Close X
Saturday, January 11, 2025
ADVT 
National

Nuisance Noise Prompts Growing Complaints Across Vancouver

The Canadian Press, 12 Jul, 2016 12:12 PM
    VANCOUVER — New statistics indicate peace and quiet can be a disappearing commodity in some Vancouver neighbourhoods.
     
    Data from Vancouver's 311 call service reveals 2,148 noise complaints were received in 2015, almost double those received just four years earlier.
     
    More than half originated in just five of the city's 22 neighbourhoods, led by 421 complaints from the Yaletown and downtown area and 264 in the west end.
     
    Other noisy neighbourhoods include Mount Pleasant, Kitsilano and Grandview-Woodlands, with more than 100 noise complaints in 2015, while Oakridge, South Cambie and Arbutus rank as the quietest areas, with 30 complaints or fewer. 
     
    Chief licensing inspector Andreea Toma says higher volumes are tolerated in busier neighbourhoods, such as the downtown core, but she says noise bylaws apply everywhere and carry fines of up to $500.
     
     
    Toma says the soaring number of complaints might also reflect a growing familiarity with Vancouver's 311 service line but adds the city is not downplaying problems caused by repeat offenders.
     
    “We are looking into creating a nuisance bylaw ... where we have the ability to put a charge onto the property owner because they keep becoming a nuisance to the neighbourhood. We've been called there once, twice, three times," she says. 
     
    Noisy nightlife, after-hours construction and loud mechanical equipment, such as air conditioners, top the list of complaints, says Toma.
     
    Vancouver may have to review and adjust acceptable noise limits in various neighbourhoods to reflect increasing densification, she adds. 

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Charges Pending Against Winnipeg Man, Woman After Hotel Worker's Ears Bitten Off

    Police say a 40-year-old woman was working early on June 19 when she was confronted by two people after refusing them service.

    Charges Pending Against Winnipeg Man, Woman After Hotel Worker's Ears Bitten Off

    Scrimpy Summer? Canadians Plan To Spend 25% Less On Travel, Recreation: Cibc Poll

    Scrimpy Summer? Canadians Plan To Spend 25% Less On Travel, Recreation: Cibc Poll
    A new survey says Canadians plan to keep a close watch on their wallets when it comes to discretionary spending this summer.

    Scrimpy Summer? Canadians Plan To Spend 25% Less On Travel, Recreation: Cibc Poll

    Canada Will Lead New Nato Battle Group In Eastern Europe, Says Harjit Sajjan

    Canada Will Lead New Nato Battle Group In Eastern Europe, Says Harjit Sajjan
    Sajjan tells that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will announce the exact size of that contribution at next week's NATO leaders' summit in Warsaw, Poland.

    Canada Will Lead New Nato Battle Group In Eastern Europe, Says Harjit Sajjan

    More Brits Looking For Jobs In Canada After Brexit Vote: Job Search Site

    More Brits Looking For Jobs In Canada After Brexit Vote: Job Search Site
    Number of U.K. queries for jobs in Canada was over four times the average in the 48 hours following the vote to withdraw from the European Union.

    More Brits Looking For Jobs In Canada After Brexit Vote: Job Search Site

    Arrests Made In Hit-and-run Death Of Former UFC Fighter Ryan Jimmo

    Arrests Made In Hit-and-run Death Of Former UFC Fighter Ryan Jimmo
    Jimmo, who was 34, was fatally injured early Sunday following a verbal argument that escalated into a fight in the parking lot of a bar.

    Arrests Made In Hit-and-run Death Of Former UFC Fighter Ryan Jimmo

    Immigrant Investment Has Impact On Vancouver Housing Market: Researchers

    Immigrant Investment Has Impact On Vancouver Housing Market: Researchers
    VANCOUVER — Researchers in British Columbia say they've found empirical evidence linking immigration to real estate prices for the first time.

    Immigrant Investment Has Impact On Vancouver Housing Market: Researchers