A resident of Windsor is facing a challenging situation as the city demands him to reverse the changes he made to his backyard, which he fears could lead to financial ruin with a looming deadline.
Robert Redmond, from Fontainebleau, purchased his home in 2019, where there was a berm and a cement wall in the backyard to reduce noise from the nearby train tracks. Observing that his neighbors had altered similar structures in the past, during the pandemic, Redmond decided to remove the wall that was deteriorating and the berm, requiring 52 truckloads of dirt.
The cost of this project amounted to $6,700, but Redmond deemed it worthwhile to create more space for his children to play. However, a neighbor reported the changes to the city, prompting officials to instruct Redmond to reconstruct the berm. He was given a year to engage an engineer specializing in sound to redesign the barrier.
Despite significant effort to find a suitable engineer, Redmond struggled until he eventually connected with an engineer associated with the original berm design firm from 30 years ago. The proposed solution involved a wooden fence that would fulfill the sound requirements of the previous berm. However, the city rejected this alternative, emphasizing the importance of restoring the berm for safety in case of a train derailment.
Colin Novak, a University of Windsor engineering professor involved in the berm’s initial assessment, explained that berms serve to mitigate noise and vibration while enhancing safety. Redmond’s attempt at an alternative solution was dismissed, with city regulations mandating compliance with sound barriers and berms for residential areas near active train tracks.
The city’s enforcement stance was based on provincial guidelines and railway regulations, which necessitated maintaining existing sound barriers for safety and noise attenuation. Novak emphasized that a berm remains the standard safety measure along railroad lines, as other options like noise barrier fences lack the same safety buffer.
Redmond expressed concern over the financial implications of restoring the berm by the stipulated deadline of February 4, especially considering potential penalties and estimated costs exceeding $50,000. Despite canceling discretionary expenses like a Disney subscription, Redmond is uncertain about meeting compliance requirements and the impact on his family’s finances.
The family faces restrictions on selling their home due to the work order against its title, compounding their stress. Redmond highlighted the urgency and financial strain caused by the situation, seeking assistance and expressing the emotional toll on his family during this challenging period.
