The District of Taylor is taking the first steps toward exploring whether train whistles can be silenced at the Highway 97 rail crossing after residents raised concerns about persistent horn noise.
During its July 27 meeting, council reviewed a staff report outlining discussions with CN Rail, the B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Transit and Transport Canada about the process required to pursue a whistle cessation.
The issue was brought forward after residents spoke at a June council meeting, describing ongoing disruptions caused by trains sounding their horns while travelling through the community. One resident told council they had reached their “breaking point.”
Following those concerns, council requested a meeting with CN Rail to determine whether the Highway 97 crossing could eventually be upgraded with drop-down barriers, eliminating the need for train whistles while maintaining safety.
However, Chief Administrative Officer Ryan Galay told council the process is far more complex than initially expected.
According to the staff report, several technical and safety reviews must be completed before the district can even receive a cost estimate for potential upgrades.
The assessments would examine traffic volumes at the crossing, collision history, sightlines, roadway design and the overall risk of incidents.
Mayor Brent Taillefer said the scope of the work could be significant.
“In order to get a whistle cessation, it could include up to a complete [overhaul] of the tracks,” Taillefer said.
Staff also advised council that the district would likely be responsible for the majority of the project costs.
Galay said Transport Canada was not supportive of pursuing the request and noted the department required special permission to participate in the meeting with the district.
Despite those challenges, council voted to send a letter to the Ministry of Transportation and Transit so the district can continue investigating the feasibility and potential cost of a whistle cessation at the crossing.
“We’re going to start [the process] so we at least know the cost, and then hopefully we can take it from there,” Galay said.
Council did not receive a timeline for how long the review process could take.
Staff also noted there may be value in educating residents about why train horns are required at crossings, regardless of whether a whistle cessation is ultimately approved.
