Enforcement of Noise Control Bylaw and Special Events Permit Bylaw in Electoral Area H
June 26, 2023
Nelson, BC: In response to concerns raised by Electoral Area H residents about the increasingly negative community impacts of large music events held in Electoral Area H in the summer months, the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) Bylaw Enforcement Team will be stepping up enforcement of the Noise Control Bylaw and the Special Events Permit Bylaw in Electoral Area H this summer.
In addition to the requirements imposed by the Noise Control Bylaw any large music event being held within Electoral Area H with more than 200 people in attendance, must apply for a Special Events Permit, which can be obtained by contacting the RDCK.
Many Electoral Area H residents have reached out to the RDCK with concerns over scheduled live events taking place within their neighbourhoods over the next few months. The RDCK Bylaw Enforcement Team and the local detachment of the RCMP are coordinating a response to any issues and enforcement activities are being planned. Other agencies that may have regulatory or public safety interests in a mass gathering event, such as Technical Safety BC, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and the Office of the Fire Commissioner, Ministry of Forests are being consulted on the matter.
“We have heard from a number of concerned residents throughout Electoral Area H and we are taking each of these inquiries seriously,” said Jordan Dupuis, RDCK Supervisor, Bylaw Enforcement Team. “Organizers of events are responsible to educate themselves with the Noise Control Bylaw and the Special Events Permit Bylaw. Event organizers should expect to be contacted by RDCK staff prior to their event to be advised of the bylaw requirements. The RDCK, in cooperation with the RCMP, may enforce the bylaws if compliance does not occur.”
When violations of either bylaw occur, fines may be applied. Residents should note that there is no applicable statutory authority that would allow for the RDCK or RCMP to prevent an event in advance of that event occurring. Concurrent with the prosecution the RDCK could request an injunction to prevent a future event at the site in question.
If you wish to report a violation of the Noise Control Bylaw due to a mass gathering after regular business hours, please contact the RCMP. Residents impacted by large events who wish to submit witness statements to be used by the RDCK in bylaw prosecution can do so via this email address: cdaoust@rdck.bc.ca.
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The content on this page was last updated June 26 2023 at 4:24 AM