Montreal Quebec - Canadian Pacific trains are speeding up and the majority of Beaconsfield councillors are angry about the acceleration.
 
During Monday's council meeting, Mayor Georges Bourelle said the city has no "legal power to oppose the change" but that it was important for the city to make a statement opposing train speed being increased from 50 mils per hour to 60 mph.
 
Railways work in miles per hour.
 
In kilometres, the 20 percent increase is 80 km/h to 96 km/h.
 
In the wake of the 2013 Lake Megantic rail disaster that left 47 people dead, both Canadian National and Canadian Pacific reduced their speed limits to 35 mph in highly populated areas.
 
Last August, Transport Canada (TC) placed a 40 mph speed limit on freight trains carrying dangerous goods within highly populated areas.
 
But on 31 May 2016 Canadian Pacific contacted Beaconsfield to say the speed limit would be increased.
 
Beaconsfield's statement was read during the council meeting.
 
It said the acceleration would increase noise levels and increase the potential for deadly accidents.
 
More than 30 trains pass through Beaconsfield every day.
 
The statement said the decision was "not responsible or well-advised on the part of CP administrators" and that Beaconsfield "must denounce and oppose these decisions. This is a matter of community safety, not corporate profit."
 
Beaconsfield councillor Pierre Demers (District 4) did not vote for the statement to be released.
 
"I don't like voting for feel-good resolutions and that's what this is," Demers said.
 
"CP is increasing the speed limit because it is introducing a more advanced technology that co-ordinates the bells, flashing lights, and rail-crossing barriers, and that can accommodate a faster train."
 
Demers said noise would be increased by 3 decibels.
 
"According to my research, a 3 decibel increase in sound is barely perceptible to the human ear," he said.
 
"Canadian Pacific spokesman Salem Woodrow said trains carrying dangerous goods will continue to adhere to the 40 mph speed limit. All others trains will adopt the new speed limit."
 
Kathryn Greenaway.