The contentious train whistle debate is sounding alarm once again in Innisfail. Two letters were submitted to council June 11 from Chuck Blanchard citing concerns over the noise produced when the trains come through town.
“It appears to me that if the council and mayor can come up with money for public services such as the fire hall and library and find money for a new main street, they can come up with a way to solve the problem of the CPR crossings,” he wrote.
The issue was first brought up to council last August when Daryl Hillman wrote the town about the loud train horn noise.
He told the Province in September he had been advised CP wants fencing installed between crossings to prevent pedestrian traffic, and if that is done, it will consider a decision to cease blowing the horns.
However, a spokesperson with CP also said in September that the company is required by federal law to sound its whistle at all public grade crossings.
He said CP would help the municipality through the Transport Canada paperwork but said CP cannot guarantee it will change its sound warning system as it moves through the town.
During council June 11 Helen Dietz, chief administrative officer for the town, said she has left a message with CP. She said she would like to arrange a meeting to learn about new regulations and bring everyone up to speed with regards to the train whistle blowing and cessation.
She said a report on each crossing in town was conducted by professional engineers in 2007 and she would like to know if the report, or parts of the report, are still a valid source of information to use in the discussions or if a new report would be required.
“As soon as I can arrange a meeting I will bring him out,” she said.
