Dear Editor,
There have been many challenges to our modern lifestyle during the pandemic. People have been held back from their freedoms, including travel.
We’ve lived in the Hamilton area for nearly 40 years.
When we first moved in, it was a small, quiet neighbourhood. YVR Airport used the south runway and we could hear planes rumbling in the distance.
In the 90s, the airport built the north runway and all that changed. The sky above became an airplane highway.
I recall a July 1 weekend when the north runway was used, around 40 planes flew over our house. I contacted YVR Noise Management but ended the phone call feeling frustrated and dismayed.
I was told that the south runway was receiving maintenance and that it was a 10-year plan.
Every summer, flights would be redirected to the north runway until the work was completed. Our quiet home was no more.
The pandemic changed it all back.
We can now sit in our garden in the afternoon and hear the birds. We can enjoy our deck again without constant flights over our heads that drive us indoors.
We know that the peace and quiet won’t last. News announcements are already saying that once the virus is under control, travel will increase again and we can “look forward” to life the way it was.
I question how good that was.
P. Lewzey
RICHMOND
