Kelowna council has asked staff to build bylaw amendments to restrict construction noise on weekends and statutory holidays.
Construction noise is currently allowed between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. seven days a week, including stat holidays.
Staff recommend that be changed to 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends and no construction noise on stats.
Councillor Luke Stack said he struggled with keeping evening hours on weekends.
“If you’re beside a project you don’t have a quiet evening and you don’t have a quiet morning.”
He also supported no construction noise on stat holidays, noting the public needs a break.
“These construction projects are taking place where they’re surrounded by residential homes and they can be two to three year projects,” he added.
Several councillors had concerns about prep work before construction hours begins.
“If they’re starting their work to get ready at 5:30 or 6 a.m., how do we police that,” asked Coun. Maxine DeHart.
Staff noted that most complaints the city receives are regarding early starts and that they are referred to bylaw services for potential enforcement.
Exceptions to the rule include an extreme heat variance. Builders can request earlier construction starts when the temperature is forecasted to reach 30 C and higher. It would allow only light-duty work and no heavy machinery.
Staff told council that the construction industry has been made aware of the proposed amendments and will be able to provide input throughout the process.
The amended bylaw will be presented to council for consideration at a future date.
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