City harkens for noise by-law changes
Wednesday, September 26, 2012 by: Jordan Allard
Fueled by a flurry of activity in the city's downtown area, noise complaints have grown louder recently.
City staff will look into Sault Ste. Marie’s two noise by-laws and determine if improvements need to be made.
Nuala Kenny, city solicitor, said a look into the city's two by-laws relating to noise concerns is long overdue.
Smokey's Outdoor Patio and a recent outdoor concert have drawn ire from nearby residents, Kenny said.
The recent relocation of an Algoma University residence to the downtown core has also caused consternation from the downtown core.
"Now that we have competing interests in the community it's the right time to look how we deal with noise complaints," Kenny said.
Noise complaints are not limited to one area of the city and Kenny added residents in the north end of the Sault have been complaining about industrial noise.
By-law 4100 (passed in 1967) prohibits various types of noises including those likely to disturb inhabitants and by-law 80-200 (1980) cuts the city into two sections; residential area and quiet zone.
The quiet zone encompasses the area of the former Sault Area Hospital site and the city said given the hospital's relocation this is no longer relevant.
Outdated by-laws have been making it hard for proper enforcement by the Sault Police Force.
A report by the legal department said there are often situations when competing interests make it difficult to charge someone with a noise violation.
For example, when a property is properly zoned and operating within its normal course it may be still creating noise that is ‘likely to disturb the inhabitants’ – which is the case when local establishments attempt to host outdoor musical events.
A committee comprised by members of council, relevant city staff and community stakeholders including representation from AIgoma University, seniors housing and the Downtown Association will review the existing noise by-laws and make recommendations to council regarding updating noise by-laws.
Ward 5 Councilor Marchy Bruni, Ward 1 Councilor Paul Christian, Ward 5 Councilor Frank Fata and Ward 2 Councilor Susan Myers will serve on the committee.
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Archie 9/26/2012 8:57:50 AM ReportWhat about the Big motorcycles with straight pipe exhaust?? Try living on a busy Street like Wellington with those going by all summer long. An occasional concert is nothing compared to the daily barage of loud exhaust pipes.
river_man 9/26/2012 9:09:38 AM ReportAn outdoor concert? I'm really bewildered with these downtown residents that are so sensitive to noise. Will they not stop until they have completely shut out any culture and night life in this town? Go downtown in any other city in this country and see a carnival of good times happening until 3-4am. It's an entertainment district. Shut down that and it will move into residential areas.
Snowdon 9/26/2012 9:20:56 AM ReportIt's the downtown. If you want a vibrant downtown, and to attract a variety of events to the downtown, you're going to get noise. Why would you live in the downtown of the city if you're going to be bothered by noise? It comes with the territory.
Speaking only of the concerts, they aren't even allowed to go late into the night, so by my count that means people are complaining about noise probably before 11 PM, which is hilariously sad. Them's the breaks if you live downtown. Deal with it, or move somewhere quieter.
UrsaMajor 9/26/2012 9:25:11 AM ReportFascists, fascists everywhere.
I wanna buy a trombone and parade downtown now.
persephone 9/26/2012 9:32:54 AM ReportI believe I remember this outdoor concert of which you speak. If I remember correctly it was held on a Saturday evening and the proprietor was MORE than responsible by having the band finish before 10:30. (Very dissappointing for those of us in attendance)
Events like Tailfeathers help support community development both financially and socially.
I ask (Algoma Students) why live downtown if you're concerned about noise? I ask (long standing residents of downtown) isn't some great music twice a year better than sirens?
sportsfan17 9/26/2012 9:59:31 AM ReportCan't agree more with all of the responders to this story so far.
We finally start seeing some meaningful cultural and social activity downtown and people want to squash it? There are too many old-fashioned people in this town that can't move on. We need to keep the development of the downtown going or else we are gonna end up living in a world of Walmarts, McDonalds and Home Depots. Even though we pretty much already are.. but that's besides the point.
I was also at the Tailfeathers Festival downtown that these complaints are directed at. A fantastic show and it was a shame to see it end before 11 but organiser Steve Alexander made every effort to conform to the by-laws. And good on him for that! He's an asset this community that we should NOT discourage!
Beej 9/26/2012 10:39:49 AM ReportSSM sucks!
Last one to leave.. don't forget to turn out the lights!
Stevie-E 9/26/2012 10:40:13 AM ReportNuala,
As a prospective future business owner in the downtown core, I will fight you every step of the way to keep the culture downtown...as many of the respondents have already said.
The area between Pim and Spring Street that surrounds Queen Street should be designated for Arts & Entertainment and highly doubt the students would be complaining. Cities need this to maintain a certain energy and vibrancy. If you decide to push on this issue, you will kill the owners of establishments who are already struggling with various by-laws and strict "babysitter" alcohol regulations which should be removed to allow people to compete and for patrons to enjoy themselves.
This city never surprises me for the ass backwards thinking. Do you think bigger business will want to come here with the restrictions placed on business currently? I don't think so. Time to start thinking about future generations instead of throwing a power trip tantrum.
geterdun 9/26/2012 10:41:16 AM ReportJust a bunch of old farts complaining about noise.....This is what we are to expect now that we are a retirement town
old people complaining about noise please get a life or just move them all to a nice quite area like Hiawatha......unbelievable that these are the issues that council is working on.what about getting some manufacturing companies or some good paying jobs for people around here..what joke this city is..noise complaints please!!!!!!!!!!!so what did you think students were going to do all night study LOL.......if you ask me there should be a by-law against old people who think they can just walk or DRIVE any way or were they want...those are the people causing the problems downtown not to mention all the one way streets ....Sault Ste Marie the city who is going backwards in time LOL....
speed7 9/26/2012 10:43:48 AM ReportI'm all for concerts and live entertainment. Without it this city is dead as a doorknob. Wear some ear plugs if it bothers you? Imposing a by law for this?? Boy what saddists. I thought the by law for not hanging out your close to dry outside was riduculous. Now this? I guess its better we go accross the ditch for concerts then? We already do anyway why not tie the knot with this stupid by law. Sheeesshhhh!
Cant beleive mayor and councillors are taking the time to waiste on this silly issue in the first place. How about getting our city filled with good JOBS! I think they need some retrofit hearing aids like the lady in the picture above. Not really listening or conprehending the real concerns of our city. Focusing on the less important issues instead.
speed7 9/26/2012 11:04:18 AM ReportAll of Queen Street from gore to pim street should be designated as an arts and entertainment district if you ask me as well as bieng buisness district. This is the core of our city. What city anywhere does not have activity and noise in their core downtown district? Talk about killing our economy with a slow beating death. If this by law passes I wont be participating in any events here. It will be across the ditch for me where the americans seem to have the vision and know what they are doing better than us obviously. If their was poll on this on soo today Hint Hint! I'd vote a flat out NO!
SammH 9/26/2012 11:05:00 AM ReportYeah honestly, there are vehicles that drive up and down my street on a regular basis that probably make more noise than an outdoor concert!
speed7 9/26/2012 11:21:38 AM ReportOne more point, not sure if alot of you remember the princess theater which was a place for concerts on gore. I saw Jan Arden there and now it sits abandoned. Also there used to be 2 movie theaters on queen the princess and the odeon theatres. This was when queen street was really alive with entertainment. How about the VIC and the EASTGATE and ALGONUIN. Why we are not seeking to rekindle this again is insane. Alot of great bars and establishments who host great live bands and entertainment here in our very own city. it's a darm shame passing this by law.
Dictionary 9/26/2012 11:37:07 AM Reportit bothers me that bars that support local music face the fear of fines for having local bands play in their establishments, let alone the concept of outdoor concerts. if these people don't want noise, don't live downtown.
government10 9/26/2012 12:00:50 PM ReportI couldn't agree more with whomever said the comment about.. go to any other city, day or night and its just bustling with people walking about, the shops are open, there is music playing, bars and patios are open, etc... in escence people socializing, spending money, contributing to our city. You walk downtown in this city, you see nothing at all. I can't even begin to tell how times I've thought this.
James O'Brien 9/26/2012 12:01:39 PM ReportNot too long ago my wife and I had dinner with a fellow who was visiting the Soo for a week to work at the hospital. He was staying downtown and decided to check out the downtown on a free evening.
He was frightened off by the sound of crickets.
IceBlueEyes7127 9/26/2012 12:05:21 PM ReportI agree with Riverman.. put ur d*mn earplugs in for Godsakes! Ppl enjoy outdoor concerts and other social festivities like it.. if you can't handle the noise, move to a more peaceful part of town and get the sandpaper outta ur butts!
molder2 9/26/2012 12:14:58 PM ReportThe people of this city voted for these idiots...deal with it...Helloooooooo!
Boomboom 9/26/2012 12:22:28 PM ReportWard 2 Councilor on the case...its all over.
It is pathetic as it is now and just getting worse. You can't go to anything thats open late but the casino here and that is a joke in itself, and on its last legs. It's a ghost town in there along with Queen and Gore. What more does this city need to see thats its going no where but down. Downtown used to be such a good time, walk bar to bar, place to place, people out and live, now its a deserted dump with nothing but laws controlling this and controlling that. Get with the times, grow a set a quit making issues out of something that is not an issue. Watching channel 10 on mondays, you can really see and hear where these people are taking our city. Keep building schools to only have all the kids going thru them leave the second they graduate because there is nothing here but miss-guided hopes and dreams. Nothing but business's that are passionate about our town get shot down the second they want to open something that involves fun or noise like live entertainment.
How long till Buskerfest is removed due to smoke from fire jugglers and liability?
Wheels17 9/26/2012 12:35:44 PM ReportSee. I have said this for years about there being a noise bylaw but no one ever believed me. My pet peeve is all those people with louds vehicles that think it's cool to be loud or are simply just too lazy to get their mufflers fixed. I hope they have stiff fines for those people that drive in the middle of the night and wake people up.
Wheels17 9/26/2012 12:36:19 PM ReportSee. I have said this for years about there being a noise bylaw but no one ever believed me. My pet peeve is all those people with louds vehicles that think it's cool to be loud or are simply just too lazy to get their mufflers fixed. I hope they have stiff fines for those people that drive in the middle of the night and wake people up.
teambawatz 9/26/2012 12:46:40 PM ReportBoomboom, i was thinking the exact same thing.
How did council appoint the ppl to look into this by-law?
With Councilor Susan Myers on the job, we should have the quietest down town in Ontario. She was the driving force that wanted to not allow KISS to play at the Essar Centre, becasue they sent the wrong message. If i didn't know any better she sounds like the Mother for "Detroit Rock City". I don't think she has the capability to look past her own wacky beliefs and truely look at what is benificial for the city. As long as we have councillors that are as prude as her the city will never become more enviting, youthful and prosperous.
Zenobia 9/26/2012 12:53:07 PM Report...and where do all the local bands practice? In their garages. What happens? Police get called due to neighbours complaining about the noise. In the middle of the afternoon!
This happened to a local band - more than once. (They never practiced late) This local band also won a local award - but as a result of the complaining neighbours, the band has 'dis-banded'. No place to practice. Thanks, neighbours.
Boomboom 9/26/2012 1:54:06 PM ReportIt actually was quite funny how they form these comittee's, they just extremely fast within 5 seconds Debbie says...who is in this...four hands go up, and she says, there is your committee. Literally was 5 seconds. Watch channel 10...the questions she asked Ruscio's representative last week on a different issue were so out to lunch that she had to keep repeating herself since no one understood them. It's good comedy. Tune in people...good times! But city still clueless...
TankGirl 9/26/2012 4:51:53 PM ReportI can't see how there can be anything further (beyond the existing noise by laws) done to hinder the outdoor musical performances such as Tailfeathers considering the city has Rotary Fest and other such events every year downtown that include music, fireworks, rides and other "noisy" events. As long as it is shut down by 11 what else can they really do?
medsec 9/26/2012 7:05:25 PM ReportHow about getting rid of the motorcycles that seem to think they can"let it rip" because it feeds their egos, what about waking people up at night, don't have a problem with motorcycles but have some consideration for other people, you are not that cool!!! Get a life, and it's not just Wellington Street, Queen Street near sewage plant for sure. Any noise by-laws for this???? Let the downtown have their concert, what about having innocent fun? Go after the motorcycles!!!!
Boomer4771 9/26/2012 9:26:59 PM ReportI really wish people would stop painting all motorcyclist with the same brush. I use to get cut off by vehicles minimum of 2 times a week. I can't tell you how many times I had to lock up my rear tire to avoid accidents. I then purchased a legal exhaust system that, yes it is louder than factory, but that exhaust system has saved my life numerous times. Not one of my elderly neighbors have complained. In fact the only thing that keeps me awake is the clanging of the tubes and the beeping of machinery backing up at the tube mill.So please spare me with your complaints about motorcycles exhausts.
quick 9/26/2012 9:37:42 PM Report"Archie/Medsec"LOUD PIPES SAVES LIVES"keeps idiots like you in vehicles from from cutting us off, and the sound of loud pipes on queen around the sewege plant is because we have to throttle up to get away from the smell of all THE BULL SH*T!
speed7 9/26/2012 11:02:34 PM Reportteambawatz
Your right! Councillor Myers is a the worst. She actually didnt want the biggest Act on Earth Kiss to come up here!!! What a joke. We had so much tourism as a result of that. People coming in from the states to see them. She needs to keep her religious views on rock music to herself. Spiritual or not her workplace is'nt the place to hold her convictions. She is a city official, she neeeds to start using her head and not her visions for the sault... all of us in white smocks citing the bible or something? No offense. I dont knock any faith. I practice my faith but I dont push on anyone else.
All people young and older, need places to go and have some form of entertainment. Otherwise you would be looking at more crime instead.
This city has much potential. Know one truly cares it seems.
shaddow 9/27/2012 2:55:55 AM ReportSpeed7 - My Grandfather loves to speak of the great times they had when he was young. The Princess Theater on Gore St., the Algoma Theater, Orphum Theater, and the Biltmore that changed to Odeon, that were on Queen between East & Brock Street. There were dances held at the Palm Gardens/Peppermint Lounge, on Queen just east of East St., Knights Of Columbus Hall upstairs over Bob's East Street Hardware, corner of East & Queen, & the YMCA on Spring St. These were all non-drinking establishments. These were for teens & young adults. They all had great times then & when he looks at the Soo today he says the punks today have nothing to do but vandalize & create mayhem. Why they do not try to create more activities for the teens rather than hanging out in the Malls, on the streets, at coffee shops etc. just bumming around - looking for excitement or trouble. I'm in my late teens - do not drink, smoke, into drugs, etc. & feel my education comes first & then getting a job & making a good life for myself, not being a loser, pothead, thief & druggy. My Grandfather says it's 'Just a smart person with a great outlook on life that will make it work.' God Bless........
speed7 9/27/2012 11:07:10 AM ReportShadow, Glad to see you that you are focusing on your education. If this silly by law is passed I am concerned that a good majority of our youths will have nothing left to do accept vandilize our streets. But some of us older people like to have some entertainment too as well? I have seen many great bands and acts just between those 2 places the VIC and the EASTGATE. Now the owner of the ALGONQIN finally opened up awhile ago and he actually got a great band Helix to play there. They were huge in the industry . I can name quite a few bands we had seen and it was a fresh change of pace to go with friends out and socialize. I've been to lop lops and its a cute place as well to hang out. The music is good too. We have alot of homegrown talent as well? This by law is riduculous. Just my opinion of course.
TankGirl 9/27/2012 11:23:28 AM ReportWould people give it a rest on the motorcycles already?! THERE ALREADY IS A NOISE BY LAW FOR LOUD CARS/TRUCKS AND MOTORCYCLES!
Back to the topic at hand, turning the entire city of SSM into an old folks home.
I say, no thanks. Time to start writing letters to council.
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