Title
CN Rail Crossing Matters
Proposed Motion
That the CN Rail Crossing report be received for information, as presented.
Body
Administration Recommendation
Administration supports the proposed motion.
Purpose
To provide an update to Council regarding CN Rail crossing matters specific to train whistle cessation.
Summary
Parkland County Council passed Bylaw 2016-27 on August 22, 2017, being a Bylaw to “Provide for the regulation of train whistles within Parkland County, in the Province of Alberta”. This Bylaw was passed in accordance with Section 23.1 of the Railway Safety Act, R.S.C. 1985, c.32 (4th Supplement). The Bylaw prohibited train whistling at 16 rail crossings located in the east half of Parkland County. All 16 of these crossings have the highest level of protection being gates, flashing lights and bells.
Prior to passing Bylaw 2016-27, there were a limited number of crossings in the County with anti-whistling in effect. Trains did not whistle at 4 crossings located along the north shore of Lake Wabamun; specifically at Range Roads 43, 44, 45 and Sunset Avenue. Whistling did not occur at these locations as a result of previous anti-whistling actions by the County. These locations were incorporated into Bylaw 2016-27.
For the remaining 12 crossings, between the eastern limits of Parkland County and the eastern limits of Lake Wabamun, it was determined with the assistance of Transport Canada that 5 crossing locations, being Range Roads 13, 14, 15, 20 and 21 met the prescribed requirements of the Railway Safety Act’s Grade Crossing Regulations and Standards for whistle cessation. In May of 2018 the whistle was ceased at these 5 crossings.
Extensive consultation with representatives from CN Rail and Transport Canada occurred in 2018. Collectively, it was determined that the gate delay time required in the current Regulations and Standards for whistle cessation was not sufficient at the remaining 7 crossings. Whistle cessation cannot be put into ef...
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