But the stop of the whistle is still a long way off, says the city's operations director Craig Hebert.

According to Transport Canada guidelines, the city must consult with all stakeholders - including GO Transit, the Ministry of Transportation and the public - and also work with its insurer to minimize additional liability. Transport Canada would examine the city's efforts to address stakeholder concerns and would also inspect the crossings, and if acceptable, allow the city to pass a bylaw.

"It's not going to be an overnight process, with consultations with the public and stakeholders, then entering into a whistle-cessation agreement," said Hebert. "How long is a good question. This could be months."

Even if the routine whistles are eventually outlawed, engineers still can blow the whistle for safety reasons, such as fog and an animal on the track.

Councillor becomes a dad

Ward 2 Coun. Jeff Lehman became a father this week, as he and his wife Jen welcomed Cassandra Joan Meredith Sunday. Healthy, she weighs in at 8 lbs. 7 ounces.

Getting a bid for ice

Barrie council decided to get moving on applying for federal Recreation in Canada (RinC) funding - a program designed to revitalize old arenas and recreational infrastructure.

Last week, councillors skated around the issue, but finally this week, they made their play for $1.5 million in federal cash, to upgrade Eastview Arena and to add an artificial ice rink in an as-yet unchosen location.

Council orders library research

City councillors told the Barrie Public Library Board to do some homework and upgrade the library's strategic plan - and while they're at it, consult with residents in wards 6 and 7.

The library's strategic plan expired in 2008 and the board is focused on opening its Painswick branch in 2010.

But Ward 6 Coun. Michael Prowse and Ward 7 Coun. John Brassard say the Painswick branch will be no more convenient for their residents than going downtown - and that's tough for families that commute. Library statistics show a lower use by residents in the southwest.

Prowse and Brassard raised the issue initially by suggesting the library offer a book drop-off/pickup service at the Holly Recreation Centre.

Taxis limited near bus station

Taxicabs aren't paying for parking - and city revenue on Maple Street isn't what it should be - and they're occupying spaces other drivers need.

So Barrie is prohibiting taxi parking on Maple Avenue, between Dunlop and Simcoe streets, except for a four-stall taxi stand. The city is also banning taxi parking in the Bayfield Street, Spirit Catcher and the Salvation Army lots.