After years of negotiations, petitions, and at times frustrating meetings, VLA residents can finally breath a sigh of relief as the last whistle has finally blown.
Last Friday, Sept. 7, the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) approved a resolution banning Canadian Pacific trains from blowing their whistle at the VLA Flatts Rd crossing.
The decision was came after numerous complaints as well as petitions that were presented in 2005 and again in 2009.
In July, the TNRD conducted an investigation to determine whether banning the whistles was an option.
Since this investigation, the Ministry of Transport has now issued orders to cease all non-emergency whistle blowing in that area.
“This resolution will be a tremendous relief to those residents who live along VLA Flats Road,” said Ken Gillis, Electoral Area “L” director.
“Train whistles have been an issue for some time at this crossing and thanks to CP, as well as the federal and provincial ministries attached to this portfolio, the area will be quiet once again.”
To complete the whistle cessation, Section 23.1 of the Railway Safety Act required the TNRD board of directors to pass a resolution which included contacting other partner agencies, and to notify the general public of its intention to pass a resolution forbidding the use of train whistles in the area, except in the case of emergencies.
While this result is seen as a victory for VLA residents, it is only a small step for Chase residents located less than two kilometres down the tracks.
Chase Mayor Ron Anderson, says “We are very pleased that we were able to get the cessation. That said we would like to see the same thing happen here.”
The Village of Chase has confronted the issue numerous times, however, explains Anderson, the curves in the tracks make it difficult.
“In my discussions with CP, they are very willing to work with the village,” he says. “Maybe twin-tracking might be able to solve this problem.”
Chase has seen an increase in the train traffic coming through the village in recent months, making the sound of whistles even more persistent.
Many residents in the area have argued for the banning of night-time whistles as a compromise.
This says Anderson is something that is federally regulated, and would be better brought to the attention of the federal government.
