New safety measures have been installed along crossings at Station Road, 15th Sideroad, and Dufferin Street
Township of King, Ont. — The Township of King, in coordination with York Region and Metrolinx, has eliminated train whistles at three (3) grade train crossings along the Barrie GO Line at Station Road, 15th Sideroad, and Dufferin Street. This is in line with the Township’s new By-law Number 2024-051 prohibiting the use of train whistles at specified railway/roadway crossing in King Township, which was approved at the June 17, 2024 Council meeting.
Transport Canada has developed a rigorous process in urbanized areas to provide alternatives to train whistling at a public grade crossing and offer local residents with relief from the noise. The use of new technologies and strategies can replace the need for whistles at certain crossings, when proven effective in maintaining safety.
To ensure that public safety remains a priority, new safety measures have been installed at the Station Road crossing to align with current safety measures located at the 15th Sideroad, and Dufferin Street crossings. This includes:
- Pedestrian warning signals with automated active arms
- Tactile walking surface indicators
- Sidewalk signage
- Painted lines across the tracks (to indicate pedestrian pathway)
- STOP bars on the road pavement
- Enhanced signage
- Additional fencing
The new features are in addition to pre-existing features that remain in full operation at all crossings, including: bells, flashing lights and crossing gate arms, as well as the sidewalk connection at Station Road which is now painted and has tactile plates for the visually impaired. These permanent safety features inform the public of approaching trains at specific crossings, ensuring these crossings continue to be safe and fully accessible.
The new whistle cessation bylaw puts an end to train whistling – the sounding of a whistle or horn – when a train approaches a public grade crossing. It is anticipated the whistle or horn will not be activated on a regular basis, but may be necessary in the case of any immediate safety concerns.
King Township staff worked closely with Metrolinx to meet Transport Canada’s whistle cessation standards for over three years. An engineering assessment was conducted, which concluded the three crossings met the requirements (e.g. sight lines, accident history) for whistle cessation as set out in Transport Canada’s Grade Crossing Regulations and the Grade Crossing Standards.
The Township has launched a public education campaign to raise awareness about its anti-whistling program and the new safety measures which have been installed at all three crossings. Additionally, residents residing within a 5km radius of one of the three crossing will receive a notice from the Township.
For more information, including a map of the train crossings, visit king.ca/QuietNeighbourhoods.
If you have questions about the whistle cessation program, contact ServiceKING at (905) 833-5321 or email serviceking@king.ca.
For regular updates on Township programs and events, follow the official corporate social media channels on X, Facebook and Instagram or visit king.ca.
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Mayor Steve Pellegrini
“King Township is committed to listening to our residents and addressing their concerns while prioritizing public safety. The successful implementation of train whistle cessation at three public crossings is a testament to our dedication to enhancing the quality of life in our community. By working closely with our partners at York Region and Metrolinx, we’ve ensured that this initiative meets the highest safety standards, while also responding to the needs of those who call King home.”
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Media Contact
Township of King
Andrea Gyarmati, Manager of Communications and Public Engagement
Township of King | Phone: 905-833-5321 | Email: media@king.ca