June 7, 1999
To:Scarborough Community Council
From:Bryan Byng
East District Manager
Municipal Licensing and Standards
Urban Planning and Development Services
Subject:MONITORING OF GREEK FESTIVAL
Purpose:
The purpose of this report is to outline methods to monitor noise levels at Festivals being held by the Greek Community of
Metropolitan Toronto and St. John's Greek Orthodox Church. In addition, the report recommends a communication plan to
be utilized by the residents in the neighbourhood as the need arises.
Financial Implications and Impact Statement:
If the recommendations are adopted, there will be no financial implications to the City. If the costs of monitoring are to be
borne by the Division as is anticipated, approximately $480.00 will be expended.
Recommendations:
That City Council:
(1)approve the provision of a Municipal Licensing and Standards employee to monitor the Annual Festivals of The
Greek Community of Metropolitan Toronto Inc. on July 2, 1999, July 3, 1999, August 20, 1999 and August 21, 1999
between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 12:00 midnight;
(2)direct that a minimum of three cell phone contact numbers and names be made available to the neighbourhood
residents should problems arise and that three names and numbers be published in a flyer and distributed throughout the
neighbourhood by The Greek Community of Metropolitan Toronto Inc.; and
(3)direct that all costs associated with monitoring of the Festivals by the City be borne by TheGreek Community of
Metropolitan Toronto Inc.
Background/Report:
At its meeting on May 26, 1999, the Scarborough Community Council considered a request by TheGreek Community of
Metropolitan Toronto Inc. for an exemption from Noise By-law 24389. As a result of that request, staff were requested to
report as to "the time staff will attend the Festivals; the cost of such attendance; the equipment required; and a
communication plan for staff to respond, on the Festival days, to any complaints by residents regarding noise levels".
As Community Council is aware, staff in the East District do not have the expertise or equipment to ensure the Festival's
compliance with the noise levels previously established. The noise unit of the former Toronto Works Department was
contacted and they advised that East Division staff could not be trained in time to properly use the equipment. As an
alternative, the lead in charge of the unit suggested that his staff monitor the event.
Monitoring
Based upon past input, it appears that activities on Friday and Saturday cause the most concern to the neighbourhood. It is
suggested, therefore, that the Festival be monitored on July 2, July 3, August 20 and August 21. The monitoring process
should include measurements during the evening to ensure compliance with the 85 decibels limit prior to 11:00 p.m.; 80
decibels after 11:00 p.m. and a complete cessation of noise at midnight. Given the proposed monitoring times, staff should
be in attendance from 9 p.m. to 12 midnight.
Communications
A common complaint from previous Festivals has centered around the inability by the residents to contact Festival
organizers when problems arise. To rectify this problem, it is proposed that contact numbers be distributed by flyer to
residents of the neighbourhood. It is suggested that at least three cell phone contact numbers be provided so as to avoid
equipment failure or busy signals. These phones should be carried by Festival organizers who have the authority to rectify
problems as they occur.
Costs
Staffing costs for the days and time frames proposed would amount to $480.00 per officer based upon four days at $40.00
per hour with a minimum charge of 3 hours per event day.
Contact Name:
Bryan Byng, East District Manager
(416) 396-7731 (416) 396-4266 Fax Number byng#u#b@city.scarborough.on.ca
Bryan Byng
District Manager
Municipal Licensing and Standards, Urban Planning and Development Services
BB:es
