Petition launched calling for halt to expansion of Montreal-Trudeau airport due to noise and air pollution

A petition is calling on Transport Canada to prohibit the expansion of the Montreal-Trudeau Airport, as a group claims it will lead to more noise and air pollution.

Pierre Lachapelle, the president of Les Pollués de Montréal-Trudeau, says that plans to add a new terminal and 10 gates at the international airport will only worsen noise pollution.

“We acknowledged there is an airport in Montreal, but we want to be able to sleep at night,” said Lachapelle.

“The issue for our group is our quality of life because for a number of years since the closing of Mirabel and this enlargement of the airport in Dorval, in the augmentation, the increase of the number of flights day and night, that’s the issue.”

The petition states that airport authorities allow airplanes to travel over the city between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., which Lachapelle says disrupts the sleep of thousands of Montrealers. He adds that noise from aircrafts results in risk to health, particularly in terms of cardiovascular diseases. 

“We believe that the construction without any impact assessment and any public consultation that our quality of life will diminish again and too much,” explained Lachapelle.

The petition also suggests that increased air travel over Montreal will lead to more air pollution because of the accommodation of more planes and passengers.

In a statement to CityNews, Transport Canada did not reply to questions about the petition, but said that strict requirements govern aircraft emissions and that airport authorities are required to assess a project to determine whether it is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

“There needs to be a substantial improvement in what we live with this airport. They are not behaving like good neighbours,” said Lachapelle.

“It’s the job of our MPs and that’s why we call upon citizens to sign the petition, so we can put pressure. The election will be coming this year in 2025, so it’s the time to speak even louder to our MPs in Ottawa.”

Earlier this year, Aéroports de Montréal (ADM), the authority for Trudeau airport, announced $4 billion in renovations — including a new terminal and new gates, expected to be completed by 2028. 

Since the closure of the Mirabel airport in 2004, concerns about noise and air pollution from aircraft have persisted, particularly in the densely populated neighborhoods surrounding YUL.

ADM tells CityNews in a statement that it has pledged to maintain ongoing dialogue with the public and address the concerns raised by citizens.

ADM has reiterated its commitment to managing the noise climate around Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL) amidst ongoing legal proceedings and growing public concern over its expansion plans.

In response to a lawsuit filed by a group of concerned citizens over noise pollution, ADM stated it would refrain from commenting further due to the active legal situation.

However, the airport authority emphasized its dedication to balancing its role in the economic development of Greater Montreal with its responsibility to minimize disruption to local communities.

“Soundscape management remains a priority for ADM,” officials said. “We strive to ensure a harmonious coexistence between the airport’s operations and the surrounding neighborhoods. Detailed information on our initiatives is available in our 2023 Soundscape Annual Report and throughout the airport’s public reports.”

While the new developments aim to alleviate overcrowding, ADM reassured the public that an increase in passenger traffic would not result in a proportional rise in the number of flights.

The airport explained that the number of aircraft movements at YUL has declined by 13% over the past decade, despite a significant rise in passenger numbers.

Technological advancements, such as more efficient aircraft and higher load factors, have contributed to this reduction in flight frequency.

Airlines are also expected to continue upgrading their fleets, further reducing noise and greenhouse gas emissions in the coming years.

In addition to its expansion plans, ADM has taken steps to address noise concerns through its 2019-2023 Soundscape Management Action Plan.

The authority has worked on developing new operational scenarios, which focus on restricting flights based on noise certification levels rather than aircraft weight.

These proposed changes, which would implement stricter noise restrictions during certain hours, aim to mitigate noise pollution by prioritizing quieter aircraft during night and early morning hours.

The proposal includes a designated period of no scheduled flights from 1:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m., a measure intended to reduce nighttime noise disturbances.

ADM has conducted public consultations as part of the regulatory process, including an open-door event for citizens, and has submitted a request to Transport Canada to amend the noise abatement procedures at YUL.