Don’t make any noise - it may cost you

Roger Varley, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Chief Bylaw Officer Hilary Williams presented a report to council on Monday suggesting the Township start charging fees for exemptions to the noise bylaw.

In her report, Williams said Uxbridge has no formal process for residents or organizations to apply for exemptions for special events, weddings, construction activities or other happenings that may create noise beyond the by-law limits. Williams said several neighbouring municipalities have such processes in place.

She proposed a staggered set of fees be put in place for those seeking an exemption. For people requesting an exemption at least six months ahead of the event, there would be no charge. Those requesting an exemption three months ahead would be charged $150; a request a month ahead of time would cost $250 and any request made less than one month in advance would see the fee rise to $350.

Williams said the fee structure would help offset administrative costs associated with processing the applications. She said the processing of a Noise Exemption Application generally requires a greater degree of staff work, including "reviewing the event details, conducting property history checks, assessing previous complaints, verifying compliance with by law conditions and, in some cases, coordinating notices to surrounding residents."

Councillor Todd Snooks wondered if the fees charged should be different for business or commercial events and residential events.

When asked who determines whether noise at an event is in violation of the bylaw, Williams said it's not so much about the noise as the time it is being produced.

"We don't go out and monitor it," she said.

She also said fines for violating the noise bylaw would be higher than the proposed fees.

Mayor Dave Barton said the proposal is a balanced approach.

"This is not authoritarian," he said. "We want to make sure people are enjoying their backyards in a respectful way.