Knowing some basic facts about railway operations can help neighbours understand* why the railway operates the way it does, and the measures it takes to accommodate residents concerns. At the same time the railway needs to appreciate the concerns of the communities it serves. A common understanding of each other’s issues and positions is essential to any resolution. Not all problems can be solved quickly or easily, but progress is possible. Once a solution is found, both parties need to learn from what happened; and prevent a recurrence, where possible. After developing a working relationship, it’s important to maintain and nurture it.

1. Train whistles

  •  Federal legislation requires trains to whistle when approaching certain crossings
  •  Train whistling protects motorists, pedestrians and train crews from collisions at crossings
  •  Residents often feel that train whistling for crossings, required by provincial law, is excessive
  •  Conflict can be avoided by approaching government and railway authorities
  •  Solutions include modifying the crossing, sharing costs with the municipality, leading to reduced whistling

2. Blocked Crossings

  •  In busy urban centes, safety and traffic concerns are highlighted at highway/railway crossings
  •  Trains also move back and forth over crossings to deliver or pick up cars
  •  Impatient vehicle drivers are prone to ignoring warning signs and try to beat the train at a crossing
  •  Bridges, tunnels and gates are expensive alternatives and not always possible
  •  Solutions include relocating to a less busy intersection; performing shunting operations at non-peak hours

3. Noises at terminals and rail yards – making up a train, idling locomotives

  •  Communities often have a local industry that is heavily serviced by a railway (e.g. paper mills)
  •  The operations at railway yards and terminals require the making up of trains or delivery of cars
  •  Nearby residents are exposed to switching/shunting noises, and idling locomotives, often 24/7
  •  Conflicts may arise, and railways may experience acts of vandalism, arson and property damage
  •  If yards cannot be relocated, solutions include parking locomotives at a more remote location

4. Track maintenance and inspection; use of herbicides

  •  Track maintenance procedures are governed by stringent internal standards and governent rules
  •  Regular inspection and maintenance is needed to ensure track is safe and signals are working
  •  The use of special equipment and related operations can be a nuisance to nearby communities
  •  Vegetation needs to be controlled to ensure clear sightlines and stable sub-structure for the track
  •  Solutions include educating residents:
         - why, when and how the track and land is maintained with careful consideration
         - railway vegetation management programs meet health/envronment standards
         - the products and application techniques used are continuously monitored

5. Land use and zoning

  •  Municipalities often receive applications to re-zone vacant parcels of industrial land adjacent to railway yards
  •  Owners want to re-zone for residential use, and municipalities want to revitalize the area
  •  Both railways and other nearby industries are usually opposed as they foresee future residents raising issues
  •  There is pressure to accommodate new property owners but also a need to protect current/future assets
  •  Solutions include setting up stakeholders groups, meeting face-to-face and discussing/resolving issues


* Please see the RAC brochure Meet your Neighbour for a better understanding of these issues