2009

23 September 2009 CP Local Employees Making Efforts Golden British Columbia - Letter to the Editor.   In response to the opinion letter, "Living on the CPR Fault Line" (17 Aug 2009), CP would like to touch on the numerous efforts made by our 200 Golden-based employees to address noise and rail operations concerns, and to enhance the quality of community life.   CP has called Golden home since 1894. We are a heavy industrial company moving North America's economy 24/7, with commitments to customers, other carriers, and communities. As is inherent with any large industry, noise and vibration can occur any time of the day and night. For this reason, CP has proactive community outreach programs such as our toll free community connect line and a community relations team that liaises directly with town administrators to seek mutually acceptable solutions. We are proud that this link to communities exists to help inform residents about railway operating practices or help manage any issues that may arise.   Although Mr. Garbutts has stated that CP has failed to fulfill its obligation and duty to mitigate excessive yard noise, we disagree. When the current yard was being designed in 1987, the people of Golden were given the opportunity to have a sound berm erected. At that time they chose not to pursue noise mitigation measures, as they felt that their view of the Dog Tooth mountain range would be compromised by the construction of a sound berm. While Mr. Garbutts' home is now in closer proximity to rail operations, it is important to be aware we have taken active steps to respond to community concems, and have made considerable changes to our daily operations in the Golden yard. Actions include changing shift times, decreasing the switching of cars at night, and reducing the wait time for pairing locomotive with their trains, which in turn reduces idling. Trains are now staged in a location further to the south to help reduce the amount of noise associated with idling locomotives.   Additionally, rail cars waiting further disposition are placed in tracks to enable them to act as a sound berm. On the whistle cessation, CP worked with the community to obtain the required approvals to remove the whistle order on our main track, (now whistling only when dealing with safety concerns such as trespasser issues) and we have also relocated our safety horn testing site. Moreover, these changes have been fully supported by CP employees who are proud of their efforts and were disappointed to read Mr. Garbutts' letter. These same employees are local tax payers, volunteers, and ensure that Golden benefits from successful charitable programs like United Way campaigns and the annual Holiday Train.   We value our relationship with the Town of Golden and will continue to work with the community while ensuring the safety of the public, our employees, and the rail network.   Dan Sewell - Service Area Manger, British Columbia Interior Field Operations Canadian Pacific.

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