Subscribe to the 100% free rdnewsNOW daily newsletter!
(Photo: CP Rail)
better sleep on the way

Train whistles to stop sounding in Penhold

Mar 26, 2020 | 8:00 PM

A nuisance to many in the town of Penhold will soon cease as CP Rail has agreed the sounding of train whistles through the town is no longer necessary.

Town council most recently heard from resident Ken McCarthy, who bought property in Penhold in 2008.

McCarthy told council that over the last two to three years, the whistles have been more frequent, particularly at night.

“Over the years, we’ve received many complaints about the whistles. Two or three years ago, CP Rail modified the line and increased the number of trains coming through,” says Mayor Mike Yargeau. “Residents on the west side of town have had to listen to up to 16 trains a day (and night); and some are two kilometres long.”

Yargeau says crossing upgrades were done about a year ago at the Hwy 592 crossing just west of Hwy 2A, which makes the need for whistles non-existent.

“There are really no extra safety concerns. The rail crossing still operates as usual, with lights and arms,” he says. “But typical rail safety is still advised, so nobody should be playing on or near the railroad tracks.”

Yargeau says a date is not yet set, but he predicts the whistles will stop within the next few weeks.