February 1, 1995

Council not doing enough on noise issue: Brownstein

Councillor Mitchell Brownstein said recently that council is not doing enough to resolve longstanding noise problems from the Canadian Pacific and Canadian National railyards.

"I hoped this council would pay some serious attention to this problem instead of just pushing the issue by," said the councillor, who heads the city's railway committee.  "The committee recommended a legal opinion be sought concerning the city's recourses against CP Rail, since the decibel level in the yards is above that accepted by law."

"However, no-one voted on the issue tonight (Jan 16)," he added.  "Is this council not listening to the issue - because they certainly weren't tonight.  We've met CP and CN; we've sent many letters; we met the minister of transport.  We've had many meetings and much correspondence, and we always received answers from CP Rail."

He explained that CP tried brake shoes first, but a report on their effectiveness was not disclosed until a year later, "until finally the report said there was little if any change in noise level."

The councillor said CP switched from humping to flat car switching.  "Council decided, before getting a legal opinion, let's wait six months and see if there's any change.  "This is an issue that affects the entire city and should be addressed, and I do not understand why this council refuses, time and time again, to have a clear understanding of our rights and recourses against CP and CN due to their breach of noise level laws."

Councillor Ruth Kovac said experts should speak to the committee.  "This kind of committe spins its wheels," she added.  "I would rather sit with the people that make the difference, and until we get that kind of committee organized,we'll never go anywhere."  Mr. Brownstein said many meetings were held with CP, CN and government people, "but if you don't bring something to the meeting, such as what your rights are as a city, you have nothing."  Councillor Allan Levine said the situation has become "horrendous," and Councillor Isadore Goldberg says nothing has come of years of talks concerning stronger noise bylaws.