New ‘high frequency noise’ at Main St – Science World SkyTrain station ‘absolutely cruel’: advocates

A constant and loud alarm has been installed by TransLink at the Main Street – Science World SkyTrain Station in Vancouver, in an effort to address “gatherings.”

Confirming to CityNews in an email statement Wednesday morning, TransLink says it has received “dozens of reports of disorderly conduct and criminal activity” at the station over recent months and installed the device to “address this challenge.”

TransLink says the device, which it says prevents “gatherings at stations” emits a high-frequency noise.

It says the device is currently not on and was turned off Tuesday night. It adds when the constant noise was heard, it was just a test.

“We will consider all options to ensure the safety of our transit riders and employees,” TransLink said.

Users took to Twitter Tuesday, saying this device, otherwise known as a “mosquito alarm”, creates an “absolutely horrendous sound” and suggests it is used to keep unhoused people from gathering in the area.

An apparent “mosquito alarm” has been installed at the Main and Terminal SkyTrain station at Thornton Park.

It’s constantly plays a loud, piercing, high-pitched noise to discourage unhoused people from gathering. People stay in Thornton Park for safety.@TransLink @ParkBoard pic.twitter.com/48A1MQZfwu

— Aaron Bailey (@Aaron_R_Bailey) July 4, 2023

Pivot Legal Society, a Vancouver-based legal group with a history of advocating for those living in poverty called the newly installed alarm “absolutely cruel.”

A CityNews reporter captured audio coming from the alarm, describing it as “loud” and “annoying.”