A new noise bylaw has been passed by North Battleford council.
The bylaw and its provisions provoked discussion at Monday's meeting, but all three readings passed unanimously.
The new bylaw replaces the existing noise bylaw and its provisions. Some of the notable changes include more comprehensive definitions, a section addressing noises from vehicles operated with loud exhaust systems or mechanical conditions with excessive noise, specific regulations for outdoor events, expanded wording allowing for relief from the noise bylaw and a section on penalties including fine increases.
There was also a section on exemptions to the noise bylaw, including one allowing contractors to remove snow "by mechanical means in parking lots used in conjunction with commercial, educational or institutional establishments where the owner or operator of the snow removal equipment has obtained a snow removal permit."
According to a recent memo from City Clerk Debbie Wohlberg, this was included to address requests made from contractors to remove snow within close proximity of a residential district after the allowable hours.
The rewritten section, according to Wohlberg's memo, will allow contractors to move snow when required, but also requires a permit that will outline the intended locations for the snow removal.
Discussion centred mainly on enforcement. Councillor Trent Houk expressed concern the bylaw provisions would be difficult to prosecute and said "without having something measurable and a limit determined in our bylaw, I just see this as being very, very easily thrown out."
Administration officials expressed confidence the bylaw provisions would work, with Fire Chief Albert Headrick saying the new bylaw "does supply some clarity and direction for municipal enforcement and the RCMP to use their discretion."
