Noise by-law clarified

Recent changes to North Bay’s noise by-law has resulted in confusion as to whether every event booked at the band shell or waterfront is required to request an exemption from the by-law. There is also concern over the serving alcohol.

The confusion lies in whether obtaining a park use permit constitutes written council approval for events, and what conditions must be satisfied in order to serve alcohol at the waterfront.

Council carried the motion that the Director of Parks, Recreation and Leisure Services or designate will be allowed to approve the following requests pertaining to events that are booked by the department and occur at park locations within the North Bay Waterfront Park:

1. Exemption from the noise by-law for events occurring between 8am-11pm.

2. Temporary exemption from the Municipal alcohol policy for public events wishing to serve alcohol at the waterfront under the following conditions
- Satisfy the director that the duration and purpose of alcohol service together with the related events activities do not present an increased risk to the participants and or public due to proximity to water

- Service of alcohol would be for no more than six hours in a 24-hour period and end no later than 10pm.

- Consideration for the past history and experience of the person who is responsible for the service of alcohol.

- The group reviews the details of the municipal alcohol policy and meets with the staff to review the policy and sign the special occasion permit agreement at least 15 days prior to the event.

- The event host retains a part-time city security person with the costs borne by the host.

- All other relevant sections of the municipal alcohol policy are satisfied.

3. Exclusivity over the permitted park area, which would allow events organizers to control the number and type of activities and vendors in the event area. This would not include events that would encompass the entire Waterfront Park.

“We were glad to see these issues come forward and we have taken the necessary steps to stream line and bring clarity to the boundaries (of the noise by-law and municipal alcohol policy),” Councillor Mike Anthony said.

Councillor Judy Koziol said any events operating past 11pm will still have to be reviewed and approved by council.