A resident of Windsor is facing a dilemma as the city is requesting him to reverse the changes made to his backyard, which could lead to financial strain. Robert Redmond, a Fontainebleau homeowner, recently removed a berm and cement wall from his property to create more space for his children to play. This decision, costing him $6,700, has now put him at odds with the city’s regulations.
Following a complaint from a neighbor, the city instructed Redmond to reconstruct the berm within a year, citing safety concerns related to potential train derailments. Despite Redmond’s efforts to find an engineer to design an alternative sound barrier, the city rejected the proposed solution, emphasizing the necessity of the berm for both sound attenuation and safety measures.
Colin Novak, a University of Windsor engineering professor involved in the original impact assessment, explained the importance of berms in noise reduction and safety along railway lines. Despite exploring options like noise barrier fences or concrete walls, Novak emphasized that berms remain the standard due to safety requirements set by provincial guidelines and railway regulations.
Redmond expressed frustration over the situation, highlighting the financial burden of reinstating the berm by the looming deadline. Facing penalties and potential costs exceeding $50,000, Redmond and his family are grappling with the uncertainty and stress caused by the city’s enforcement actions. Despite seeking assistance, they feel trapped and overwhelmed by the situation, unsure of how to proceed and fearing the impact on their future.