Saskatoon mayor talks rail safety, housing in Ottawa

Rail safety and housing were the two topics on Saskatoon Mayor Don Atchison's mind as he attended the Big City Mayors' Caucus in Ottawa.

"It's about the safety of residents in the community, and making sure the trains take the safest route possible to get through a community," Atchison said.

The mayors are still pressing for answers from the federal government and the railways regarding the safety of Dot-111 tank cars, the model that exploded in Lac-Mégantic.

"Both national railways need to understand that there's a major concern from the 22 largest cities of Canada, and that they're looking for results," Atchison said.

He says he hopes the railways will meet with the group of mayors when they gather again in May.

The mayors had some face-time Wednesday with the federal Minister of State for Social Development, Candice Bergen, to discuss money for housing.

"They have been committed to about $1.7 billion a year across Canada for housing, and it's still there right now. But one thing for sure is we want to make sure that they have the opportunity to participate still with the cities into the future," Atchison said.

He noted the current federal programming is due to expire in the next few years, and the mayors are looking for a continuation.