Stop train whistling at Stewart Lake Road, Mactier
The Issue
We are grateful for the tranquility that comes with the privilege of residing on beautiful Stewart Lake, Mactier. However, for many of us who call this area home, whether as permanent residents or weekend cottagers, the serene lakeside experience is often disrupted by the loud blaring of train whistles, often late into the night.
Every day, trains pass the Stewart Lake Road railway crossing approximately 8-10 times, sounding their horns for safety. While safety is undoubtedly a priority for all of us, those of us who actually reside on this lake and have to use this crossing in order to get to their homes/cottages, feel that the excessive horn blowing is unnecessary due to the fact that there is a physical barrier (wigwags) in place at this particular crossing. Well before the trains approach the crossing, bells also sound and lights flash as the wigwags come down.
Beyond this personal inconvenience, there's a pronounced impact on property values. Potential buyers are deterred by the noise and disruption from the trains making properties harder to sell or rent. It’s a ripple effect that has the potential to affect community growth and property investments in the area.
Research shows that quiet zones are feasible solutions in areas just like ours, offering a balance between safety and noise reduction. Establishing a quiet zone at the Stewart Lake Road railway crossing would alleviate our concerns without compromising safety. Other Canadian municipalities have successfully implemented such interventions with positive outcomes.
We urge the Township of Georgian Bay and the railway authorities to consider this matter with empathy and urgency. Implementing a quiet zone requires collaboration, and there are existing guidelines from Transport Canada that can guide this process efficiently. The well-being of residents, as well as the preservation of property values, depend on finding a solution.
By signing this petition, you are supporting a vital change that can restore the peace and serenity of Stewart Lake. Join us in calling upon the local government and railway companies to collaborate in creating a quiet zone that benefits everyone in our cherished community. Let us protect the peaceful environment of Stewart Lake and secure its future appeal for generations to come.
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The Issue
We are grateful for the tranquility that comes with the privilege of residing on beautiful Stewart Lake, Mactier. However, for many of us who call this area home, whether as permanent residents or weekend cottagers, the serene lakeside experience is often disrupted by the loud blaring of train whistles, often late into the night.
Every day, trains pass the Stewart Lake Road railway crossing approximately 8-10 times, sounding their horns for safety. While safety is undoubtedly a priority for all of us, those of us who actually reside on this lake and have to use this crossing in order to get to their homes/cottages, feel that the excessive horn blowing is unnecessary due to the fact that there is a physical barrier (wigwags) in place at this particular crossing. Well before the trains approach the crossing, bells also sound and lights flash as the wigwags come down.
Beyond this personal inconvenience, there's a pronounced impact on property values. Potential buyers are deterred by the noise and disruption from the trains making properties harder to sell or rent. It’s a ripple effect that has the potential to affect community growth and property investments in the area.
Research shows that quiet zones are feasible solutions in areas just like ours, offering a balance between safety and noise reduction. Establishing a quiet zone at the Stewart Lake Road railway crossing would alleviate our concerns without compromising safety. Other Canadian municipalities have successfully implemented such interventions with positive outcomes.
We urge the Township of Georgian Bay and the railway authorities to consider this matter with empathy and urgency. Implementing a quiet zone requires collaboration, and there are existing guidelines from Transport Canada that can guide this process efficiently. The well-being of residents, as well as the preservation of property values, depend on finding a solution.
By signing this petition, you are supporting a vital change that can restore the peace and serenity of Stewart Lake. Join us in calling upon the local government and railway companies to collaborate in creating a quiet zone that benefits everyone in our cherished community. Let us protect the peaceful environment of Stewart Lake and secure its future appeal for generations to come.
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Petition created on October 7, 2026