12.2 – Noise standards for dwellings

Noise standards for indoor and outdoor are established

Several homes and schools were located along the Toronto-Montreal Boulevard BEFORE the transformation into Highway 20.

Noise measurements and standards have been established for a long time.

In more than 30 years, the city of Beaconsfield has not agreed to participate in the implementation of mitigation measures to reduce these excessive noise levels near these constructions.

Let’s look at the recommendations of engineers, health scientists and homebuilders.

  • The Quebec Department of Transport (MTQ) has measured the excess noise pollution in Beaconsfield (1987 and 2010), delivered an environmental impact study (1987) and a road noise policy (1998).
  • The Montreal Urban Development Plan (2015), the CMHC (1981) and the APCHQ (2009) have taken up in their own way the recommendations of the WHO (1999) both for inside and outside homes.

CHMC – Traffic impacts on homes (1981)

The Central Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has published a study and recommendations on noise from road and rail traffic and its effects on housing.

  • “When noise levels are between 55 dB and 75 dB, it is recommended to provide new buildings with adequate soundproofing. In addition, precautions [mitigation measures] must be taken to provide suitable outdoor amenity where the noise level is 55 dBA or less. »P.58
  • “Beyond 75 dBA, CMHC strongly advises against the construction of housing. »P.14 and 15

Please note that this study was cited in the Agglo plan (see below P.109), as well as the MTQ Road Noise Policy (1998)

WHO – Noise Guidelines (1999)

The WHO Noise Guidelines (1999) published target values ​​for the interior and exterior of homes (P.11), schools and kindergartens (P.12), etc. For example :

  • inside homes and schools the maximum target is 30 to 35 dB (A) LAeq
  • outside in residential areas (including balconies, terraces, etc.) and schools the maximum target is 50 to 55 dB (A) LAeq

MTQ – Beaconsfield noise measures (1987,2010)

In 1987 and in 2010, the MTQ measured the excessive noise level along Highway 20. Maps (3) showing isobars greater than 65 dBA along Highway 20 were included in the report submitted. in the city.

Example: Map showing the isobars from Saint-Charles Eastward – see the dangerous zones in violet (>70 dBA), and red (>65 dBA)

Agglo development plan (2015)

Development plan for the Montréal agglomeration

This development plan has been approved by the city of Beaconsfield (REF). It applies to the entire territory of the agglomeration.

“It entails the obligation of bringing into conformity the urban planning plans and regulations of the reconstituted municipalities of the agglomeration as well as those of Montreal and its districts.” (P.8)

Please note that the CMHC study is cited in the Agglo plan (P.109), as well as in the MTQ Road Noise Policy (1998)

APCHQ – Building acoustics (2009)

Building Acoustic Guide

The Association of Building and Housing Professionals of Quebec (APCHQ) published in 2009 the conclusions of a study to assess acoustic performance in buildings. This building acoustics guide is primarily intended for multi-unit buildings (apartments and condos). But it does reveal current techniques, measures and concerns in terms of controlling environmental noise around homes.

Despite all these, in more than 30 years, the city of Beaconsfield has not agreed to participate in the implementation of mitigation measures to reduce these excessive noise levels near these constructions.