July 15, 2015

VIA Rail trains to stop whistling at Greenbank road crossing

City of Ottawa whistling cessation by-law coming into effect

Montreal, July 15 2015 – In accordance with the motion passed by the city of Ottawa on June 24^th, VIA Rail Canada (VIA Rail) train will cease whistling at the Greenbank Road crossing, as of Saturday July 18^th at 00:01. This is consistent with the whistling cessation order that was in effect prior to the temporary displacement of the Greenbank crossing by the City of Ottawa to allow for its construction of a grade separated crossing at Greenbank Road. Similar whistling cessation by-laws are in effect at other railway crossings, within the limits of the City of Ottawa.

VIA Rail and the City of Ottawa have been working closely to ensure public safety and address noise concerns with residents in the area of the Greenbank Road crossing. VIA Rail and the City of Ottawa will monitor activities at and around the crossing to ensure that they support the cessation of train whistling at Greenbank Road.

For VIA Rail, the safety and security of train operations for passengers, employees and the public are of utmost importance. The population is reminded to always act with caution around railways and specifically to respect signage at railway crossings.

About VIA Rail Canada
As Canada's national rail passenger service, VIA Rail Canada (viarail.ca) and its 2,500 employees are mandated to provide safe, efficient and economical passenger transportation service, in both official languages of our country. VIA Rail operates intercity, regional and transcontinental trains linking over 400 communities across Canada, and safely transports nearly four million passengers annually. The Corporation was awarded seven Safety Awards by the Railway Association of Canada over the last eight years, and was the recipient of the 2012 Agent's Choice Award voted by Canadian travel agents and presented by Baxter Travel Media. Since 2007, the Government of Canada has invested almost a billion dollars in VIA Rail. About VIA Rail: www.viarail.ca/en/about-via-rail