Who is required to obtain an operating certificate?
Under section 10(1)(b) of the Railway (Alberta) Act – RSA 2000 cR-4 and Alberta Regulations AR 177/2002, all Public, Heritage and Industrial railways must apply for and receive operating authority from the Railway Administrator before commencing operations.
Definitions
"Heritage railway" means a railway "
(i) that is operated wholly within the confines of a historical or similar park or site, or
(ii) that is operated wholly or in part outside the confines of a historical or similar park or site, for the sole purpose of providing rides to individuals on rolling stock and is not operated for the purposes of transporting goods or commodities for a toll or a fee or of being a common carrier;
"Industrial railway" means a railway
(i) that transports only goods or commodities that are manufactured, refined or otherwise produced, processed or handled by the person who operates the railway or on whose behalf the railway is operated, and
(ii) is operated wholly or in part within the confines of the industrial site on which goods or commodities are manufactured, refined or otherwise produced, processed or handled, and is not operated for the purposes of transporting goods or commodities for a toll or a fee or of being a common carrier;
"Public railway" means a railway that is operated for the purposes of transporting individuals, goods and commodities or any one or more of them for a toll or fee, but does not include, unless otherwise ordered by the Board:
(i) an Heritage railway, or
(ii) an industrial railway.
Where can I find a copy of the act(s)?
You can download a copy of the Railway (Alberta) Act and Railway Regulations .
Are there any fees for the operating certificate?
No - there are no fees associated with an application and the operating certificate.
How long is the certificate valid for?
The operating certificate is valid for three years.
How can I apply for a Railway Operating Approval?
Industrial Railway Application (pdf 540kb)
If I have questions who do I contact?