Title
Train Whistle Cessation Bylaw 2016-27
Proposed Motions
1. That Schedule A of Bylaw 2016-27 be amended to remove crossing locations: Mileage 13.84, 34.30, 51.45, 51.79, 54.91, 56.92, 57.94, 58.97, 62.28, 63.25, 63.48, 64.56, and 65.64;
2. That Bylaw 2016-27 receive second reading; and
3. That Bylaw 2016-27 receive third and final reading.
Body
Administration Recommendation
Administration supports the proposed motions.
Purpose
Whistle cessation prohibiting the use of whistles on railway equipment at suitably equipped grade crossings within Parkland County.
Summary
As directed at the April 26, 2016 Council meeting, Parkland County administration is pursuing whistle cessation for grade crossings of CN Rail. The Train Whistle Cessation Bylaw 2016-27 was tabled at the December 13, 2016 Council meeting so that it may be presented to Council at the January 10, 2017 meeting of Council where Bylaw 2016-27 received first reading.
Administration is navigating the Transport Canada eight step process for whistle cessation at grade crossing in Parkland County. Four crossings along the north side of Wabamun Lake previously completed the process for whistle cessation and are included in Schedule A of the Bylaw. Steps one through five are complete for the grade crossings between Wabamun Lake and Edmonton, including notifying relevant organizations and associations as well as issuing public notice of the intention to pass this Bylaw. Public notice was advertised in the local paper on July 21, 2017 and July 28, 2017. Upon final reading of the Bylaw (step six) and notification to CN Rail (step seven), whistling will be prohibited at the grade crossings listed in Schedule A of the Bylaw.
The grade crossings from Fallis to Entwistle remain at step four which requires an assessment by a professional engineer. The procurement process is underway to hire a firm to complete these assessments. The assessments will identify the required upgrades of the grade crossings for whistle cessation. Grant funding and cost sharing arrangements will be pursued to complete the identified construction projects. As the upgrades are completed, those grade crossing locations will be added to Schedule A.
Step eight is ongoing monitoring and maintenance by CN Rail and Parkland County to sustain the conditions of the grade crossing.
Schedule A of the Bylaw has been revised from first reading to include only the grade crossings that are within Parkland County's jurisdiction, those grade crossings suitably equipped to meet the requirements of whistle cessation immediately, and the grade crossings that previously achieved whistle cessation.
Administration has received numerous letters of support from residents of Parkland County and nearby municipalities.
Strategic Plan/Policy/Legal/Staff Implications
Strategic Priority Area - Healthy Communities: create strong supportive cultures through design excellence and proximity to amenities, services and recreational opportunities.
Core Values - Community: create and maintain safe, vibrant, sustainable and prosperous communities by maintaining and expanding infrastructure and services.
Financial Impact:
Cost: N/A
Source of Funding: N/A