2 - Sunday, August 30, 1992 ~ North Shore News NVD noise bylaw needs enforcement NOISE POLLUTION solu- tions in North Vancouver District come down to backing a better municipal noise bylaw with adequate enforcement staffing, ac- cording to a recent report prepared for the municipali- ty by North Shore Health (NSH). By Michael! Becker News Reporter The district’s standing commit- tee of council corporate services is exploring possible noise bylaw improvements such as: @ making noise offences ticketing offences; @ restricting the hours of use of power machinery; @ banning gas-powered leaf blowers; © making Sunday a ‘‘quiet day"’ in residential areas; @ limiting the number of helicopters using the Grouse Mountain helicopter pad to reduce noise in wilderness back-country areas; ® examining hours allowed for outside construction; @ implementing a ‘‘quiet beaches and rivers’’ policy. As contracted by North Van- couver District, NSH employs a half-time public health inspector to enforce and advise on noise bylaw issues. A report by Rick Kwan, NSH senior public health inspector, points out that the existing noise regulation bylaw can be enforced by means of a ticket. The present bylaw contains restrictions on the use of power machinery and tools. “Construction noise’’ and the operation of power lawn mowers or garden tools are prohibited from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m., Monday to Saturday, and 8 p.m. to 9 a.m. on Sundays or on public holidays. Kwan asked council to look at the magnitude of the problem of noisy gas-powered leaf blowers within the municipality in con- sidering an outright ban on the use of such devices. Since January 1991, NSH has handled one complaint concerning the use of a noisy leaf blower. The notion of designating a “quiet day’’ in residential areas was deemed by Kwan to be a potential ‘‘enforcement nightmare.”’ Said Kwan in his report to NHS director of environmental health Bill Kimmett, ‘“‘The question must be asked what kinds of activities are people allowed to do? “The philosophical intent of this suggestion is commendable, but the restriction on citizens’ basic rights to enjoy their bs»mes and their surroundings may be overly draconian and would place untenable enforcement difficulties on staff.”’ In addressing the possibility of restricting the use of helicopters at - Grouse Mountain, Kwan sug- gested that Transport Canada regulate aircraft movements into local wilderness areas. The present district bylaw covering construction activity allows outside work from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday to Saturday, and from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays and public holidays. If the hours are to be amended, Kwan asked council to consider if the amendment should cover construction activity, including private home repairs and renova- tions. In setting a quiet beaches and rivers policy, Kwan said council must first get a sense of the magnitude of noise problems at the municipality’s beaches and rivers. LAST WEER- TO BAVE ON SEARS-O-PEDIC ‘INFINITY’ SLEEP SETS infinity features coils individually enclosed Twin. Sears reg. 1369.99....589.99 in their own pocket so they act inde- Double. Sears reg. 1659.98..699.99 pendently reacting to your body curves. Queen. Sears reg. 1899.98... 799.99 Firm or Extra firm comfort leveis. King. Sears reg. 2599.98... 999.99 #73750 series. | AT SEARS, NO PAYMENTS NO PROBLEM! No payments or credit charges until January 1993 on approved credit. “No Payments" offer applies to any single Fashion and Custom Window Coverings Depts. item of $200 or more in our Furniture, Major THIS OFFER DOES NOT INCLUDE LIQUIDATION Appliances, Home Electronics, Floor ITEMS CLEARANCE CENTRES. SALE PRICES END SUN., SEPT. 6, 1992. UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED, WHILE QUANTITIES LAST SEARS your money's worth...and more Sears Canada inc. Satisfaction guaranteed or money retunded. “Reg” ‘and “Was" refer to Sears Canada Inc. prices. There’s a Sears store near you... shop today at: Burnaby 433-3211, Surrey 588-0811; Mon., Tues. and Sat. 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Wed., Thurs. and Fri. ‘til 9:00 p.m.; shop Sunday from 12 noon to 5:00 p.m. Richmond 278-5542 Mon. and Tues. 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Wed., Thurs. and Fri. ‘til 9:00 p.m.; Sat. 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; shop Sunday from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m. Capilano Mall 985-7722 Shop Mon., Tues., Wed. and Sat. 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 A.m.; Thurs. and Fri. ‘til 3:00 p.m.; shop Sunday from 12 noon to 5:00 p.m. Langley 533-4093 Mon., Tues., and Sat. 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Wed., Thurs. and Fri. ‘til 9:00 p.m.; shop Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.