When we heard the news that council was attempting to ban the use of the train whistle cessation here in Fernie we were a bit shocked. When we first moved here, yes, we must say it took a few months for us to get used to hearing it all hours of the day. But now we don't even notice it and sometimes question whether or not a train has even come through town.
We live only a block away from the tracks in the downtown area so it should bother us but it is a part of Fernie and has been for many, many years. It's very simple, if you can't handle the train whistle, then don't live in the areas of Fernie where you might hear it more or, plainly, don't live here in Fernie at all.
That train whistle attempts to save lives each day as it passes through each town including ours. Look at the number of kids and adults that cross those tracks each day on foot, bike, skateboard etc. How many times have you seen them crossing in areas other than at crossings? Here in Fernie they are always crossing the tracks and not at crossings. Have you people not listened to the recent headlines about people wearing headphones and listening to music and not hearing a train coming, even with the trains using the whistle? Now you want to take away the whistle for your own peace and quiet but take away everyone’s safety or maybe even lives.
For everyone that wants this passed should be ashamed of themselves for being so greedy. Especially everyone on council for not listening to the people that do not want it gone. If this is passed and someone gets hurt or killed you will have to live with knowing that you had a part in that person’s death. I hope everyone out there that does not support this will come forward and speak up. How about council starts concentrating on our roads and things that are important and less on taking away our safety?
Danielle Walkden
Fernie