In Fort St. John, the council is always hard at work to make sure that the city is maintained at an optimal level and that everyone’s needs are met in order to live in a positive environment.
This is why they city has been discussing the possibility of creating changes to the present noise bylaws in the city.
There has been a noise bylaw that has been active since 1981; however, the council feels that it may be time to make some changes within this bylaw as the city is growing at a fast pace and especially since the construction of the Site C project will begin soon.
However, before the city council makes any final decisions they want to make sure that the community has an active part in these changes.
For that reason, they have opened up a Facebook page where people can share their opinions and thoughts about some of the proposed changes.
The current noise bylaw prohibits noise between 10:00 pm and 8:00 am which is for construction noise. However, the council wants to see changes in the construction noise bylaws as well as enforcing noise restrictions for animals and alarms too.
For example, they would apply a bylaw on dog owners and restricting noise and if not followed owners can face a fine of $100.00.
In addition, that there is no construction noises to be made before 7:00 am or after 10:00 pm other than on Sundays and statutory holidays.
After the city council has reviewed all the comments of the people in the community and also had another in depth review of the changes of the noise bylaws; they have finally come to a decision and the new noise bylaws have been approved.
Some of the changes include:
Contractors who want to work on Sundays are now required to hand deliver a note about their plans, to residents that are in a 100-meter radius from where they are working. This note has to be given three days before the construction takes place. If not followed, contractors can face a fine starting at $100.00 up to $500.00.
The second change that has been made is prohibiting a dog owner from allowing and causing noises made by their dog; from 10:00 pm to 8:00 am. If owners do not follow this bylaw they can be given a fine of $100.00.
The third change to the noise bylaw is that a $100.00 fine will be given for anyone who imposes noise made from a horn, alarm and/or warning device for a 3 minute period or more within any 15-minute period. However, danger warning signs are disregarded.
These new noise bylaws are made to make sure that everyone who lives in Fort St. John is living in a positive and safe environment.
