On Council agenda for 8/26 there is a Staff report recommending modifications to the noise by-law, specifically process for approving exemptions; in addition there is a recommendation to introduce a modest fee ($50) for processing applications. Very importantly this report confirms intent to review the current by-law for amendments and to consider the value of introducing a special events by-law.

I agree with these recommendations.  By the current by-law, most requests for exemptions are to go to Council.  I believe the latter, if followed, would divert time away from the issues which Council should be addressing. The proposed process, whereby an application is approved by the Clerk providing that the request meets the conditions identified, enables efficient processing of the application and ensures a good exchange of information about issues beyond “the noise” e.g. parking.  A small fee is appropriate as time is required to process it; the recommended $50 is consistent with other municipalities.  Here is the report.