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The city is hoping that residents on Tuliptree Road won’t be too bothered by construction when it’s time to replace the sound barrier shielding the houses from the constant noise of Highway 406.

That’s why staff is suggesting the  entire 685 metre barrier be replaced all at once, instead of in sections, after the material inside the barrier is nearing the end of its useful life. It was in the early 2000’s that the barrier, constructed with pressure treated lumber, was raised. Over the years the city has noted several sections collapsing or being in need of bracing, prompting safety concerns.

“Reportedly, since the time the barrier was installed the adjacent property owners have been using the space between their rear property and the sound barrier as their own,” a city report said. “Some have installed temporary structures and some properties have installed more permanent such as pool decks.”

Staff are now planning to circulate a letter to the affected homeowners to potentially have the structures removed. The three options:

Option 1: Removal of all Encroaching Structures: All encroaching structures and fences to be removed from City property. This will mitigate risk created by the encroachment and allow the City access for the purpose of routine maintenance.

Option 2: Transfer the Liability/Responsibility through Sale of land: This option can be achieved through sale of the encroaching lands to the homeowner based an Assessment of lands and the repair/replacement of sound barrier as a one (1) time replacement. After the sale of the lands and the replacement of the sound barrier, the Encroaching lands and Sound Barrier will then be considered private property and be the responsibility of the homeowner

Option 3: Transfer the Liability/Responsibility through Page104 Municipal License Agreement: The Municipal License Agreement would consist of a yearly Encroachment agreement which would be based on the Assessment of the Encroaching lands cost and the cost of sound barrier replacement/Repairs. With an agreement for City Staff to enter the property to maintain any City Asset.

City staff are suggesting the contract be awarded to Touchstone Site Contractors Inc. at a contract price of $201,270.00 excluding HST, with the approval to spend the full budgeted amount.

About the Author: Ludvig Drevfjall