Belleville is taking another look at rules that allow businesses to have live entertainment outside until late in the evening.
Signal Brewing Company in Thurlow Ward is seeking to have its Temporary Noise Permit for outdoor events extended, from September to May of next year.
During this week’s city council meeting, Mayor Mitch Panciuk indicated he was sympathetic because of COVID-19 shutdown periods, but said “nine months is not temporary.”
Panciuk was concerned about allowing a nine-month permit without community consultations.
Some councillors expressed concern for residents, across the Moira River from Signal Brewing, who might be affected by the noise.
Councillor Chris Malette expressed concern for residents living across the Moira River from the brewery, noting sound carries across water.
Thurlow Ward Councillor Paul Carr said the by-law language was “undefined”regarding the time span, noting businesses have had to do a “lot of adapting to COVID-19…and the best way is to offer outside events.”
Carr also noted there haven’t been any complaints from residents and called for a “reasonable compromise.”
“We have to look through the lens of COVID,” he said.
Council approved an extension to December 31 and asked for a staff report on the issue.
