The Township of Muskoka Lakes has amended its noise bylaw to regulate daytime noise.
At the Oct. 7 council meeting, Chief Municipal Law Enforcement Officer Rachel Miners presented a report stating that the township’s existing bylaw does not address daytime noise from indoor or outdoor sound systems.
As a result, staff proposed a new regulation to address nuisance noise at any time of day and night.
The new regulation will allow staff to investigate daytime nuisance noise complaints at any property and determine whether they violate the bylaw. If a violation is found, staff can order the noise to stop and pursue further enforcement measures, including penalties.
According to the report, the new regulation could increase demand on existing services. To help cover implementation costs, staff proposed a $250 fee for Noise Exemption Permit applications.
The amendments follow a September staff report outlining public concerns and feedback regarding daytime noise, which prompted council to review the existing bylaw.
According to the report, many municipalities in Muskoka do not have specific regulations for daytime noise.
In Bracebridge and Gravenhurst, sound systems are prohibited from being clearly audible beyond a point of reception between 11:00 pm and 9:00 am at all properties. Bracebridge has no specific daytime noise regulation, but Gravenhurst prohibits nuisance noise at any time at any property.
In Huntsville, sound systems are prohibited from being clearly audible at a point of reception at any time at any property.
After a lengthy discussion, Muskoka Lakes council unanimously approved the proposed amendments.
The new bylaw came into effect on Oct. 7.
