Fed up with noisy traffic at the corner of Dupont Street and Spadina Road, a group of local residents took to streets Friday, Aug. 21 asking motorists to lay off their horns.
The group, led by the Duspa Corner Collective, stood on the corner, some in costume and others holding signs, for what is dubbed No Honking Day.
The Dupsa collective is comprised of residents who live at the corner of Dupont and Spadina and has a mandate of beautifying the community through green initiatives, art, live performances and other community-building events.
The event was borne of frustration over the fact many motorists will attempt to turn left onto Dupont during rush hour periods, when signs prohibit such turns. As a result, drivers behind them will often honk their horns incessantly, making the busy corner a noisy one.
"I've lived here for two years and it happens everyday, morning and night," said Duspa member Vanessa Butterworth. "Sometimes, a driver will just lean on his horn for 30 seconds. It's pretty hard to deal with the noise."
Duspa has spoken with councillor Adam Vaughan's office about the ongoing noise concerns, and Butterworth said the councillor was receptive to their complaints.
"He said they would take down the (no turning) sign, and we're waiting for that to happen," Butterworth said. "In the meantime, we're trying to raise awareness and remind drivers that people live right here."
Duspa members offered mime performances and displayed banners and signs urging drivers to exhibit a little patience. Some drivers who continued honking were sprayed with water guns.
On the whole, however, most drivers were receptive to the local residents' pleas for peace and quiet.
"There have been a few tense moments with people honking just because they see the signs, but mostly we've been getting a good response," said Duspa member Steve Cornwall. "We just want people to know, we do hear you honking and we'd like if people were a bit more considerate."
Cornwall added Duspa understands there will be some traffic noise at busy street corners, but said the sheer amount of noise goes far beyond what anyone should have to deal with.
"There's a difference between honking for safety versus honking because you're being held up for a few seconds," he said.