Pent. Fence Construction

The application to build a multi-family residence along Calgary Avenue in Penticton has some residents concerned. Issues such as noise, safety and the privacy of property owners were raised by area residents regarding the proposed construction site during Monday night's city council meeting.

Resident Ruth Billington, who lives just west of the proposed development says she is concerned about the noise that will come from the construction crews as two of the surrounding homes are demolished.

“I've gone through two summers of construction, the smell of the outhouses were very offensive. I do request that a minimum six-foot fence be installed between my property and the adjacent lot prior to any demolition of these properties, simply from a privacy standpoint,” says Billington.

She says she would like the contractor to build a solid fence between her home and the construction site because the front of the construction site will face the front of her house.

“I understand all the development that has to go on, but it is really disconcerting to see an over-whelming project of this size being put up right next to me. I am a single female and I do feel somewhat vulnerable in this position with construction crews and machinery around,” says Billington.

Mayor Jake Kimberley says the request from residents is a fair one, but reminded them that some give and take with the construction company would be expected.

“I think it is a reasonable request by the property owners that a fence be erected to muffle some of the noise, but to construct a fence between properties does require some intrusion, you can't avoid that,” says Kimberley.

Another point raised was the start time of construction in the mornings. Kimberley says that crews can start as early as 7am during the summer months to accommodate the heat.

He says that council will take the points raised into consideration when dealing with the application for the construction.