In the Aug. 12 St. Albert Gazette, I read an article that informed me almost all the requirements (federal standards) have been completed to allow the cessation of the train whistle. We all knew this was going to happen.
However, there had been an article written awhile back that the fencing was being done because of safety concerns. And now, most recent, we are being informed of the train whistle cessation; because there were people who were awakened from their sleep from the train whistle sounding, and it caused them insomnia and pain.
These are two different versions – which one is correct and which one is incorrect? Do you all communicate with each other at the council administration? Or one does not know what the other is doing?
Mainly, I believe this was done in a nice manner so the citizens will be satisfied, because they were informed. On the other hand, I would like to say – you did not fool a few of us. Your thinking was leaning towards insomnia and pain, and not to us.
I would like to present to you another picture – much too late! The train (the whole train) has an engine that chugs and roars, it has steel wheels rolling along steel railroad tracks which clatter and bang loudly. I would like to ask you – did you hear the train itself travelling along – and this noise did not wake you, but the whistle did? If you heard the train whistle, you surely must have heard the train as well. Your thinking is so ridiculous and out of context, that even the crows from up above are shaking their heads and laughing. Now you will be so satisfied and you will have your peaceful sleep – no longer the sound of the whistle will wake you.
You think you are a winner– well, think again. The train will still travel that route, there will be all kinds of noises to wake you up during the night – because we live in a world where noise is all around all of us. How will you deal with this now? And what have you really gained from all this? Are you comfortable that you will not be awakened from these other noises? Or are you going to demand that more fencing be put into place, or some ridiculous idea!
I am so frustrated and I am sure there are many other citizens who feel that money was unnecessarily spent. We all contribute our share of taxes, which is a requirement, for needed services.
The cessation of the train whistle and fencing are still not going to be a solution to the many other problems of noise. In our world, people do many activities, we have modern vehicles, and all the things undertaken make noise. We must stop to demand, on our local governments, to spend money on unneeded projects and cause our home taxes to increase. Accept what we have as a good thing; appreciate all that history has achieved for us – be completely thankful.
Please do not bring about the destruction of something that has existed for so long. There are many of us who enjoy and appreciate the sound of a whistle. A friend of mine has mentioned to me the train travelling along the railroad tracks and the sound of the whistle calms and relaxes her. The cessation of the train whistle is a sad moment in life – part of our artifacts (history) is lost and removed – and are we supposed to be happy with this? God bless your thinking capabilities.
Thank you,
Mary Cienkowski, St. Albert
