British Columbia

New round of airport noise complaints

Residents of a Richmond neighbourhood, who live directly below the flight path of the Vancouver International Airport, are speaking out about the noise from late-night flights.

Residents of a Richmond neighbourhood, who live directly below the flight path of the Vancouver International Airport, are speaking out about the noise from late-night flights.

The residents, who attended a YVR open house, say they are also upset about the airport's lack of communication on the issue.

Satinin Lal, who has lived in the East Cambie neighbourhood for more than 25 years, says airport officials have made decisions without consulting the community.

"They make decisions to change the flight timing and all that stuff, and it's a real impact because we come under the flight path," he says.

"If they determine the planes are coming at midnight or early in the morning, they should consult us."

YVR spokesperson Anne Murray says airport officials take the complaints very seriously, and do what they can to minimize late-night noise.

"Where possible, the departures are out over the ocean. So we have noise-abatement procedures to try and minimize the effect of noise on people who live around the airport.

"But really, the 24-hour airport really supports the economy of Richmond, the Lower Mainland and the province of B.C., she says.

The East Cambie residents aren't giving up the fight. They say they'll continue to lobby YVR and the federal government until the overnight flights are stopped.