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.
Pedestrian, baby injured after stroller struck and dragged by vehicle in Squamish, B.C.
Police say a baby and a pedestrian suffered non-life-threatening injuries after a vehicle struck a baby stroller and dragged it for two blocks before stopping in Squamish, B.C.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
RCMP uncovers alleged plot by 2 Montreal men to illegally sell drones, equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Government agrees to US$138.7M settlement over FBI's botching of Larry Nassar assault allegations
The U.S. Justice Department announced a US$138.7 million settlement Tuesday with more than 100 people who accused the FBI of grossly mishandling allegations of sexual assault against Larry Nassar in 2015 and 2016, a critical time gap that allowed the sports doctor to continue to prey on victims before his arrest.
BREAKING Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko won't play in Game 2
The Vancouver Canucks will be without all-star goalie Thatcher Demko when they face the Nashville Predators in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series.
Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.