Train whistling to stop at five Strathcona County crossings

On Tuesday, November 26, Strathcona County Council passed a resolution to enact whistle cessation at four CN Rail crossings north of Highway 630, and CP Rail’s crossing at 34 Street south of Baseline Road.

The railway companies will implement the changes once they are advised of Council’s resolution. The safety measures to support cessation have already been put in place.

“The number of train whistles sounding every day has been increasing and is impacting residents’ quality of life,” says Mayor Rod Frank. “Residents have been asking for whistle cessation and we are pleased to be able to enact this change while ensuring the safety of everyone at these crossings.”

The CN Rail crossings where whistle cessation will be implemented are at Range Road 205, Range Road 210, Range Road 211A and Range Road 213. Three additional crossings, due to their complexity, are expected to be taken to council in 2020 for whistle cessation resolution.  

When it comes to trains and crossings, safety is the top priority. Strathcona County and the railway conducted a detailed safety assessment at each crossing to ensure regulations and specifications are met.  Safety improvements installed include warning signs, line painting and a review of gate descent time. Residents are reminded to observe and obey all warning devices when approaching any railway crossing and look both directions before crossing.

It is important to note that, even with a whistle cessation agreement in place, rail companies will always retain the overriding authority to sound the train whistle at the sole discretion of the conductor.

Residents interested in learning more about railways in the County can go to strathcona.ca/railways.

Set in the centre of Alberta’s energy and agricultural heartland, Strathcona County is a thriving, successful and vibrant community of over 98,000 residents. Strathcona County is made up of the urban area of Sherwood Park and a large adjacent rural area of farms, acreages and smaller hamlets. It is home to 75 per cent of hydrocarbon processing in Western Canada. Strathcona County is a leader in environmental conservation, and 55 per cent of its land is within the UNESCO Beaver Hills Biosphere. With a focus on economic, governance, social, cultural and environmental sustainability, Strathcona County is committed to balancing the unique needs of its diverse community.

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Contact: Strathcona County Communications, 780-410-6595