Loud motorcycles, construction and noisy partiers in Bragg Creek could all be targeted under a noise bylaw being considered by Rockyview County.
Division 1 Coun. Rick Butler said the County is looking at a number of different issues the proposed bylaw could address.
He said he wants the bylaw to be all-inclusive to cover a range of different situations.
“It’s typical noise, I’ve had complaints related to noise beyond just motorcycles,” said Butler. “Noisy cars, noisy parties, noisy construction sites too early in the morning or at night and industrial type activities that affect people’s peace and quiet in their homes.”
Bragg Creek and the Highway 22 corridor are popular destinations for motorcyclists, which has lead to some complaints from residents over the years.
While noise from motorcycles is an issue, Butler said it’s not the only factor behind the proposed bylaw. When it comes to vehicle noise, he said the County shouldn’t just look at motorcycles.
An on-line community survey was held to gauge community support for a bylaw. The final survey results will be presented to county council this spring, however, Butler said the results showed the issue was a concern for Bragg Creek residents.
As part of the process, Butler said the County is watching what the City of Calgary and other municipalities are doing in updating their noise bylaws.
He said the process is taking longer than first hoped, but he said it’s better to get it right and not to go too fast.
County spokesperson Julie Verch said there haven’t been any decisions yet on what will be in the final bylaw.
“Council’s not made any specific commitment to putting in a bylaw at this point,” she said. “They were going to hear what the community had to say about it and weigh in what’s gone on in other municipalities that are similar.”
Bragg Creek resident Jane Prebushewsky said noise isn’t a major issue in the community.
“I think it depends on where you live, sometimes it is,” she said. “I don’t think it’s terrible, I really don’t.”
Prebushewsky said it’s a larger issue on weekends and noise coming from the highway is a larger problem, such as truckers using their engine retarder brakes near the hamlet.
She said she doesn’t want to see the issue become a “witch hunt” for motorcycle drivers. She said the problem in the area is the people who alter their bikes and remove noise bafflers.
Bragg Creek area resident Geoff Dailyn also said he doesn’t want to see motorcyclists singled out.
He said noise isn’t an issue in the hamlet and a bylaw isn’t needed.
“I personally would say, no I don’t think it’s that bad an issue,” Dailyn said.
