Closed windows, nighttime racing: Neighbours frustrated with Franklin Boulevard traffic
Posted Jul 24, 2026 08:58:57 AM.
Last Updated Jul 24, 2026 02:13:04 PM.
There were a pair of emotional pleas to Cambridge Council this week calling for more safety measures on Franklin Boulevard.
Two mothers living on Bakersfield Drive, running parallel to Franklin, say they and their families can no longer enjoy their backyards with the noise and safety concerns that have grown over the past several years.
In August 2023, city council approved a truck bypass for downtown Galt, directing traffic away from the downtown core.
Michelle Pauze said that the city’s industrial traffic only went right behind her house.
“The noise is so overwhelming that we can’t even hear each other speak,” said Pauze, addressing councillors on Tuesday.
“Heavy transport trucks are using deafening engine compression brakes right behind our homes to slow down around roundabouts and actually shake our windows.”
The noise concerns continue into the night. Pauze said they have to keep their windows shut and are losing sleep with loud cars routinely “racing” on Franklin.
Living on Bakersfield for over 20 years, neighbour Leslie Biggs backed up those claims.
“You cannot hear people speak,” said Biggs. “The noise on that road is intrusive; we have to keep the windows closed.”
Councillor Scott Hamilton presented a motion Tuesday asking for city staff to work with the region on a safety and noise review of Franklin Boulevard between McQueen Shaver Boulevard and Dundas Street South.
He also called for the potential installation of speed cushions, radar speed signs, and new signage, as well as a deeper dive into the collision history at and around the Franklin and Myers Road roundabout.
“Residents are at the end of their rope, their problems are getting worse and have not stopped over the last six years.”
He explained the first time he visited a constituent’s home who reached out to him about the issue was a grandmother whose backyard had been crashed into by a car travelling along Franklin and Myers.
The motion passed unanimously and will also come before regional council.
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