Sudbury seeking input on outdated noise bylaws

The City of Sudbury is updating its noise bylaws.

It's hoping that public input into the process will help streamline the rules governinghow officers handle noise complaints.

To do that, the city hasposted an online survey asking residents to weigh in on the noise.

Currently, the city has 26 different noise bylaws, dating back to pre-amalgamation days, and some even further.

Darlene Baker, co-ordinatorofby-law enforcement with the city, said the current process could be more straightforward.

"[Officers] first have tofind out what former municipality the complaint was from, what bylaw and what section of that bylaw is applicable," Baker said, "so definitely it tends to be confusing."

Late night parties are the most common cause for complaints

It's not always an easy task for enforcement officers, especially since they have no way to accurately measure noise.

Barker also thinks establishing some common ground for the laws is necessary.

"Right next door, still in our same Greater city, that [rule] might be different," Barker said, "that's why it's important for us to set one standard for the greater city."

Most complaints concern late-night activities.

"Party sounds. People that have loud parties, Shouting. Dancing, You know, late, late late at night," she said, "that's another very popular one."

Other common complaints includebarking dogs, late-nightslowplowsand early-morning yardwork.

The city is also holding public consultation sessionson the noise bylaws.

Click here to take the city's survey.