New policy allows residents to petition against train whistles
A new train noise policy is now in place as County councillors laid the groundwork for concerned residents wanting to ban whistle blowing near their homes.
The Locomotive Whistle Cessation Policy was adopted Jan. 24 and now allows landowners the right to begin a process to annul the loud noise.
Although the policy was approved, council didn’t hesitate to sound off with some lighthearted humour.
“Can we also make a bylaw asking birds to stop singing?” said Councillor Lois Habberfield.
“I think the guy that pulls the chain just like to hear it,” said Councillor Earl Solberg.
Reeve Rolly Ashdown contended the whistling is simply not needed all the time.
“Being a person who has constituents where they honk their horns, it’s not necessary,” he said. “There’s X’s, fences and red lights.”
Councillor Greg Boehlke said the policy would add to the County’s responsibilities.
“It actually puts the onus back to the municipality to maintain the crossings,” he said.
“You have to have the safety mechanisms in place to let people know the train is coming.”
Deputy Reeve Margaret Bacheli said she hears the train near the Bow River nearly every night from her Elbow Valley home, insinuating it’s annoying and unneeded.
Councillor Kim Magnuson inquired as to how much it would cost to equip road crossing with proper safety equipment in order to void the train whistle.
According to Jorie McKenzie, project delivery supervisor, it could cost “in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.”
To view the new policy, visit www.rockyview.ca
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