Airport must reasonably accommodate West Islanders

Many people living near the airport in Dorval have come to terms with airplanes flying regularly over their homes, taking pause for 30 seconds as they talk with their neighbours or friends at backyard barbecues, be it in Dorval, Pointe Claire or other areas under takeoff and landing flight paths. However, many residents and city councils are taking issue with Aéroports de Montréal regarding night flights and the suspicion the airport agency is studying to make them regular excursions. Although ADM officials told The Chronicle this week night flights have stopped since September 2006, that doesn't appear to be the case. According to Dorval city officials, there were already 19,000 night flights in 2007. It seems no less than 80 per cent of complaints from residents made to ADM regarded overnight operations.

It is a fact the airport first opened in Dorval in September 1941 for military use before changing its mandate to a passenger airport following the Second World War. However, over the years, there has been much debate regarding noise from the airport activity. Former Dorval mayor Peter Yeomans often referred to it as "economic music" when asked about noise complaints. The transfer of international, charter and then cargo flights from Mirabel airport over the past decade raised tensions between residents, their city councils and ADM. Now, the potential for night flights to become a more regular fixture is unacceptable. While arguing the airport in Dorval should be closed is wishful thinking at best, residents are right to fight any plans for more night flights. It's one thing to be interrupted during the day, but to have your family startled awake during the wee hours is another thing. Dorval city council is taking up a charge against night flights and has started a petition. Council stated yesterday it is categorically opposed, with some exceptions for special circumstances, to flights between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., regardless of the weight or tonnage of the aircraft, or any other operational criteria applied to allow such operations.

All West Islanders should come on board and sign the petition.