The intensive and repeated overflights of airplanes above the Town of Mount Royal are severely impacting residents’ quality of life. Day and night, aircraft noise disrupts sleep, mental health, and peace of mind-particularly in the sectors of Russell, Canora, Jasper, Lazard, Kenaston, Laird, and surrounding areas.
Background of the Problem
For several years now, flight paths, which were once aligned with Highway 40, have been gradually shifted—without public consultation-over residential neighborhoods. NAV CANADA and Aéroports de Montréal made these changes without transparency, creating an unlivable situation, especially during early morning and evening peak hours. This shift has occurred progressively since 2012–2013, following the implementation of so-called “satnav” route optimizations introduced by NAV CANADA.
Citizen Mobilization
Citizen groups such as Silence pour TMR and Citizens Against Aircraft Noise in TMR are demanding:
- A return to less densely populated flight corridors;
- A reduction in night traffic;
- Compensation or soundproofing measures;
- Noise monitoring stations;
- Full transparency of flight data.
What Other Cities Are Doing
Several cities in Canada and around the world have implemented concrete measures:
- Dorval (QC): Local agreements have enabled the creation of noise monitoring zones and follow-ups between the airport and elected officials.
- Calgary: A liaison committee between the airport, NAV CANADA, and citizens adjusts flight trajectories.
- Toronto: Certain nighttime time slots were suspended in residential areas following municipal pressure.
- Geneva (Switzerland): A compensation fund is provided to affected residents, financed by fees charged to airlines.
- San Francisco (USA): A public subsidy program for in-home soundproofing has been implemented.
What I Propose
Once elected as Mayor of the Town of Mount Royal, I commit to:
- Reopen dialogue with the REM and the airport to transform these infrastructures into assets for Mount Royal and its citizens, rather than continuing to suffer from their nuisances.
- Create a permanent citizen committee on aircraft noise.
- Install noise sensors in the most affected neighborhoods.
- Apply pressure on NAV CANADA and ADM to review flight paths.
- Ensure active representation with higher levels of government.
- Study mitigation measures such as in-home soundproofing or compensation programs.
- Demand concrete noise reduction measures, equitable compensation, and planning that protects our quality of life.
Conclusion
Silence is not a luxury – it is a right.
It is time for our town to rise together and demand living conditions that are respectful and dignified.
Maryam Kamali Nezhad, Eng., Ph.D.
Candidate for Mayor – Town of Mount Royal
www.avenircitejardin.com