Costly upgrades needed to silence train whistles in South Walkerville
For months, residents in South Walkerville have complained about the blaring train whistles that are increasing in frequency.
The process to silence the trains will cost millions of dollars and will be a lengthy process.
“You're dealing with federal regulations here. It could take three or four years before we finally get an answer,” said Ward 4 Coun. Mark McKenzie.
“The noise has affected our health,” said John West, South Walkerville resident. “It has caused sleep problems.”
West is among a number of residents in the neighbourhood calling on the Essex Terminal Railway (ETR) to stop running trains between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m.
ETR has told the city, whistling cessation is not feasible in the area.
“The Canadian operating rules require all trains to whistle whenever they approach a public grade crossing. It's to protect the public as well as provide safe operation of our railway,” said, Tony De Thomasis, president and CEO of ETR.
Transport Canada says requirements for warning systems at public crossings must be met before whistling can be stopped.
“The requirements may include flashing lights, bells and gates. Once this is met, the municipality can work with the railway on whistle cessation,” a Transport Canada spokesperson said in a statement.
Upgrading two level crossings at Benjamin Avenue and Hall Avenue would cost around $3 million, according to Windsor’s transportation planning senior engineer Jeff Hagan.
McKenzie was shocked at the high price tag for the updates.
“They were saying it's because there is no infrastructure here, there has never been infrastructure,” he said.
He plans to reach out to Transport Canada to see if there are any grants available that could fund warning system upgrades in Walkerville.
In the meantime, McKenzie wants ETR to reduce the volume of train horns to the federally regulated minimum levels. The lowest level allowed is 96 decibels, which is equivalent to the sound of a gas lawn mower.
“We regularly test our train whistles and they do not exceed the 96 decibels,” said De Thomasis.
Those who live nearby the tracks, including Mckenzie, disagree.
“That is inaccurate. I think it’s way higher than 96 decibels,” he said. “People that are 1.5 km away are hearing the train whistle noise.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Senate expenses climbed to $7.2 million in 2023, up nearly 30%
Senators in Canada claimed $7.2 million in expenses in 2023, a nearly 30 per cent increase over the previous year.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
Twins from Toronto were Canada's top two female finishers at this year's Boston Marathon
When identical twin sisters Kim and Michelle Krezonoski were invited to compete against some of the world’s most elite female runners at last week’s Boston Marathon, they were in disbelief.
NASA hears from Voyager 1, the most distant spacecraft from Earth, after months of quiet
NASA has finally heard back from Voyager 1 again in a way that makes sense. The most distant spacecraft from Earth hadn't sent home any understandable data since last November.
U.S. Senate passes bill forcing TikTok's parent company to sell or face ban, sends to Biden for signature
The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that's expected to face legal challenges.
Train derailed in Sarnia after colliding with a truck
Police are investigating after a transport truck collided with a train in Sarnia.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Wildfire southwest of Peace River spurs evacuation order
People living near a wildfire burning about 15 kilometres southwest of Peace River are being told to evacuate their homes.