The excessive noise has been demonstrated twice in more than 30 years
The MTQ has produced two noise pollution studies along Highway 20 in Beaconsfield.
Each time, the MTQ proposed an acoustic barrier, the best available solution to protect one third of the citizens of Beaconsfield.
In 2020, the MTQ proposes this solution a third time.
The MTQ produced two noise pollution studies along Highway 20 in Beaconsfield (French only) : in 1986-87 and in 2010. Both studies measured the extent of the noise pollution problem. They both concluded that corrective measures were required on the south side of Highway 20. The two reports also included a proposal to build acoustic barriers and green berms.
In 1987, the MTQ also produced an impact study (French only) for the eastern part from Saint Charles and concluded that Beaconsfield should regulate residential development along Highway 20.
Nowadays, every citizen can measure the noise level at home in person using a phone application.
MTQ noise pollution studies in Beaconsfield
First noise study (1986-87)
First noise pollution study in Beaconsfield (1986-87)
RELEVANT FACTS:
- Assessment of noise levels, traffic and priorities P.28-29,
- Maps showing the current sound climate P.73-75
- Map showing land use P.69-70
- Number of dwellings evaluation card P.71
- Proposal of acoustic barriers and sketches P.46-61,
- Map showing the sound climate after installation of acoustic barriers P.76-77
- Comparison of sound levels with other cities on the 20 P.80
Note: the maps show several areas not built south of the 20, but built today.
RELEVANT QUOTES:
“In the 300-meter strip, located south of Highway 20 (…) There are approximately 850 units distributed in bungalows and cottages of average age from 20 to 25 years old” P.13
” (…) sectors, which include single-family residences, appear to be priorities in the search for corrective measures likely to reduce the noise intrusions from Highway 20″ P.26
“A reduction of 7 dB (A) is perceived by the population as a 38% reduction in loudness (hearing sensation)” P.30
“An acoustic barrier of reasonable height (not exceeding 5 meters) will reduce the noise level by 7 dB (A) or more only in the residences located in the first row of the edge of the tracks of Highway 20. »P.33
Second noise study (2010)
Second study of noise pollution in Beaconsfield (2010)
The second study of noise pollution in Beaconsfield south and north of the 20 is carried out by the MTQ at the request of the city (P.6).
It also contains the justification of the MTQ for not proposing anything for the north side “The noise coming from the passage of freight trains and commuter trains is a sound source comparable and even superior to road noise”.
RELEVANT FACTS:
- Assessment of noise levels and traffic P.10-11, 14-17
- Effect of passing trains on Elm P.14
- Isobaric maps: current noise levels P.19-21
- Proposed corrective measures P.22-25
- Isobaric maps: noise levels following the installation of acoustic screens P.26-28
- Estimated cost = $ 20.5 million P.30-33
Note: The maps already show several constructions south of the 20 since the 1987 survey. We also see areas not built in 2010, but which are today.
RELEVANT QUOTES:
“The first dwellings south of the highway are located in an area where the level of discomfort is high, that is to say that the intervention threshold, set at 65 dBA in the road noise policy of the ministry Transport for an existing road, is reached or exceeded. As soon as this threshold is reached, the policy recommends the application of mitigation measures, the costs of which are shared between the department and the municipality concerned. »P.18
Here are the maps showing the noise isobars before and after the installation of acoustic barriers (MTQ 2010)
West BEFORE West AFTER Central BEFORE Central AFTER East BEFORE East AFTER
“It should be noted that a reduction of 10 dBA represents a reduction of half of the noise in terms of perception. »P.23
“For all survey points where the existing noise level reaches or exceeds 65 dBA on average over 24 hours, the anticipated noise reduction reaches or exceeds the minimum required reduction of 7 dBA in the presence of the proposed acoustic barriers ” P.24
Noise from the Trains (North side)
“North of the highway, rail traffic strongly influences the daily variation in noise levels since the tracks are very close together. Noise levels fluctuate more significantly, mainly at night with the passage of freight trains. »P.13
“North of Highway 20, in the territory of the city of Beaconsfield, there are no areas where the noise generated by highway traffic reaches or exceeds 65 dBA (…) Noise from the passage of trains of goods and commuter trains is a sound source comparable to and even superior to road noise. »P.15
“In order to more accurately estimate the external noise level, we must add the contribution of railway noise to the calculated noise levels. »P.15-16
MTQ Environment study (1986)
Study of the environmental impact of the redevelopment of 20 between boul. Saint-Charles and Boul. Saint-Jean and the construction of the Cartier interchange.
RELEVANT FACTS:
- Impact assessment P.22-31
- Mitigation measures P. 33-36
RELEVANT QUOTES:
“Screens are provided on the south side of the highway” P.35
“We recommend (…) the construction of the Cartier interchange below, while stressing the need to apply all of the proposed mitigating measures in the community” P.39
“This report also wishes to emphasize the interest that the cities of Pointe-Claire and Beaconsfield would have in regulating residential development along Highway 20, so as to regulate the expansion of residential use in the interior of the area characterized by sound conditions greater than Leq 55 dB (A) ”P.39
Phone applications to measure noise (2020)
Several ambient noise measurement tools are available free of charge for our phones
