The following CN Rail crossings along the Wainwright subdivision rail line have been completed:

• Range Road 205
• Range Road 210
• Range Road 211A
• Range Road 213
• Range Road 214
• Township Road 524
• Highway 830 (Range Road 215)
• Range Road 220
• Range Road 222
• Range Road 223
• Range Road 231

In addition, Strathcona County coordinated with the City of Edmonton for whistle cessation at CP Rail’s crossing at 34 Street south of Baseline Road.

Train whistle cessation map (701.1 KB)

• CN crossing on 84 Avenue; east of 34 Street
• CN crossing on Railway Street; west of 17 Street
• CP crossing on Railway Street; west of 17 Street
• CP crossing on 17 Street; north of Baseline Road
• CP crossing on Petroleum Way; east of 17 Street
• CN crossing on Range Road 232; north of Highway 16

In-progress train whistle cessation map

Yes, but at a cost. Train whistling requirements are controlled through the Canadian Rail Operating Rules (CROR) federal legislation. A municipality is a road authority and may work with rail companies to install alternate safety measures at at-grade crossings which meet Transport Canada guidelines to eliminate the need for train whistling.

These alternative measures are designed uniquely for each intersection depending on the specific requirements deemed necessary to replace the safety function of the train whistle. Generally it takes 3-6 years to implement train whistle cessation from the start of the process.

See Transport Canada Apply to stop train whistling at a public grade crossing

Multiple steps are involved in creating whistle cessation, some of which are outlined below.

Whistle cessation must be managed by the railway company. Strathcona County’s first step is to consult with the railway company to assess the whistle cessation request for each crossing.

The County must declare its intent to pass a resolution that it agrees whistles should not be used for a crossing along a railway corridor where whistle cessation is proposed. It must issue notifications to associations and organizations such as those representing rail employees and shippers, in addition to also notifying the public.

There are specific regulations and standards that must be met.  Strathcona County and the railway company assess each crossing to determine whether or not it meets the whistle cessation requirements specified in the Grade Crossings Regulations and Standards.  They must ensure each crossing meets the requirements outlined for both the road and railway.

Once all requirements are met, Strathcona County Council passes a resolution declaring that all requirements have been met to allow whistle cessation at each crossing. A copy of the resolution is sent to the railway company and other organizations, including Transport Canada.

Once the railway company has received the resolution, it notifies Transport Canada and the County that whistling will be ceased at the crossing within 30 days, and outlines special instructions as per Canadian Rail Operating Rules.

The county and railway company share the responsibility for monitoring and maintaining the conditions that support train whistle cessation at a crossing. A Transport Canada railway safety inspector may order the reinstatement of whistling should a crossing fail to meet these conditions.

It may seem like a simple thing – just stop blowing the horn! But when it comes to trains and crossings, safety is the top priority. The sounding of train whistles is mandated by Transport Canada, and municipalities must undertake a detailed train whistle cessation process to stop the whistling. 

Due to the safety needs, and work required within the railway company’s schedule, whistle cessation is not a fast process. The process of whistle cessation involves a detailed safety assessment both by Strathcona County and the railway authority. Each crossing is unique and must be evaluated independently to meet the federal standards and requirements to achieve train whistle cessation.

A preliminary evaluation has been conducted for all crossings shown on the Train whistle cessation map; however, detailed evaluation by corresponding rail company is required to finalize all engineering measures that are required prior to whistle cessation approval.

The outcome of detailed evaluations identify required upgrades  to be completed prior to whistle cessation implementation.

As Strathcona County moves forward with the process, the web page will be updated to inform residents as progress is made.