After some debate during a regular Rocky View County (RVC) council meeting on June 8, a new noise control bylaw was passed for the county for the first time in nearly two decades.
The passage of the bylaw, which was approved unanimously, is the first time RVC council has looked at noise control legislation since passing the initial bylaw on July 22, 2003.
“Since then, there have been changes to the Peace Officer Program and the addition of the Special Events Bylaw, which has a provision for an exemption to the Noise Control Bylaw through a temporary permit,” the council meeting’s agenda report stated. “The current Noise Control Bylaw does not offer a process for allowing an exemption.”
According to the report, administration revised RVC's Noise Control Bylaw to reflect regulatory changes that have occurred since 2003.
“The proposed revisions also reinforce the County’s commitment to service excellence by incorporating best practices for a temporary exemption permitting process,” the report read.
Changes adopted under the updated bylaw include additions and revisions to the exemptions and exceptions section. Now, the bylaw exempts farming or agricultural work on a bona fide farming or agricultural property from being fined for noise complaints. However, the properties are required to maintain crops or livestock being raised for sale in order to be exempt.
Additionally, the bylaw allows for fireworks with an approved fireworks permit issued by RVC Fire Services, and exempts enforcement of any activity identified and approved by a development permit under the bylaw.
Other important additions include exempting enforcement of any activity that violates any provision of RVC’s Land Use Bylaw, in which case enforcement will occur through the development compliance process.
As well, the provision for a special event permit for the playing of music or a live band relating to a lawful parade or public demonstration will bring this in line with the Special Events bylaw.
Penalty charges have also changed with the new bylaw, according to the report. The minimum penalty for contravening noise control has increased from $400 to $500, while the specified penalty has increased from $200 to $250.
While the item passed unanimously, debate circled around an amendment brought forward by Coun. Crystal Kissel. The amendment was aimed at the section of the bylaw that pertained to farming operations. Kissel put the amendment before council to change the language around “bona fide or agricultural property.”
“I believe that this better reflects an understanding that agricultural operations like farms, that are operating farms, very much are different than an acreage with 16 acres that has pigs or chickens running around,” she said. “This cleans it up so there is no misunderstanding of what a farm is.”
Kissel’s amendment was defeated by a vote of 6-3. Coun. Deputy Reeve Kim McKylor said she would not support the amendment.
“There is already a test for what a bona fide farm is – it is an income test,” she said. “If you don’t meet that, you are already out of aim. The bylaw as it was written before was fine.”
Jordan Stricker, AirdrieToday.com
Follow me on Twitter @Jay_Strickz
