Lange wants study on banning train whistles
It may not be the most annoying sound in the world, but having a train blast its horn at a crossing while trying sleep isn’t exactly a symphony.
After receiving complaints from residents in Rayleigh and parts of North Kamloops, Coun. Tina Lange wants the city to explore developing an anti-whistle bylaw.
The councillor acknowledged such a bylaw would be expensive at some crossings due to the safety upgrades needed.
Lange wants city staff to compile a list of crossings and the possible expense of enacting such a bylaw.
A report on the issue is expected to be back to council at the next meeting on Feb. 28.
Lange said the city needs to look at the areas where complaints have been received.
“It’s a problem if you live next door to one,” she said.
David Trawin, the city’s director of development and engineering services, noted a bylaw would mean each crossing would need to be reviewed by an independent party.
He could not give a cost for such an undertaking.
It was noted the upgrades to the crossing by the Tournament Capital Ranch slo-pitch ballpark in Rayleigh cost $500,000.
Trawin said he doubted other crossings would be that expensive, surmising some would cost more than others, depending on what controls are already in place.
Several councillors seemed wary of Lange’s idea.
Nancy Bepple said while she appreciates the concern regarding noise generated by the trains, the pricetag might be too high.
Marg Spina argued some whistles can be helpful in keeping people off railway tracks.
Lange said she wants a report to show residents what it would cost to enact a bylaw.
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