Even though Angelstone Tournaments has approval to go ahead with its remaining 2014 events, some local residents still have concerns.
As the item came before council July 22, neighbours Fred and Nancy Gilbert reiterated concern with the operation and the noise at events.
Nancy Gilbert noted that following council’s decision to grant Angelstone an initial three events before any further decision is to be made on the remaining three proposed events, she would like to provide a progress report on the status of items that impact them specifically.
Gilbert stated that she had asked for copies of a number of reports for reference and discussions with Angelstone.
“We have not received any of the requested documents to date. We believe it is critical to have them available to us if we are to work with Angelstone toward mutually agreed solutions for outstanding issues.”
Gilbert also stated the privacy issue has yet to be resolved.
“We had expected Angelstone would come back with ideas/suggestions from their fencing contractor that would address visibility as well as noise. Instead, Angelstone proceeded with building an eight-foot fence along part of our fence line, directly behind our house. This has not resolved the noise or privacy issues.”
Gilbert also stated the drainage issue has not been solved satisfactorily.
“We insist on a proper Storm Water Management system. We do not want to be revisiting this drainage issue every time there is heavy rainfall.”
“While noise was less offensive than last year, we still hear loud speakers from our property. On the first Thursday night we could hear the music in our house although it did shut down at 11pm. On the Saturday of the first event, the music shut down at 11pm but the party continued on much later. With sound carrying at night, we were able to hear it. The second Saturday night, the party again continued later. Angelstone also changed the venue for their two major events and did not bring in a rock concert.
On-site camping remains an issue for the Gilberts as it appears to be another source of noise. “There is no control as to what happens, no shutdown, no rules, and no effective enforcement of noise control.”
Comments were also reciveved by Anna Spiteri, of Neighbourhood Connections. Spiteri said she believed a site plan remains critical if Angelstone is to be successful in resolving neighbour concerns.
While there was agreement that there were noticeable improvements in sound control, the noise study done to date will not be valid if the venue is altered. Spireri asked if noise monitoring would continue through the future events.
Lianne Selke stated, “Angelstone Tournaments is pleased to report that we have hosted three wonderful events this season at Angelstone.”
Selke stated that at council’s direction they undertook to complete a site plan and a grading and drainage survey that will be used as by the engineers in the development of a drainage plan that will be part of a permanent application. These have been submitted to the town via the building department.
Selke also acknowledged “sound levels of previous years were well above any acceptable standard. Recognizing this we worked with various sound people to reduce the sound levels as much as possible with our current equipment while still providing sound where we needed it on site during the show.” She said Anglestone committed to measuring this sound (via a sound study by qualified consultants) on site and in the surrounding area to see how successful they had been at bringing sound levels to acceptable levels.
Selke also stated work is being done in regards to a traffic study and that an emergency evacuation plan was submitted to the town.
She stated, “Angelstone Tournaments has reached out repeatedly to our neighbours, urging them to contact us if issues should arise.”
In response to the Gilberts’ concerns, Selke stated that a site plan has been completed and is on file with the Town of Erin.
In addition, the engineering report to deal with the drainage will be completed as part of the permanent application.
Councillor Barb Tocher noted that based on letters received, drainage still appears to be an issue.
Stull said the town still does not have a site plan at this time.
She said the operation is in compliance with the temporary rezoning.
Tocher said before a final rezoning is passed, the stormwater management needs to be addressed.
CAO Kathryn Ironmonger believed at this point the proponents have attempted to be accommodating.
She said if council wishes more restrictions, studies or information, it could be done next year when a permit to operate is requested.
“We’ve already set our conditions for this year.”
Tocher argued that the proponents are stating the site plan is complete and on file with the town – and that’s not the case.
Mayor Lou Maieron suggested the matter be further discussed in August.
When Selke stated she’d received confirmation from the clerk a site plan was submitted, Tocher recommended the plan be submitted to the planner.
