It may seem like a simple thing – just stop whistling! But when it comes to trains and crossings, safety is the top priority. Whistling is an important communication tool between the train and pedestrians, trespassers, vehicle traffic and wildlife. Eliminating whistling requires ensuring other safety features are sufficient to replace the whistle. Each crossing has its own unique characteristics that must be taken into account.
Sounding train whistles in mandated by Transport Canada, and municipalities must undertake a detailed and lengthy process to have the whistling stop. This process set out by Transport Canada is here: Apply to stop train whistling at a public grade crossing.
It can easily take three to six years (or longer) to implement train whistle cessation at a given crossing, from the start of the process.
In 2021, Sturgeon County Council approved the Train Whistle Cessation Policy.
This policy helps guide decisions for processing, evaluating and administering requests for whistle cessation at crossings within the County. Results of the detailed site assessment may identify safety improvements required prior to whistling ceasing. These improvements may include, but not be limited to, installation of crossing flashing lights/bells/gates (FLBG) infrastructure, utility servicing (power supply); road realignment and/or road grade adjustment; relocating resident approaches and fencing. The municipality is responsible for the cost of installing and maintaining any additional safety measures required to eliminate whistling.
Proceeding with whistle cessation at any given location within the County will be decided by priority and considering availability-of-funds regarding construction of required safety infrastructure.
Once safety improvements are complete, and whistle cessation is approved at a particular crossing by Transport Canada, you may still hear whistles. The authorized train operator retains the overruling authority to sound the whistle in the event of an imminent safety concern at the operator’s discretion.
For several years, Sturgeon County has been moving through the train whistle cessation process at various locations.
| Location | Site Assessment completed | $ Estimate for upgrades | Status | Map Legend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Range Road 223 by Fort Augustus Subdivision | Yes (Sept 2021) | Low (<$50K) | In progress | Blue |
| Lamoureux Drive | Yes (Sept 2021) | High (>$800K) | Hold | Yellow |
| Old Fort Trail Crossing | Yes (Sept 2021) | Moderate ($100K-$200K) | Hold | Yellow |
| Sturgeon Road on North side of Upper Viscount Estates | Public Inquiry – no assessment yet | Purple |
Map of sites currently.
Even once whistle cessation is finalized, you may still hear whistles from time to time. Train operators always have the responsibility to sound the whistle at their discretion, should they feel it is needed to maintain safety.
As Sturgeon County works through the process with the railway company and Transport Canada for these or any other sites, this webpage will be updated.
Train Whistle Complaints
Train whistling is mandated by Transport Canada. Whistling is required at specific volumes, patterns and time frame as trains move through crossings, and at other times during travel. Since 2021, Sturgeon County has been undertaking a process for train whistle cessation at several crossings.