Study looks to get to bottom of 'Windsor hum'

Researchers in Ontario will spend the coming months trying to get to the bottom of the noise and vibration known as the "Windsor Hum."

People in Windsor have complained about the low-frequency rumbling for the past two years.

"What we're attempting to do is not only pinpoint the source, but also understand how it might affect quality of life for the people of this region," said Bob Dechert, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs in Ottawa. He says the Canadian government is giving $60,000 (CDN) to the Universities of Windsor and Western Ontario to conduct the study.

Windsor city Councillor Drew Dilkens says he knows of one resident who recently sold his house to get away from the hum.

"This isn't an imaginary problem, but it is a problem which requires sound, scientific data. Data that will pinpoint the source of the hum in order that an appropriate solution can be found," said Councillor Dilkens.

One study has already suggested the hum might be coming from near Zug Island, which sits in the Detroit River on the U.S. side of the border.

Researchers will use acoustic monitoring and infra-red analysis to try and locate the source. A report is expected in the fall.