Name of transfer payment program: Grade Crossing Improvement Program and Grade Crossing Closure Program approved under the Railway Safety Act
Start date: January 1, 1989
End date: No end date
Description: Payments made to railway companies and municipalities to improve safety at public road-railway grade crossings.
Strategic outcome: A safe transportation system
Results Achieved: In 2013-14, 460 of 523 approved Grade Crossing Improvement Program projects were completed. Twenty-nine projects are on track for completion in fiscal year 2014-15. Thirty-four projects were not completed by the recipients due to operational reasons (e.g., ineligible costs, crossings or subdivisions decommissioned or sold, alternate project plans).
| 2011-12 Actual spending | 2012-13 Actual spending | 2013-14 Planned spending | 2013-14 Total authorities | 2013-14 Actual spending | Variance | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 0.2 |
| Total contributions | 8.5 | 11.9 | 10.9 | 10.3 | 7.1 | 3.8 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Total program | 8.5 | 11.9 | 11.2 | 10.6 | 7.2 | 4.0 |
Comments on variance: The variance of $4.0 million between planned and actual spending for 2013-14 is primarily due to the difference between estimated and actual project costs. Project scheduling allows railways to save costs in some cases (completing nearby projects in tandem, ordering pre-assembled parts, etc.). There were also several projects delayed or rescheduled to fiscal year 2014-15 because of project or schedule complications, and this did not allow the Department time to move other projects forward.
Audits completed or planned: not applicable
Evaluation completed or planned: Grade Crossing Improvement Program 2014-15; Grade Crossing Closure Program 2013-2014.
Engagement of applicants and recipients:
- Quarterly conference calls with key recipients
- Transport Canada's website
- Rail Safety Program Outreach activities