Expansion of Trudeau Airport Raises Concerns About Increased Plane Noise in East-End Montreal

Residents living under flight corridors in Rosemont are expressing concerns about increased disturbances due to plans by Aéroports de Montréal (ADM) to accommodate greater passenger capacity. Mario Paquet, a resident of Rosemont, has noticed a significant increase in airplane noise in his neighborhood, which is not typically associated with flight paths from Montréal-Trudeau International Airport. Paquet, along with the citizens’ group Pour l’amour du ciel/For Heaven’s Sake, has been vocal about the noise pollution and air pollution caused by the increased air traffic.

ADM’s $4 billion expansion plan for Trudeau airport includes the addition of an extra terminal to accommodate future passenger growth. While ADM argues that newer planes are quieter and that an increase in passengers doesn’t necessarily mean more flights, residents like Paquet remain concerned about the impact on their quality of life.

Despite federal legislation requiring impact assessments for projects within federal jurisdiction, ADM’s project for Trudeau airport does not require review by the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada. This has raised concerns among residents and advocacy groups like Les Pollués de Montréal-Trudeau, who have a class-action lawsuit against ADM, Nav Canada, and Transport Canada over excessive noise.

As the debate continues, residents, politicians, and advocacy groups are calling for more transparency, independent impact studies, and public consultation to address the concerns of those living under flight paths in Rosemont and other affected neighborhoods. The issue highlights the delicate balance between economic growth and environmental impact in the context of airport expansion projects.