28 January 2009
EZT Trying to Blow the Whistle on Ban
Blandford-Blenheim township is seeking a
no-whistle zone around a crossing in Innerkip.
Innerkip Ontario - A whistle ban at railway crossings in
the village could be a possibility if someone other than the township wants to pay for it, East Zorra-Tavistock Township
council recently decided.
While agreeing the whistle noise is "an inconvenience" that has sparked occasional complaints, CAO Jeff Carswell said he is
concerned about the cost and time to implement such a ban.
"Given everything else that is going on in the township we really don't have the resources or the funding to do this,"
Carswell said, but added they are not opposed to the idea.
To qualify for a whistle ban at the three area rail crossings, about $225,000 in upgrades would be needed for each.
Rick Poznikoff, manager of community relations at Canadian Pacific Railway, said the public crossings would require flashing lights,
bells, and gates in order to facilitate the implementation of a whistle cessation.
Given the current train speeds and warning systems, the Innerkip "crossings would not qualify for a whistle cessation
program," Poznikoff said.
Trains traveling those tracks reach speeds of about 88 km/h to 96 km/hr.
The possibility of a whistle ban came up in December during a presentation from a developer on a proposed new subdivision in the
village.
Earlier this month, Innerkip-area Couns. Jeremy Smith and Don MacDonald moved that council support the ban, but said all
costs and work associated with it would be borne by others except for ongoing maintenance and liability.
They suggested the subdivision developer, Canadian Pacific Railway, and/or others could assume the project.
"If the developer wants to take that on as a project we will support it... we won't stand in their way," Carswell said.
None of the crossings are part of the subdivision plan, but are "really close," said Carswell.
An application for the subdivision has been submitted to the County of Oxford, but no public meetings have been scheduled.
Poznikoff said there is the possibility of applying to Transport Canada for public grade crossing safety initiatives.
But he said Transport Canada would not approve the funding for these crossings if the request is solely for a whistle cessation.
Carswell said the George Street crossing is the only one that may qualify for safety upgrades, as it is the only crossing with just
signs, no lights.
The township would have to cover the cost for a safety assessment and insurance requirements if the crossing did
qualify.
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