Request for Exemption from York Noise By-law No. 3453-79
in conjunction with Two Religious Festivals
Ward 27, York Humber
The York Community Council recommends the adoption of the following report (April 28, 1998) from the York
Commissioner of Community Services:
Purpose:
To allow the participation of marching bands and a pop music group in two important religious festivals celebrated by the
Parish of St. Matthew=s School, during a prohibited time for amplified sound.
Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Status:
No funding required nor are there any financial implications. The requested exemptions are very limited in scope and
duration therefore, it is very unlikely that the surrounding community would be exposed to any significant adverse impact.
Recommendations:
That St. Matthew=s Church, 706 Old Weston Road, be exempted without conditions from the provision of Borough of
York By-law Number 3453-79, which prohibits the emission of amplified sound audible in a residential area for the
following dates and times:
DateTimesTimes
Saturday, June 27, 1998From 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Sunday, June 28, 1998From 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Friday, September 4,1998From 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Saturday, September 5, 1998From 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Sunday, September 6,1998From 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. and
Monday, September 7, 1998From 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Background:
Attached is a letter dated March 5, 1998 from the executives of St. Matthew=s Church 706 Old Weston Road, requesting
an exemption from the City=s Noise By-law on the above noted occasions. The two religious festivals, which attract a large
number of parishioners, are celebrated in the school yard of St. Matthew=s School which is located to the back of the
church. The requested exemptions are for two concerts to be held which include the participation of marching bands and a
pop music group. There have been no reported incidents during previous years= festivities.
Discussion:
The City of York Noise By-law Number 3453-79 prohibits the emission of amplified sound from electronic devices
incorporating one or more loudspeakers if the noise is audible in residential areas on any day after 5:00 p.m.
By-law Number 3453-79 provides that Council may, by resolution, grant exemptions from the Noise By-law provisions.
The by-law provides that such an exemption may be granted only after Council considers a report from the Commissioner
of Community Services. The report is to set out any recommendations as to terms and conditions which should be imposed
upon the applicant.
With respect to this application, the requested exemptions are very limited in scope and duration. It would be appropriate
that Council grant the exemption requested without attaching any conditions. The exemption would only be in effect to
12:00 a.m. (midnight) on the dates indicated and is unlikely to have any significant adverse impact on the surrounding
community.
City Wide Issues:
None.
Conclusions:
For the past three years, the applicants have held their festivals in conjunction with granted exemptions to the Noise
By-Law without reported incidents. The concerts, while enhancing celebratory festivals, are likely to be more interesting
and entertaining than disturbing to non participants in the community. For these and other reasons reported above, it would
appear logical that the exemption to the Noise By-Law be granted on the above noted occasions without conditions.
Contact Name:
Douglas Jack
York Director of Municipal Standards
Telephone: 394-2533
Fax: 394-2904