings through Look. Listen. Live. and engaging youth with Railway Safety Heroes, helping Canadians of all ages recognize and respond safely around tracks and trains.
Thursday, September 24 — Building a Culture of Rail Safety
Celebrating the volunteers, educators, community partners, municipalities, and leaders who are helping build a stronger culture of rail safety across Canada, including the announcement of the Roger Cyr Award recipients. Highlighting collaborative efforts to reach vulnerable populations and improve safety in communities near railways.
Friday, September 25 — You’re Not Alone: Mental Health, Suicide Prevention & Community Support
Highlighting the Today is Better campaign and reminding Canadians that support is available through the 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline. Raising awareness about mental health, suicide prevention, and the importance of community partnerships that support vulnerable individuals—including those experiencing homelessness—to help prevent tragedies on or near railway property.
Saturday, September 26 — Trespass Prevention
Educating Canadians about the dangers of walking, playing, or taking shortcuts on railway property while recognizing that people may access rail corridors for many reasons. Promoting compassionate, evidence-based approaches to trespass prevention through education, outreach, infrastructure improvements, and partnerships that help keep everyone safe.
Sunday, September 27 — No Photo, Video, or Selfie Is Worth the Risk
Raising awareness about the dangers of taking photos or videos on or near railway tracks and encouraging Canadians to capture memories safely—never from railway property.
Celebrating Our Champions
Volunteers and community partners are at the heart of our mission — the Roger Cyr Awards are a way to say ‘thank you'.
Named in memory of Roger Cyr, a passionate rail safety advocate and Operation Lifesaver Canada’s founder, the Roger Cyr Award recognizes outstanding contributions to rail safety education and outreach.Â
Deadline for nominations is July 26, 2026.
Hosting a Rail Safety Week Event?
Planning a community event, school presentation, media activity, Operation Clear Track initiative, proclamation, or other Rail Safety Week activity? We’d love to hear about it.
Share your event with us, and we’ll add it to the official Rail Safety Week 2026 Events Calendar so Canadians can see what’s happening across the country.
After submitting your event, be sure to share photos and updates on social media using #RSW26 so we can celebrate your efforts and help amplify your impact.
See the full schedule of events
- To be announced
- All Day – Operation Clear Track
- More to be announced
- To be announced
- 9AM EST – Roger Cyr Award Winners Announcement
- Stay tuned to Operation Lifesaver social media accounts for more!
- More to be announced
- To be announced
- To be announced
- To be announced
Social Media Toolkit
Looking for ready-to-use graphics, messaging, and campaign resources? Our Rail Safety Week 2026 Social Media Toolkit will be available in the coming weeks to help you participate and amplify the campaign.
Check back soon for downloadable assets and campaign materials.
Together, we can build a stronger culture of rail safety. Join the conversation and share how you’re participating in #RSW26.
