Anyone preparing for the impending war with our neighbors to the south, Canada? Well, it turns out that there will be at least a legal battle considering that something with it’s own science fiction sounding name, “The Windsor Hum,” has been a terrible nuisance for residents of Windsor, Canada. Detroit’s neighbor to the south is hearing an annoying hum that has been tracked with this interactive Google map.

The Windsor Star is now reporting with confidence that the hum is coming from Zug Island, an industrial island located on the Michigan side of the Detroit River. An international case of zoning appears to be unfolding. It is interesting to frame this as a zoning issue because the nuisance is reportedly originating in another country. The Detroit River has historically provided an ample water way for industrial business and transportation, so such negative impacts are expected. But it is the abrupt appearance of the hum affecting an entire city that is causing all the stir.

We will have to wait and see how this unfolds, but what lessons can be learned for planners who are considering the effects of a development on its surroundings? This case takes into consideration international boundaries, but more often than not this is city vs. city or county vs. county when a neighbor allows for an intense use development that doesn’t fit in with its surroundings next-door. Let’s just hope that the good people of Windsor can sleep well at night soon.