A local community association is urging local MPP Jim Watson to help reduce noise levels on Severn Ave. due to the Queensway.

Henry Sweich, president of the Queensway Terrace North Community Association, said a petition and letter were sent last August to the provincial Ministry of Transportation (MTO) complaining about the high noise level coming from the 417.

"It's difficult at times to sit outside your property, and enjoy a nice, regular conversation without the noise of the 417 on the other side interfering," said Mr. Sweich.

The residents behind the petition asked for a concrete barrier on the north side of the highway heading west.

When MTO said the situation did not merit such noise mitigation, the association submitted a letter to Mr. Watson in December. It explained the situation, and asked that another ministry conduct a noise level study on the actual community to get some answers.

The ministry built a noise barrier years ago, but Mr. Sweich said that it is "just abutting the residential part of our community that runs next to the 417."

In a recent phone interview, MTO environmental supervisor David McAvoy said the proposed Queensway widening project led to a noise analysis for the highway and surrounding areas

"We didn't actually do a measurement or calculation at Severn Ave. because it was so far away," Mr. McAvoy said.  "But we did do a prediction in an area to the east of that Severn, where the homes are very close to the highway.

The study found those homes did not require noise mitigation.

Mr. McAvoy said concrete barriers are ineffective in reducing noise levels when residential areas, such as Severn Ave., are located far away from the actual noise source.

Mr. Sweich said the association is mainly concerned about residents' ealth and quality of life.

Gillian Kotantoulas, who grew up on Severn Ave. and recently moved back in 2000, said the she always hears a loud, humming noise.

"It's not even horns and honking and squealing, which does happen," she explained. "There's just a constant level of noise. So if my alarm is not put on high, the noise actually drowns out my alarm and I don't hear it."

She said the noise is somewhat reduced when local trees are full of leaves.  The noise got worse, she said, after Hydro Ottawa cut about a 20-foot area of nearby trees to replace poles last year.

"It's gotten worse over the years," said Mr. Sweich, adding that the ministry's recommendation to widen the highway would mean even louder noises.

"We were here first, and yet (MTO) didn't do anything to accommodate us," said Ms. Kotantoulas.

Mark Taylor, a spokesperson for Mr. Watson, said the MPP and MTO are now discussing "the mechanics of getting an independent noise study."

"We certainly haven't hit a brick wall yet, but we're still working with the ministry to find out what options are available for them," said Mr. Taylor.