MCK moves forward with process to cease train whistles at New Development area

11/06/2012

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) wishes to inform the community that it has unanimously passed a Mohawk Council Executive Directive that formally denotes its intent to work with CP Rail to discontinue certain mandatory train whistles in the area of the New Development (“South Texas”).

The MCK’s Community Protection Unit will now work with CP Rail to conduct a full safety assessment and audit in order to determine the feasibility of discontinuing the whistles.

The Community Protection Unit recently conducted an internal study at which time either children or adults were observed on the tracks, which necessitated train crews to blow warning whistles. These incidents occurred at various times, including overnight hours.

“Community members are reminded that railroad tracks are dangerous and that Kahnawa’kehró:non have been seriously injured by trains in the past,” said Director of Community Protection Kellyann Meloche. “If we are to move forward with stopping the unnecessary whistles, we must make every effort to ensure that all safety issues are properly addressed by all parties.”

The safety assessment and audit is expected to begin shortly. The community will continue to be updated on an ongoing basis.