Markham's new rail safety features: A first in the GTA

MARKHAM, ON –  September 21, 2018 –  The City of Markham is the first municipality to aggressively raise the bar by installing new safety features associated with anti-whistling in all of Canada. Markham is promoting rail safety awareness during Rail Safety Week. On Monday, September 24, Mayor Frank Scarpitti updated commuters on the new rail crossing safety features at Unionville GO Train Station. He also met with some of the residents who are most impacted by these changes, at the Unionville Community Centre for Seniors.

"Markham is leading the charge," says Mayor Frank Scarpitti. "We are the only municipality in Canada to roll out a program of this size under the new Federal Regulations. This is also about creating tranquil neighbourhoods, and ensuring families no longer have to endure the sounds of train horns, especially late at night and in the early morning hours."

As part of the Whistle Cessation Program, the City of Markham has worked with Metrolinx, CN Police and York Region to upgrade 13 existing rail crossings in Markham to include new safety features under the new Federal Regulations. To date, six rail crossings have been completed, work on the remaining locations is expected to be completed later this fall.

The Canadian Rail Operating Rules (CROR) require all trains to whistle upon approaching any public rail crossing. Although train whistling is an important measure to keep drivers, cyclists and pedestrians safe, these whistles can be a nuisance to surrounding communities. The City of Markham is putting public safety first while actively working to create quiet neighbourhoods.

Some of the safety features include maze barriers or pedestrian warning gates, tactile walking plates for the visually impaired, signage and audible markers, in order to meet Transport Canada Safety requirements. These fully accessible public safety systems and features are intended to alert all pedestrians, motorists and cyclists about the changes they will begin to experience at Markham crossings.

Click here to learn more about Markham's new rail crossing safety features and the whistle cessation program.

VIDEO: Markham's Train Anti-Whistling Program

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Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti's Office: Lama Nicolas, Senior Communications Advisor at lnicolas@markham.ca or 416-671-2890
 

For all other media inquiries related to this news release: 
Erynn Sally, Media Relations Coordinator at esally@markham.ca or 416-737-2684