Title
Direction to Pursue Train Whistle Cessation
Proposed Motions
1. That Council direct Administration to apply for Train Whistle Cessation between Range Road 262 and Range Road 40
2. That Council approve $100,000 of Federal Gas Tax Fund (GTF) funding to upgrade the crossing location at Range Road 21 to meet current specifications for Whistle Cessation
3. That Council direct Administration to apply for Train Whistle Cessation between Range Road 52 and Range Road 73
4. That Council approve $1,000,000 of Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI) funding to upgrade ten crossing locations between Range Road 52 and Range Road 73
Body
Administration Recommendations
Administration supports Motion #1 and #2
Administration does not support Motion #3 and #4
Purpose
These motions were developed from a discussion at the Committee of the Whole on April 5, 2016. The committee expressed interest in debating the above motions in a formal Council setting where direction could be provided to Administration.
Summary
The motions as presented will provide Administration will the following direction:
• Motion #1 will direct Administration to pursue Train Whistle Cessation between Range Road 262 and Range Road 40; this area lies between the Town of Stony Plain and Lake Wabamun. There are twelve (12) crossing locations in this area. All of the crossings have gates and lights with the exception of one location. This location will need to be upgraded to comply with anti-whistling regulations.
• Motion #2 provides the funding necessary to complete the work identified in Motion #1. The funding requirement may increase subject to design completion and contract tendering. At present, the number is a +/- 50% estimate.
• Motion #3 will direct Administration to pursue Train Whistle Cessation between Range Road 52 and Range Road 73; this area lies between the west limits of Fallis and Entwistle. There are ten (10) crossing locations in this area. All of the locations will need to be upgraded to comply with regulations.
• Motion #4 provides the necessary funding to complete the work identified in Motion #3. The funding requirement may increase subject to design completion and contract tendering. At present, the number is a +/- 50% estimate.
Administration supports Motion #1 and Motion #2. The costs to implement this change are relatively low and the overall quality of life for all residents adjacent to, or in near vicinity of, the rail lines may be realized. Whistle cessation in the area prescribed under Motion #1 would fill in the gaps between the City of Edmonton and Lake Wabamun. Spruce Grove and Stony Plain have successfully implemented whistle cessation within their respective communities; as has the City of Edmonton to the east.
Administration does not support Motion #3 and #4. Costs to implement this change is comparatively high. The population through this area of the County is comparatively low to other areas. The volume of capital work to be completed would need to be coordinated over the next few years in order to be ready to apply for the whistle cessation request. This may be a future consideration and a goal to work toward however, the direction to pursue the request at this time may be premature.
Strategic Plan/Policy/Legal/Staff Implications
Legal implications of the crossing locations were discussed at the April 5, 2016, Committee of the Whole meeting. Administration identified there is no impact regarding legal responsibilities. Parkland County retains the same road right-of-way responsibilities with or without the whistling cessation in place.
Strategic Priority 3: Healthy Communities: Parkland County communities create strong supportive cultures through design excellence and proximity to amenities, services and recreational opportunities
Strategic Goal 3.5: Residents have access to programs, services and infrastructure that contribute to their well-being and quality of life
Financial Impact:
Cost: Motion #2, $100,000; Motion #4, $1,000,000
Source of Funding: Motion #2, Federal Gas Tax Fund (GTF); Motion #4, Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI)