Transport Canada has opened two funding streams under the Rail Safety Improvement Program (RSIP), offering opportunities for rural municipalities to advance rail safety through education, infrastructure upgrades, technology pilots, and research. Both streams are now accepting proposals, with separate deadlines and requirements. Municipalities, Indigenous governments, provinces, Crown corporations, nonprofits, for‑profits, and academia are eligible to apply. Eligible expenses include staff time, communications materials, travel, facility rentals, and other direct project costs.
Under the Education and Awareness stream, Transport Canada is seeking applications for projects focused exclusively on trespassing prevention, the program’s top priority due to rising year-over-year injuries and fatalities. Up to $3 million is available under this stream from 2026 to 2029, and up to 50% of eligible costs can be reimbursed. Projects must aim to discourage or prevent trespassing and be supported by evidence identifying contributing factors, high‑risk groups, hotspots, or problem locations.
Municipal projects that could be eligible include signage, communications campaigns, outreach initiatives, and other education‑focused activities that directly address trespassing risks. The deadline for proposals under this stream is August 21, 2026 at 11:59 PM. For more information on the Education and Awareness stream, members can review Transport Canada’s applicant guide.
Under the Infrastructure, Technology, and Research (ITR) stream, Transport Canada is making up to $52.7 million available from 2026 to 2029 to support projects that improve safety at high‑risk grade crossings and along rail lines through infrastructure upgrades, technology implementation, and research. 50% to 80% of eligible project expenses can be reimbursed, up to $10 million per fiscal year. Selected projects must clearly describe the safety issue, risk level, proposed solution, and consultations with rail companies, road authorities, Indigenous communities, and private landowners.
Eligible municipal projects for the ITR stream include grade crossing closures, infrastructure upgrades at crossings or along rail lines, and technology pilots and research studies that enhance rail safety. The deadline to apply for funding under the ITR stream is September 4, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
For more information on the Infrastructure, Technology, and Research stream, members can review Transport Canada’s applicant guides specific to each project type:
RMA encourages members to review both calls closely and consider whether local rail safety issues may be eligible for funding. These programs represent substantial federal investment in rail safety, and rural municipal participation will be essential to ensuring local needs are addressed.
For more information, contact RMA’s Policy and Advocacy team at advocacy@rmalberta.com or 825.319.2383.