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By Doug Collins

One Man's Opinion

COLLINS: Unfortunately, train whistles are on their way out

Aug 28, 2022 | 7:00 AM

I’M BIASED. I LOVE TRAINS. Always have. Always will.

I grew up at the very end of the steam locomotive era. When I lived in Terrace in the late ’50s, we often had to travel to Prince Rupert for medical and dental appointments. Many routes had changed to diesel engines, but that route still had a steam locomotive and it was awesome rounding a bend, looking ahead, and seeing the smoke from the locomotive.

And hearing that whistle whining? It’s one of the most beautiful sounds ever.

I spent hours near the docks when we moved to Prince Rupert, watching the trains shuffling around the yards. It probably led to my love of train songs by legends like Jimmie Rodgers, Hank Snow, Johnny Cash and others.

It’s one of the reasons I’m sad about the City applying for a grant to end the whistles downtown near the Red Bridge. Several safety measures will have to be undertaken but if and when those are completed, the whistles will stop, and it will be the end of an era in Kamloops.

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Growing rail traffic on that stretch of track has increased the number of trains, meaning more whistles, as there is a crossing there, where it is required by law to sound the whistle.

The track passes close to houses, so I get it.

But if I had a choice between loud music from a neighbourhood party, noisy motorbikes running by, noise from the big rigs on the highway, or a train whistle breaking the silence during the night, I would take the whistle every time.

But obviously, that’s just One Man’s Opinion.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.