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Whistling solution near in Port Edward

The repeated sound of train whistles at all hours continues to be an issue for some Port Ed residents, but a solution may be at hand.

The repeated sound of train whistles at all hours as they make their way through Port Edward continues to be an issue for some residents, but a solution may be at hand.

In a letter to council, residents Larry and Violette Bowman said there is no reason for so much noise given the numerous options available to CN and in place throughout the country.

“If it wasn’t for the incessant blare of those whistles we could easily brag, ‘Neat, clean, green and quiet’ .... we have to deal with the coal dust, squealing brakes, the stink of diesel exhaust, the banging and clanging while they park and shunt in Port Ed, the wait while caught on the wrong side of a parked train, especially at quitting time. In the end, what’s in it for us?” wrote the couple, noting the company does a lot of business moving through Port Edward.

Acting Mayor Dan Franzen said he told the Bowman’s a resolution was close, while chief administrative officer Bob Payette said he and CN had a good meeting during a conference in Prince George.

“We are in the process of submitting the design and cost for changes to all of the crossings. I told them we were not happy with the cost associated with them and hopefully we can mitigate that,” he said.

“We would like to submit all of them for work at the same time and look to save money that way.”