Bill C-52 is before Parliament to reduce aircraft noise and low-flyers landing or taking off at Pearson airport.
Aicraft noise from planes using Toronto Pearson International Airport has left
many South Etobicoke residents sleepless and agitated for years and now
there may be relief to help curb the din.
Residents of Alderwood, Long Branch, New Toronto and Markland Woods who live under the flight paths have long complained to the Greater Toronto Airport Authority (GTAA) about loud and low-flying jets coming and going from Pearson.
Pearson officials last June issued an apology for the noise and claimed it was due to a $30 million rehabilitation of “Canada’s busiest runways,” which include Runway 05
for departures and Runway 23 for arrivals.
If passed noise committees will be formed to monitor and curb the noise of planes.
“Last night an airplane came over top and scared the living daylights out of me,” Alderwood resident Ruthmary James told airport officials then.
To curb the problem for residents, the federal government last June tabled Bill-C52: An Act to enact the Air Transportation Accountability Act and amend the Canada Marine Act.
The Bill, which is working its way through Parliament, will lead
to more transparency and accountability from airports, including the creation of noise
committees. C-52 will legislate airport operators to establish and oversee a noise
management committee to address questions and concerns from the public regarding the din of aircraft.
Aircraft will face fines for breaking sound laws or for flying to low.
The Bill will set out notice and consultation requirements related to aircraft
noise, establish a complaint process and impose fines up to $5,000 against airlines for breaking he law.
The committees would hold meetings four times yearly and publish when and where there will be runway work and more noise from aircraft.