White Rock residents should be getting some relief from overnight train whistles, according to city officials.
Mayor Wayne Baldwin said at last week’s council meeting that Transport Canada “really laid down the law” at a meeting with Burlington Northern Santa Fe regarding protocol for train whistles between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.
“(Transport Canada) has told BNSF there’s going to be some severe fines,” Baldwin told council Sept. 28.
A Transport Canada communications officer confirmed to Peace Arch News that a meeting took place Sept. 24, however would not comment whether the threat of fines was levied.
“At any time, a locomotive engineer has the right to use the whistle when they feel there is a threat to safety, as the restriction only limits routine whistling at each of the crossings,” Sara Johnston wrote in an email.
A spokesperson from BNSF confirmed the discussions at the meeting surrounded the parameters of whistle requirements, and told PAN that officials would be discussing the matter with crews "to ensure compliance."