I am extremely disappointed that there was yet another idling train directly outside our residence at on Buckley Avenue in Squamish. It started at approximately 5:30 p.m. on June 13, continued through the entire night and was still idling when I left for work the next morning at 7:30 a.m.
That is 14 hours of constant idling. It was a continuous idling with sputters and revving with no breaks whatsoever. It is always loud enough that if you put your hands on our balcony doors or windows, there is a strong vibration. Even with all windows and doors closed, it’s loud enough to be considerably disturbing.
I have been communicating with CN and the District of Squamish for many months now, since December 2015, to report this very disturbing idling issue. All my reports have been honest and as accurate for dates and times as possible. I have maintained faith in the people I have been communicating with in hopes that this now serious issue may be resolved with positive results for all concerned. But now I am writing to raise more awareness of this issue.
I must reiterate that this idling is not ever for a short period of time. It is always for extended periods ranging from 12 to 24-plus hours and always through the entire night. People’s stress levels are high due to lack of sleep and the frustration of this ongoing invasion of our lifestyle including mental and physical effects during overnight hours. I implore those in power to take action to resolve this issue and put an end to extensive idling in residential areas. Nobody would object to this practice being carried out further to the north of our neighbourhood in the yards closer to the station, or in the industrial park, where there are no residential areas.
We need to resolve this issue with a positive and constructive attitude toward residents’ welfare. If there is indeed an idling bylaw, then the district should enforce it.
Squamish is a most beautiful place to live and her residents deserve the attention of those in power. In a town where healthy lifestyle is promoted, a resolution to this issue of noise at night would be most advantageous to all concerned.
Sue Harris
Squamish
