Burnaby-New Westminster MP Peter Julian - Date/Photographer unknown.

9 February 2012

Burnaby-New Westminster MP's Bill Would Reduce Railway Noise

Ottawa Ontario - Burnaby-New Westminster MP Peter Julian has introduced legislation he believes would help Westminster Quay residents in their fight to reduce railway noise.
 
The New Democrat tabled a private member's bill, the Railway Noise and Vibration Control Act, in the House of Commons on Thursday.
 
Bill C-393 would prohibit railways from engaging in noisy rail yard activities in residential areas between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m.
 
"Existing legislation allows companies to pay lip service to the complaints of residents and continue their unreasonable and unresponsive behaviour," said Julian.
 
"We are left with no other choice but to carry on the fight in the courts and reverse the legislative changes brought forth by the Senate in 2007.
 
The well being of our sleep-deprived communities was negotiated away and the solution is to keep pushing for tough legislation," said Julian in a press release.
 
He pointed out while a standing committee on transportation did introduce tough noise regulations in 2007, which was passed in the House of Commons, the Senate amended the provisions "rendering them ineffective."
 
Julian has held town hall meetings in New Westminster about the ongoing Quayside problem, but despite their complaints he said the railway companies have continued with high-noise activity during evening, overnight, and early morning hours.
 
"Our offices have been receiving complaints on rail noise and I urge concerned communities to pressure this government to listen to reason and common sense. Quayside residents, in fact all Canadians, are entitled to a good night's sleep," said Julian.