County-wide noise bylaw approved in Guelph/Eramosa
BRUCEDALE – Guelph/Eramosa council has approved a new noise bylaw that Wellington County and Wellington OPP officials hope all of the county’s lower tier municipalities will implement.
Council unanimously approved the new bylaw during a regular meeting on April 2, without any discussion.
Centre Wellington council approved the same bylaw on March 25.
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Guelph/Eramosa spokesperson Amanda Knight said the main differences between the new bylaw and the previous one in place in Guelph/Eramosa are that the new bylaw includes:
- a comprehensive set of definitions and provisions;
- a list of exemptions;
- a process for noise exemptions, including permit applications and submission requirements;
- delegation of authority to the municipal clerk to approve noise exemptions;
- terms and conditions for resolution of non-compliance of permits;
- new provisions allowing for the expansion of noise sources with the potential to adversely affect the inhabitants of the township;
- reasonable times for noise while also allowing for enforcement/restrictions on unreasonable or excessive noise during permitted times;
- exemptions for snow removal on private and public property;
- provisions applicable township-wide, not just in residential areas; and
- additionally updated short-form wording and set fines will align with standard rates throughout the province.
Wellington County and Wellington OPP say having county-wide noise bylaw with consistent rules will make enforcement easier.
The remaining lower-tier municipalities in the county are set to review and consider adopting the bylaw.
