Noise Coalition Publishes Position Paper on City's Proposed Bylaw Changes

After a careful review of the City's draft bylaw, the Coalition has published a position paper that details its specific issues and concerns with the proposed changes.

TORONTO, May 18, 2016 /CNW/ - Participation in the Toronto Noise Coalition (the 'Coalition') is growing rapidly, in advance of the City of Toronto's May 19^th Public Meeting on its proposed changes to the city's noise bylaw.  As of today, 14 community groups representing over 30 local residents associations are supporting the goals of the Coalition. The Coalition's primary goal to have the city respect the rights of its residents to live in a quiet community.

The City of Toronto has decided that there is a direct relationship between how the city manages noise and how well the local economy functions," said Ian Carmichael, spokesperson for the Coalition. "That's nonsense. However, I am pleased to see that many residents associations are joining our coalition to fight the City's plan."

Supporting residents association cover the depth and breadth of Toronto's diverse communities and neighbourhoods.  From the most north - Mount Dennis Community Association, to the Waterfront - the Toronto Island Noise Committee and the York Quay Residents Association, to the Downtown Core -, Trinity Bellwoods and the Garment District Resident Associations, and throughout MidTown with ABC Residents Association, Lytton Park Res Association, and the 21 member associations of Federation of North Toronto Residents Associations (FONTRA), including the Leaside Property Owners and the Summerhill Res Association.

Carmichael said, "While the city will quote statistics about how it has consulted the public, our own polling and the support of all these community demonstrates that the city's outreach hasn't been effective. Eighty percent of residents we polled told us that wanted more protection from noise, not less.  The City's proposed bylaw changes will take Toronto in the wrong direction."

After a careful review of the City's draft bylaw, the Coalition has published a position paper (link) that details its specific issues and concerns with the proposed changes.

"A truly balanced noise by-law is possible," said Carmicheal, "It can support the 24/7 business and entertainment life of a truly great city, and taking a strong stand to protect the city's inhabitants against unreasonable noise. These are not at opposite spectrums, but two sides of the same coin. Toronto deserves a Noise By-law that rather than pitting economic development against health and sustainable growth achieves both." 

The Coalition proposes that Toronto follow the New York City's approach, which it has summarized as a 7-Point Plan for Effective Noise Management. The key points are: The Health of Torontonians; a General Provision for 24/7 protection from vibrations and sound; and specific recommendations for Amplified Sound, Construction, Mechanical Equipment, Exceptions, and Enforcement. The Coalition is calling for the City to refer the current proposal back to staff for more work and further consultation with residents groups.

SOURCE Toronto Noise Coalition

Natalie Dash, Campbell Strategies, [email protected], 416.368.7353 ext 106