Item - 2019.EC2.14

The Economic and Community Development Committee:

1.  Directed the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards to:

a.  include as part of their Noise By-law review, any recommendations for additional enforcement respecting vehicle noise, including dedicated enforcement resources or technology located in areas that experience excessively high levels of vehicle noise; and

 
b.  report back to the April 3, 2019 Economic and Community Development Committee meeting with an update on the Noise By-law review.

Noise in our city takes on many forms, but few noises are as elusive and frustrating to deal with than the screeching engine of a modified street racing car, or motorcycle. The noise comes without warning, but can generally be anticipated in some neighbourhoods that have high levels of nighttime economic activity.

Sleep deprivation due to intermittent loud noise can be a health concern. I have heard from residents across Ward 11 who are experiencing this and have serious concerns about the noise being generated from vehicles racing up and down their neighbourhood streets.

Other cities have developed strategies to address this, including Edmonton who use a noise technology similar to photo radar to identify and charge suspected violations of their vehicle noise by-law.

As staff are currently undertaking a review of the noise by-law, I am hopeful they may be able to pay extra attention to the issue of vehicle noise and its impact on local residents.