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Noise rules differ for us

Editor: Re: Not quiet on the western front, Aug. 16 letters. I was just going to forget about an incident that occurred last week. However, when I opened up Tuesday’s newspaper and read the letter to the editor regarding BNSF, I decided to give my “two cents” worth.

Editor:

Re: Not quiet on the western front, Aug. 16 letters.

I was just going to forget about an incident that occurred last week.

However, when I opened up Tuesday’s newspaper and read the letter to the editor regarding BNSF, I decided to give my “two cents” worth.

On the previous Sunday morning, at 2 a.m., I was rudely awakened by the “tooting” of the train. I mean, that guy laid on his horn for the half mile between East and West beaches. I was particularly concerned because I had my little grandson staying with me the night, and he woke up crying because of the noise.

So, on Monday morning, I phoned city hall and spoke to a gentleman. I asked if this is not a bylaw infraction. To this, he replied that the BNSF owns all that land near the waterfront and, therefore, if I wanted to complain, I would have to call the BNSF and complain to them.

Well I own my property, and if I was making loud noises at 2 a.m., waking my neighbours, wouldn’t the police be coming to my door?

Sorry, I don’t buy it. As I recall, they had agreed to refrain from using the horn during certain hours of the night, and instead rely on the bells if they felt it was warranted.

It seems to me I am not the only one who feels like we are being “bullied” by the BNSF.

D. Barros, White Rock