The West Diamond community has scored a major victory in its fight against Go Transit’s piledriving noise.

“I’m pleased to announce that GO Transit has agreed to take concrete steps to reduce the noise. For the residents who have suffered for so long, I am delighted,” said Parkdale-High Park NDP MPP Cheri DiNovo.

“This victory should be credited to the immense work performed by the West Diamond Piledrivers Association and community activists who came together and made a difference.”

GO Transit has promised that its sound mitigation measures will be in place by June 8 and will include:

· Noise shrouds on the pile driving machines which, along with additional sound absorption used around the base of the pile, will reduce noise by 10 decibels or about 50 per cent;
· A sound absorbing coating on pile driving equipment which will reduce peak sound levels by six decibels;
· Noise walls, to help screen the noise, which will provide up to a 12 decibel reduction.