INNISFAIL – The town finally has train whistle cessation in place but early public opinion is already split whether it’s a good thing the annoying noise is leaving, or a troublesome development that could lead to a disastrous accident, especially since the long sought after controlled pedestrian crossing won’t be built until at least this fall.
The town issued a notice on its Facebook page last week to announce whistle cessation at four local crossings, and that final work was ongoing at two others. The announcement generated passionate responses.
“I don't understand why you wouldn't keep the whistle at least (at) the 42 Street crossing. This has to be the busiest crossing in town, and so many children have to walk to and from school at this crossing, and just north of it,” said one citizen on the town’s Facebook page.
“The northbound trains blow their whistle literally right behind my house, and while it can be annoying, especially at night, I would much rather have to continue to deal with the noisy whistle than have even one person badly hurt or killed at this crossing!”
Others, however, were pleased to read the noisy train horns were becoming a nuisance of the past.
“Bravo Town of Innisfail. We have lived here since 1997 and in the summertime it’s hard to talk outside when those monsters start blowing,” said an Innisfail resident.
“I know people like the sound when they’re far enough away but not pleasing when you live a little closer. Definitely a good move for our town.”
Town council was told at its June 7th Agenda & Priorities meeting that train whistle cessation would begin in town late last week at most of the town’s rail crossings, which include 44 Avenue, 49 Avenue, 50 Street and 42 Street.
However, whistles, or horns, will still be blowing at the Highway 54 and 42 Avenue crossings until at least September or October.
Council was told Alberta Transportation still has work to do at the Highway 54 crossing while CP won’t complete construction at 42 Avenue before September or October.
“I kind of wonder about whistle cessation before we get that crossing in,” said Mayor Jim Romane at the June 7th council meeting. “We (should) make it known to the school system that we have to be a lot more ultimately aware of the presence of the trains and whistle cessation.”
Council was told last April by staff the town was advised by CP that construction on the controlled pedestrian crossing, which will include fencing to block attempts to cross tracks at uncontrolled areas like White Rock Crossing, will start in October.
In the meantime, the town said on its social media post it’s encouraging the public to use caution when utilizing rail crossings. The post added the town is in the final stages of installing permanent signage to remind residents to be cautious when using the crossings.
Temporary signs are currently in place, including one at the unregulated and controversial White Rock Crossing near the Innisfail Schools Campus where reported incidents of “playing chicken with trains” shocked the community two years ago.
Romane told The Albertan on June 11 he remains concerned about safety but noted mitigating measures are being taken.
“I am a little concerned but there is going to be extra signage up and we will run some education at the school, and just trying to get some awareness. CPR did not have a problem with it,” said Romane.
“There’s always a threat, an element of liability. They shouldn’t have been crossing there (White Rock Crossing) in the first place. We have to try and be rationale.
"People are always going to question and that’s why I don’t respond too much to social media because they do tend to be very opinionated. People are going to have to accept some responsibility too.”
Earlier this year the town committed to spending $75,000 to end train whistle cessation and another $450,000 for the pedestrian crossing, along with an additional $150,000 to complete a paved trail to the site, located between 47 Street and 54 Avenue.
Town council was also told by staff that CP Rail is applying for a federal Transport Canada grant to cover 50 per cent of the cost of both projects.
