In view of the fact that city council, supported by planners, are able to alter the Official Community Plan to meet the desires of developers with little concern or care for local home-owners why can’t our noise bylaws be updated just as readily and easily to help us?
Let’s give consideration to changing the construction project work hours from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (that is a 10-hour day) and no construction work on Sundays, federal or provincial holidays. Larger centres like Vancouver and Toronto give locals a break with no construction on Sundays or holidays.
Many work projects are many months (i.e: 175 Kinney Street) and residents have to listen to construction noise day-in and day-out, including weekends and holidays and frequently into the evening hours isn’t very healthy for anyone.
The bylaw enforcement officer has helped, but he can’t be on the site at all hours and every day. His stress level must go up too just hearing these reports from local neighbours. Is it fair to elect a city council then have them bend the rules for developers but ignore the stress on local residents, many who were born and raised here?
All we are asking for is a little common sense and genuine expression of responsibility. When work began at 5:30 and 6 a.m. on weekends, it did get a bit much and the bylaw enforcement officer’s intervention was greatly appreciated. Now, with the forest fire smoke, winds, dust and bugs raised on the construction site more emphasis on dust control would help greatly because it looks like a long, warm spell of dryer weather.
Six days a week for building construction should be ample don’t you think?
Joanie Green
Penticton