Courtesy: YouTube

By Darren Rathwell

A mediator assigned to deal with complaints

Residents in Irvine upset over train noise, vibrations

Oct 22, 2021 | 5:34 PM

IRVINE, AB – Issues with CP Rail trains travelling through the hamlet of Irvine have the attention of federal regulators, with the appointment of a mediator by the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA).

The official came on board after a pair of Irvine residents canvassed the community with a petition calling for a ban on train whistling in Irvine, and a reduction in speed to lessen noise and vibrations.

Cypress County received the petition and filed an application with the CTA to follow up on the issue.

“My goal is to find a resolution to eliminate (the whistle blowing in Irvine) but I don’t know how that will go because it’s federally regulated,” Tarolyn Aaserud, Cypress County Chief Administrative Officer, told CHAT News.

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Residents say they believe CPR trains travel through the community at about 15-minute intervals, sometimes sounding their horns while moving through the entire length of the town, and have had larger lengths of cars in recent years, causing more shaking in nearby buildings.

Petition organizer Joan Cote says items at the Irvine Community Library, where she works, have frequently fallen off the walls from train vibrations over the last few years.

“The vibration is a big part of it but the whistle drives you crazy,” Cote said. She and fellow organizer Karen Kramer say it’s time for a change.

“The noise isn’t just this street or.. the street across the tracks,” Kramer said while standing outside the library. “It goes back all the way through the whole town.”

Cote added, “I’ve heard people talk about the effect the trains have.. the plaster is cracking because of the vibrations of the train going by.. you’re thinking ‘why is this happening, why does this keep going on, why don’t they do something about it?'”

CP Rail issued a statement to CHAT News, reading, “In Canada, trains are required to whistle at all public grade crossings, and the train must begin sounding its whistle at least a quarter-mile upon approach to the crossing unless there is a whistle cessation agreement in place. Train crews will also sound the whistle if their view is restricted or they perceive a danger, such as someone walking on the track.”

Aaserud says talks are expected to begin with the mediator and CP Rail in a few weeks.