Sarnia's Valley Axe hosting a Toronto Raptors viewing party for Game 5 of the NBA Finals. June 10, 2019. (Photo by Valley Axe)Sarnia's Valley Axe hosting a Toronto Raptors viewing party for Game 5 of the NBA Finals. June 10, 2019. (Photo by Valley Axe)
Sarnia

City councillors sound off on Valley Axe noise bylaw exemptions

Valley Axe is working on a new plan after Sarnia council turned down its request for noise bylaw exemptions this year.

The London Line business had two exemptions approved last year, but was told to return in the new year to have 2021 events considered.

Councillor Dave Boushy, who objected to council's approval in October, said his feelings haven't changed because 175 residents of Green Haven Estates, that backs onto the Valley Axe site, are still concerned their quiet life will be disrupted.

"The reason residents decided to come to live there was they wanted peace and quiet," said Boushy.

Councillor Bill Dennis said he's always felt it was an unfortunate situation.

"On one hand we have a business trying to diversify and on the other hand we have residents of an adjacent retirement village urging peace and quiet and normalcy," said Dennis.

Dennis said he witnessed first-hand what residents are experiencing when he was invited into Estate Manager Hugh Kerr's backyard to hear their last concert in mid-October 2020.

"I spent several hours there with Mr. Kerr and his neighbours. His backyard was approximately 150 yards from the stage. Had I not been there, I never would have been able to appreciate just how loud the music was."

Dennis said the evening was anything but peaceful.

"This is truly a huge quality of life issue which becomes so very apparent while standing in their backyard. Several of these residents told me they would actually sell their property if this was approved. They would actually leave their homes."

Dennis said any exemption would have to be legally disclosed to prospective buyers.

"As a result properties would be very difficult to sell and therefore, property values would in no question fall. As such, on top of leaving their homes, these residents would see their biggest investment, their nest egg, lose value."

Councillor Nathan Colquhoun, who supported the request, pointed out the exemption was for nine nights until 11 p.m.

"I would like to just put on the record, it would be nice if the residents stayed up until 11 p.m. that night and went and had some fun at a local business and included them in their community," said Colquhoun.

Mayor Mike Bradley and councillor Brian White also felt Valley Axe President Bo Tait worked to mitigate neighbourhood concerns.

After receiving initial feedback, Tait amended his proposal, committing to five live music events and four other performances including comedy, but residents still weren't on board.

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