County councillors balk at $375,000 Beeton noise barrier

By Kate Harries AWARE Simcoe November 9 2011

Neighbours of the County’s new Beeton roads garage have made it clear they want a 450-metre noise barrier. New Tecumseth council has backed them up, making it part of the site plan agreement. But the Ontario environment ministry said it would be alright to operate for an initial 12 months and then conduct an assessment of whether the noise is excessive and what mitigation measures might be appropriate.

 That was what the county initially proposed and still wants. But, transportatation maintenance director Christian Meile told the corporate services committee today, the neighbours are “adamant,” they want a wall before operations begin, and the town refuses to give the county an occupancy permit until the wall is built.

Councillors, already looking at cost overruns on the facility that is to replace existing operations in Beeton, told staff to try again for a compromise or they will consider appealing the town’s demand.  “I hate OMB appeals,” said Oro-Medonte Deputy Mayor Ralph Hough, “but I think this is one that is justified.”