The Residents of Suffield Alberta ask that The Honourable Minister of Transport Anita Anand and the Cypress County elected councillor for Ward 9 Keith Ritz to accept our request to cease the train whistle completely (except for emergencies). If removal during the day is not possible we'd then ask to remove and/or reduce the train whistle between the hours of 10pm and 7am on weekdays and 10pm to 9am on weekends and statutory holidays. This request is in line with most municipal Noise Bylaws in the province of Alberta.

In this request the Residents of the above listed Hamlet acknowledge that:

A: Trains are an integral part of our province’s economy for transporting people and goods. When it comes to train crossings, safety is always a top priority. Most crossings today have safety bars that lower across the road with 6 red lights, a tower with an "X" Railway Crossing Sign with flashing lights, and a sounding bell that alerts people of an approaching train. These were not used in the past when it was required to alert vehicles and pedestrians of an approaching train by using only a whistle/horn. Crossings have now been updated with the required safety system as outlined in the Railway Regulations.

B: Transport Canada will work in good faith under the framework of:

section 23.1 of the Railway Safety Act
section 104 of the Grade Crossings Regulation
Appendix D of the Grade Crossings Standards
C:The Hamlet as listed does not dispute the need for whistles during emergent safety concerns and to be used if there are animals or people on the tracks.

We humbly ask that our elected officials partner with our community in taking significant steps to reduce noise pollution, while increasing enjoyment of property, and quality of life within the community.