Prince Edward County is considering turning down the volume on outdoor events.
On Thursday, the committee of the whole carried a motion that would see a new 12 a.m. limit placed on noise created from any outdoor gathering, public or private, in the County. This includes venues such as barns and wineries where they opt to keep the doors open well into the night. The current bylaw has a 2 a.m. cutoff.
Commissioner of Engineering, Development and Public Works Robert McAuley says Bylaw enforcement officers are being called out regularly to two main types of events.
Councillor Jamie Forrester pointed to all of the rural growth happening in the County.
“We are finding people aren’t enjoying their way of life like they used to,” he said. “People are buying up churches and barns for events. Parties are going to 12 a.m. and 1 a.m. in the morning leaving doors open and it’s quite disturbing for those trying to sit outside or sleep with their windows open.”
After the meeting Forrester told Quinte News when the issue comes before council he plans on putting an amendment on the floor for 11 p.m. opposed to 12 a.m.
Picton councillor Gordon Fox who lives near the Crystal Palace said he feels council should be cautious going forward
“I remember in my youth I liked to have fun,” he said with a huge smile. “I remember the party didn’t start until 10 p.m. Who is this bylaw for? People over 50 who like to go to bed before 9 p.m.?”
Also, proposed time limits on construction noise from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. would be put back in the bylaw.
The only exception would be municipal infrastructure work allowed until 9 p.m. and emergency municipal infrastructure repairs at any time.
Council meets again September 13 at Shire Hall at 7 p.m.
