Photo: PlaceSpeak

A group in Lavington is urging Coldstream council to “take the noise issue seriously” and implement a progressive bylaw.

“Noise is a definite issue in the Lavington area,” says Lavington LIFE in a letter to council, adding that it was also a seasonal issue. “Over the last five years industry has expanded in our community, and commercial cherry orchards significantly expanded.”

The group says Coral Beach Farms uses helicopters and powered dryers from spring through to autumn that “cause significant noise impairment, not only to adjacent properties but across a large area of the valley.”

While the Tolko sawmill is also said to be a source of noise in the valley, the group concedes the company recently adopted noiseless back-up awareness devices on its machinery to alleviate the problem.

“But there is still significant noise occurring, largely in the 8 p.m. to midnight time frame. In the summer months this mechanical banging noise adversely affects enjoyment of residents’ properties. Surely the source of this noise could be properly identified and mitigated.”

The group applauds Pinnacle Renewable Energy, which runs the pellet plant, for its proactive approach in addressing noise complaints.

“Coldstream council has chosen the winter months to consider this noise bylaw – but the noise issue is most prominent during the spring, summer and fall.... We note that other municipalities in British Columbia and elsewhere have adopted scientifically measurable and objective noise standards. The City of Richmond has been a leader in this regard. We strongly urge council to adopt such standards, based on zoning, land use, proximity to residences and appropriate noise levels.”

The group also urges public consultation on a noise bylaw.