Editor:
I am writing to draw attention to the ongoing issue of excessive noise caused by the SkyTrain passing through our neighborhood, a topic raised by Charlene Dorward in a letter to Burnaby NOW on August 1, 2020.
As a resident living near the SkyTrain line, between the Patterson and Metrotown stations, I empathize with Dorward’s concerns and share her sentiments. Even during the middle of the night, the noise levels consistently exceed the maximum levels set by the City of Burnaby’s noise control bylaw, which specifies non-continuous noise not exceeding 75 or 80 decibels, depending on the time of day. This has been an ongoing issue for years, and we hope to bring more attention to this matter.
Dorward’s letter mentioned that TransLink is not subject to Burnaby’s noise bylaws, which raises questions about who is responsible for enforcing noise regulations and ensuring that residents’ quality of life is not negatively impacted. Understanding why TransLink is exempt from these bylaws and whether there are other laws or regulations governing noise levels on the SkyTrain is essential.
We hope Burnaby NOW can help raise awareness and invite other affected residents to share their opinions. We want to encourage public dialogue and identify ways to address this issue.
We have noticed that the faster the SkyTrain runs, the louder the noise. We want to understand why TransLink operates the SkyTrain at the same speed during the night, between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., which is not a rush hour. TransLink could quickly reduce the SkyTrain noise during the night by operating it at a slower speed.
We urge the City of Burnaby and TransLink to take action and address this issue, ensuring that noise levels are within allowable limits. We would appreciate it if Burnaby NOW could help spread awareness and initiate a constructive dialogue on this critical topic, which affects many residents in the area.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
JJ Zhou
📢 SOUND OFF: Are you affected by SkyTrain noise in Burnaby? What would you like to see done about it? Share your thoughts — send us a letter.
