New Westminster, Southern Rail Link and Port Metro Vancouver working together to achieve train whistle cessation
New Westminster, BC – A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been reached between the City of New Westminster, Southern Railway of British Columbia and Port Metro Vancouver to begin the planning process designed to further explore and implement a process for achieving train whistle cessation along the City’s Queensborough and Mainland corridor.
As part of this initiative, $1million in funding has been already pledged towards implementation of whistle cessation measures to be cost-shared equally between the City of New Westminster and Southern Railway. Port Metro Vancouver has also pledged to work towards contributory funding for this important community initiative.
“It's good news for residents along the Southern Railway corridor,” said Mayor Wayne Wright. “A lot of effort has gone into finding a solution and this is a positive step forward.”
In August 2012, a Railway Advisory Committee was established to examine the issue of train whistling in New Westminster. As the community has grown, the impact of train whistle noise on livability has increased.
“We are very pleased to be participating in this initiative with City of New Westminster and Port Metro Vancouver,” said Frank Butzelaar, President & CEO of Southern Railway. “It is a part of our ongoing efforts to help mitigate the impacts of rail operations on communities in which we live and work.”
The MOU marks a significant milestone in resolution of the issue, and progress is being made on agreements with other rail carriers in the city.
“As Canada’s busiest gateway, we strive to minimize the impact generated by the economic activity of port related businesses on our local communities. We are always looking for collaborative opportunities to engage with our stakeholders and supply chain partners towards achieving this goal. I look forward to advancing the initiatives set out in this MOU,” said Tom Corsie, VP Real Estate at Port Metro Vancouver.
To maintain forward momentum towards whistle cessation implementation, a joint sub-committee has been established. Next steps outlined in the MOU include defining objectives, assessing viable options, determining project scope and responsibilities of all parties involved.
“All parties have worked hard to achieve this MOU and I’m very pleased with what we’ve accomplished by working together,” said Councillor Chuck Puchmayr, Chair of the City’s Railway Advisory Committee. “I’d like to thank Southern Railway and Port Metro Vancouver and community members for coming to the table to find a solution that contributes to the quality of life we enjoy in New Westminster.”
-30-
Contacts:
Blair Fryer
Communications and Economic Development Manager
City of New Westminster
604-527-4688 or bfryer@newwestcity.ca
J. Singh Biln
Director Community Relations
Southern Railway of British Columbia Limited
604-527-6323 or sbiln@sryraillink.com
John Parker-Jervis
Media Relations
Port Metro Vancouver
604-665-9267 or John.Parker-Jervis@portmetrovancouver.com