Castlegar British Columbia - The recent addition of Canadian Pacific (CP) Railway's night trains has left many local residents tired, cranky, and concerned.
 
Since August 2014 these trains have been running from 19:00 to 20:30 and 01:00 to 03:00 and have caused enough of a disturbance to warrant attention from government officials.
 
Alex Atamanenko, MP for B.C. Southern Interior, and Linda Worley, RDKB Area B Director, are holding a public meeting for area residents to speak to ongoing concerns with the CP night train schedule.
 
The meeting will be held in Muriel Griffiths Room at the Greater Trail Community Centre, on 21 Nov 2014 at 18:30.
 
Although the meeting is being held in Trail, Castlegar residents are encouraged to attend.
 
With news of frequent derailments along train lines, safety is the foremost concern when it comes to these new train schedules.
 
"With the increased rail traffic, safety for the residents of Genelle and Rivervale is my main concern," said Worley, who is hosting the meeting.
 
"The condition of the rail line between Teck Cominco and through our communities should be maintained to the highest standards to ensure the safety of our citizens."
 
Apart from rail conditions and safety precautions another factor contributing to discontent is heightened noise levels during hours when residents are attempting to sleep.
 
In Castlegar alone, there are at least seven crossings where the trains will stop and blow their whistles repeatedly.
 
Two long whistles followed by one short and another two long.
 
Editor's Note:  Incorrect. The grade crossing whistle signal is two long, one short, and one long signal drawn out as the locomotive passes the grade crossing.
 
"I understand that it is necessary for a company to operate at a profit, but there is also an obligation to be a good corporate citizen," said Atamanenko.
 
"CP should consult with communities before taking action that will directly impact on people's health, property, and feelings of personal safety," continued the NDP MP.
 
Mike LoVecchio, Director of Government Affairs at CP Rail, will also be attending the meeting to address comments and questions from the audience.

Chris Stedile.