More than a month after business owner Kyra Klassen pleaded guilty to a noise violation, amendments to the noise bylaw and building bylaw are one step closer to reality.
Amendments to these bylaws were brought forward to city council during its May 27 regular meeting for first readings. Council voted 6-1 on both amendments — Coun. Brian Swanson was opposed each time — which means the bylaws will have to return to the June 10 council meeting for official approval.
Council report
During a previous meeting, council directed city administration to include an amendment to the time parameters established in the section pertaining to outdoor public events.
The current noise bylaw allows sanctioned outdoor events to be exempt from noise requirements until 11 p.m. This is an extension from the 10 p.m. time by which other users must abide. City administration says in a report that it does not support a more restrictive time and recommends it be removed prior to any enactment of the bylaw.
“The intent of this time extension is to allow crowds to disperse from events that may end close to or past 10 p.m.,” the report added.
Amendments to the building bylaw would require soundproofing in separate mixed-use buildings that have walls flush with one another.
Council discussion
“This (noise issue) arose out of one incident that I believe showed the system worked,” said Swanson. Then city hall, he continued, decided to create more paperwork and bureaucracy even though the process functioned as it should have. Significant costs are going to be created because of these proposed amendments.
Swanson believed the noise incident with Klassen could have been addressed much more quickly if city hall’s taxation apparatus had functioned in a timely manner. Instead, he pointed out a pile of paperwork was generated.
To say the system worked is incorrect, since it didn’t, said Coun. Dawn Luhning. She pointed out this situation didn’t turn out well for either party involved, while it continued on until there was almost no possible resolution for either side.
“I was aware of the problems going on. I tried my best to figure out how to resolve it because the areas we’re trying to help, they were running into issues they couldn’t get past and they couldn’t resolve it,” Luhning continued.
Luhning added that she appreciated the work council and city hall have now done on this issue. She pointed out these changes were made in consultation with city police and administration.
Sewer and water utility bylaw amendments
Third and final reading was given to the sewer and water utility bylaw, with amendments made to reflect rate changes for rural water users.
Zoning amendment
Council officially approved the zoning amendment bylaw. This bylaw would accommodate the redevelopment of the former Union Hospital site for mixed residential and commercial use. The bylaw would also align the zoning of selected adjacent properties with their current residential use.
Official Community Plan bylaw
Council officially approved the Official Community Plan amendment bylaw, which would accommodate the redevelopment of the former Union Hospital site for mixed residential and commercial use. The bylaw would also align the zoning of selected adjacent properties with their current residential use.
The next regular council meeting is Monday, June 10.
