Shawn Thomas Creamer, owner of the Hayloft Dancehall makes his deputation to council on September 13, 2016. (Nicole Kleinsteuber / Quinte News)
The issue surrounding potential changes to Prince Edward County’s noise bylaw has been put on hold to allow for more public consultation.
Tuesday night, council heard from three interest groups who feel altering the current noise cut off from 2 a.m. to 12 a.m. would significantly hurt their businesses by reducing potential for growth. Two of which are Fields of West Lake and The Hayloft Dancehall, both internationally recognized as ‘must visit’ County destinations. Each venue is a renovated barn chalk full of County heritage, adding to visitor appeal.
Previously Commissioner of Engineering, Development and Public Works Robert McAuley said bylaw enforcement officers are being called out regularly to two main types of events – large private gatherings and barn dances including winery events.
Tuesday, council heard that the municipality hasn’t received one noise complaint about Fields on West Lake since owner Mark Henry made noise barrier adjustments in 2011 (when the current bylaw took effect) or about the Hayloft since Shawn Thomas Creamer bought the establishment two years ago. Both business owners said they were respectful of the 2 a.m. noise curfew with house lights coming on around 1 a.m. and transportation arrangements being made for their guests soon after.
In his deputation, Creamer explained how he and his wife invested their life savings into a business in the County because they felt it was a community encouraging small business. The hot venue on Salmon Point Road has seen popular Canadian rock bands such as 54-40 and Sloan. He explained how they have built a 12 foot sound resistant wall adding they are going up another 12 feet. He said they do regular sound measurements which are under 60 decibels (the allowed limit) at the property line.
“We feel that we have participated in the County becoming not only a destination for agri-tourism, but that we have helped it become a destination of cultural significance,” said Creamer. “After small business did that heavy lifting and investing, this bylaw feels like a slap in the face and unwelcoming.” He also pointed to how he considered it being in violation of the County’s new strategic plan in relation to rural economic development, tourism, investment and preserving heritage.
During his deputation Henry explained how his venue, that caters to about 40 weddings per season, sees guests from all over the globe including Dubai, Hong Kong, New York and Afghanistan.
“The current operating timelines have worked for us and we think for the County as well,” said Henry. “In the last three years, based on a very steady sales volume, we know that we have put over $2 million into other businesses in the County. Another way to look at that number is that it is the equivalent of 50, $40,000 jobs each year, most of them taken by young people going back to school in the fall.”
Both establishments were commended by council on their successes and contributions to economic growth in the County.
Mayor Robert Quaiff who has been a member of the Police Services Board since 2001, said many of the years he spent as chair he addressed issues surrounding police calls to the Hayloft which have notably been reduced now that Creamer has taken ownership. He commended Creamer for making improvements to reduce noise but also the safety aspect by offering the shuttle buses from Salmon Point Road to patrons’ preferred drop off locations.
The matter will go back to staff for further direction on public consultation.
Meanwhile, Quinte News took a poll of our readers Tuesday afternoon asking if ‘the party should turn down at 12 a.m.?’ There were a total of 158 votes: 105 stating the bylaw should remain the same; 30 votes for a 12 a.m. cut off; 13 votes for 11 p.m.; 7 votes didn’t care either way and two were unsure.
