City council looking into ways to change bylaw to cut down on amplified noise

The city council is exploring ways to limit loud noise by requesting possible changes to the public spaces bylaw.

Edmonton’s city council is exploring its options to crack down on loud noise in public places.

It is requesting possible changes to the public spaces bylaw to regulate “amplified noise.”

That includes people using devices such as microphones and speakers.

City administration avoided restrictions tied to the number of people involved in the noise.

Instead, they pitched rules around permits, distances from doorways, duration and volume.

“I think there’s a lot that we can achieve just looking at that proximity to entrances,” Anne Stevenson, the councillor for Ward O-day’min, said Monday at city hall. “I think expanding this to look at a few other factors and considerations will also help strengthen that work and reduce the noise er... nuisance in our city.”

Ward Anirniq Coun. Erin Rutherford said while she wants to see “that information come back” and hear from residents, she’s wary of the potential outcome.

“I am not convinced that even any further regulatory behaviours around this is not going to have unintended consequences,” Rutherford said.

The draft amendments are due at the end of September.