Residents in New Sudbury are expressing their frustration over the height of a soundproofing berm along Maley Drive. The affected homes on Landreville Drive back onto Maley Drive, which is known for its heavy truck traffic. The berm was constructed years ago by the developer in anticipation of the bypass’s construction, but residents claim that it does not effectively mitigate the noise.
City staff have acknowledged the issue but state that rectifying the problem is more complicated than simply increasing the berm’s height. They are currently investigating the matter, although they are not obligated to take action. David Shelsted, the city engineering services director, explained that while some portions of the berm exceed the required height, it gradually becomes lower towards the west.
Jim O’Neil, a resident whose backyard directly faces the dip in the berm’s elevation, is particularly affected by the excessive noise. He and his neighbors have been complaining about the issue for over three years, with no resolution. O’Neil expressed his desire for the noise to stop, regardless of the measures taken.
Steven Nadeau, O’Neil’s neighbor, has also been involved in discussions with the city about the noise issue. He highlighted the inadequacy of the city’s sound studies, which were conducted in areas with sound-insulating berms at proper heights, rather than in the problematic location near their backyards. Nadeau compared the noise from Maley Drive to the droning sound of traffic along Highway 69 but noted that the heavy vehicles and occasional speeding exacerbate the issue.
Another resident, Cory Lariviere, dismissed the city’s response to their concerns as a runaround and emphasized that addressing the issue should be a straightforward matter of filling in the berm.
Ward 12 Councillor Joscelyne Landry-Altmann raised the residents’ concerns during a recent committee meeting, suggesting that noise mitigation measures should be expanded due to the increased traffic volume, particularly heavy traffic rerouted to Maley Drive. City staff confirmed that past noise studies and an interim study in 2022 revealed noise levels within the allowable range. However, another study will be conducted next year to assess the noise levels resulting from post-pandemic traffic volumes.
The city plans to plant noise receptors at the previous locations to gather data for comparisons. There is also a request to place an additional receptor at the spot where the berm’s elevation drops. While the city is reviewing the noise locations, there is currently no obligation to take action.
The residents affected by the inadequate soundproofing berm hope that their concerns will be addressed, as they believe the current noise levels are unreasonable. They are seeking a resolution that will effectively mitigate the noise from Maley Drive and improve their quality of life.
