Editor, The News:
Re: ‘Train whistles part of Canada’ (Letters, May 5).
I do not reside adjacent to the tracks, but blocks away. A conversation on the balcony is constantly interrupted by the unwelcome blasts of the train horn, not to mention some sleepless nights.
Often we get seven to nine blasts at decibels ranging from 96 to 150, all within a 30-second time frame for each passing train day and night.
I moved to my condo with full knowledge of the train in the area and the noise it would cause. However, I soon discovered the whistle blowing is quite extreme, more so than should be considered reasonable.
Upon investigation, I discovered that I was not alone in this thinking and many municipalities have listened to their constituents and have either stopped whistle blowing, curtailed it to some degree, or it is under consideration.
Fortunately, both the railways and Transport Canada understand the problem and have responded by assisting municipalities to this end.
Unfortunately, our own city council refuses to address the concerns of residents living close to the trains.
I do not agree with Ms. Cottingham that we should just accept it or move. Living near a train station, you should expect some noise, but not to the extremes we have to endure – especially when something can be done to minimize it, should our city care about its residents.
A compromise would be for the City of Maple Ridge to meet with Transport Canada and the railways to see what improvements can be made to stop or curtail whistle blowing and give the many residents living near the trains some peace.
Robert Massey
Maple Ridge