Noise By-law exemption approved for snowmobile track in Bracebridge
Bracebridge Council agreed to a Noise By-law exemption for a snowmobile track in Bracebridge, in the September 3, 2024, General meeting.
The Noise By-law for snowmobiles and grooming was made exempt for 2819 Highway 118 East (Goodale Marine) for periods over 15 minutes between 7am to 11pm.
Councillor, Don Smith, suggested that Council see how this year goes with the track and revisit the exemption next year, rather than issuing a permanent exemption.
Chief By-law Enforcement Officer, Michael Mayer, indicated that the exemption is based on the change in land use planning which is permanent.
Mayor, Rick Maloney, explained, “A temporary permit doesn’t align with the permit of land use.”
Councillor, Barb McMurray, expressed concern on behalf of residents about ongoing noise starting from 7am and continuing for 16 hours. She said, “That could be a big concern for the community up and down the road there.”
McMurray suggested it isn’t fair. She said, “We have laws about cutting grass certain times of day.”
Mayer indicated that the noise wouldn’t necessarily be continuous. He said that up to 15 sleds are allowed to operate until 7pm, and only 2 sleds are permitted after that.
He added that staff will monitor any issues and can revoke the exemption if it’s not abided by and recommend changes to Council as needed.
Deputy Mayor, Brenda Rhodes, indicated that Council already approved the increase of snowmobiles to 15 for the track, so this exemption shouldn’t be a surprise. She said, “That’s part of the business we knew was going to happen.”
McMurray inquired about whether enforcement would consider noise decibels moving forward.
Mayer indicated that they don’t use decibels, but By-law Officers use their discretion and consider factors such as how far the noise travels.
He added that staff will consider the Noise By-law “as a whole, in addition to the exemption,” and if the property owner doesn’t comply with the regulations, they can revoke the application, and they would have to reapply.
