JASON SETNYK
Cornwall City Council will gather more information before deciding whether to pursue train whistle cessation at several railway crossings in the city.
At a recent meeting, council considered a resolution asking the City to petition Canadian National Railway (CN) and VIA Rail to prohibit train whistles at four crossings: Boundary Road, Nick Kaneb Drive, Tollgate Road West, and Power Dam Drive.
Whistles are required under Canadian Rail Operating Rules as a safety measure to warn motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians when trains approach crossings. However, the resolution also recognized that whistles can be disruptive for residents living nearby and that Transport Canada has a process for municipalities seeking whistle cessation.
Councillor Denis Sabourin, who brought the motion forward, said the issue has been raised by residents seeking relief from train noise. “This was an issue that was brought before city council about 10 years ago. It wasn’t accepted at the time. There was substantial opposition to it with a petition with about 250 signatures, but things have progressed within the rail industry over the past number of years,” he said. Sabourin said other communities have moved forward with whistle cessation, including Brockville. Sabourin emphasized that the resolution was meant to start a conversation, not immediately eliminate whistles.
“What I’m asking here is that basically the city enter into conversations with the rail companies to see if there is a possibility of seeing whistle cessation,” he said. “Those that feel they don’t have that Johnny Cash moment where they hear the lonesome whistle blowing and hang their head and cry, they’ll actually have a good night’s sleep out of it.”
However, Councillor Elaine MacDonald requested that the motion be deferred until council receives additional information about safety conditions along the railway corridor. She said that while the identified crossings have physical barriers, other areas along the railway corridor may rely on train whistles as an important warning. “You can’t go through without breaking the barrier, but the whole rest of the expanse of the CN rail across the city is unprotected by anything except the whistle,” she said. MacDonald asked for a clearer picture of where fences, berms, and other barriers currently exist along the CN rail corridor before a final decision is made.
Councillor Carilyne Hébert said she was initially prepared to vote against the motion because of safety concerns, but supported gathering more information first. “This is a safety concern for me,” said Hébert. “We can’t really control where kids are running around either, so they can be anywhere, not at roads where there is, of course, the physical barrier.”
Councillor Sarah Good also supported deferring the matter, saying more information would be useful before requesting changes. “I don’t feel strongly about this one way or the other,” said Good. “Obviously, it’s a safety thing for me. I actually enjoy the sound of the train whistle. I find there’s a nostalgic quality to it.” Good said while she personally has not found train whistles disruptive, she understands other residents may have different experiences.
Councillor Fred Ngoundjo said he was open to supporting the original motion but agreed that questions about safety and potential costs should be addressed. “I think it’s smart to get all the information before getting into this,” said Ngoundjo. “A lot of residents are complaining about these train whistles, and my understanding of the motion is to allow the city and the train companies to sit around the table and have a deep discussion.”
Sabourin questioned whether delaying the process was necessary, noting that discussions with railway companies would likely identify any requirements. “I think it’s important to enter into the conversation with the rail companies with regards to what is required to address the matter of whistle cessation,” he said.
The motion would not remove the ability for trains to use whistles during emergencies or situations required under the Railway Safety Act.
Council voted in favour of deferring the motion. Staff are expected to provide additional information, including mapping of the CN rail corridor and details about existing barriers and protections, before the issue returns for further discussion.
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