Obtain an operating permit for a railway

When a railway car is moved on provincial land, it is subject to the Railway Act and Railway Safety Act of British Columbia. Technical Safety BC administers railway safety legislation by agreement on behalf of the BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MoTI).

Companies with operations that move railway equipment are required under provincial legislation to become certified railways (railways operating under the Canada Marine Act or Mines Act of BC are exempt). Failure to certify as a railway so may lead to actions and penalties as described within provincial railway legislation.

Follow the steps below to certify as a provincial railway and obtain a railway operating permit.

1) Apply for a Railway Minister’s Certificate 

Contact railway@technicalsafetybc.ca to begin the application process. A Railway Safety Officer will be assigned to your file and will work with you to ensure your application is complete and correct.

1a) Complete the application for a Railway Minister’s Certificate and submit to Technical Safety BC.

1b) Each applicant will be invoiced the required application fee.

Technical Safety BC will assist in the process by reviewing the application for compliance and will make recommendation to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure for approval and issuance of the Railway Minister’s Certificate. 

2) Submit a Railway Safety Management System

Once a Railway Minister’s Certificate has been issued, the railway must develop a Railway Safety Management System (SMS) specific to its railway operation. Technical Safety BC will assist in the process by reviewing the Safety Management System for compliance and will make recommendation for its acceptance by the Minister.

3) Apply for a Railway Operating Permit 

Once a railway has received a Railway Minister’s Certificate and has an approved Safety Management System, Technical Safety BC will recommend to the provincial Registrar of Railway Safety that an Operating Permit be issued to the railway. 

Once the railway has been issued a Railway Minister’s Certificate and an Operating Permit, it becomes subject to regulatory oversight by Technical Safety BC's Railway Safety Program and is subject to all legislation and associated fees.