The residents of Kelowna are facing a significant amount of noise due to multiple construction projects in the area. The city council has endorsed plans to restrict construction noise in order to address the concerns of residents like Wanda Wall, who is bothered by the noise when her windows are open. Jerraine Willis also supports the restrictions, suggesting that construction noise should not be allowed as early on weekends. Currently, construction noise is permitted from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. seven days a week, but if the amendments are passed, the hours would be restricted to between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. on weekends and no construction noise would be allowed on statutory holidays.
Clifford Kshyk, the executive director for the Southern Interior Construction Association (SICA), has expressed concern about the potential impact of these restrictions on the construction industry. He emphasized the importance of having flexibility in construction hours to meet labor costs and scheduling deadlines, especially given labor shortages and the urgency to build more homes amid a housing crisis. Kshyk mentioned that any further restrictions on the construction industry could have adverse effects on housing goals and other projects. He also highlighted how construction delays lead to increased costs, as workers may be standing by due to delays from other trades, creating a ripple effect on overall project timelines and expenses.
Kelowna mayor Tom Dyas acknowledged the need to strike a balance between development needs and residents’ quality of life. He recognized the disruption that construction activities can cause in neighborhoods but also stressed the importance of addressing housing needs and community development. Dyas stated that the council is working to find a balance that provides residents with peace and enjoyment in their neighborhoods while also supporting the city’s development goals. The amendments to the noise bylaw will be presented to the council for approval at a future date, reflecting the city’s efforts to address the concerns of both residents and the construction industry.
Overall, the proposed restrictions on construction noise in Kelowna have generated mixed reactions from residents and industry representatives. While some residents welcome the potential limitations on noise during weekends and holidays, construction professionals like Clifford Kshyk are concerned about the impact on project schedules, labor costs, and overall construction efficiency. The city council, led by Mayor Tom Dyas, is tasked with finding a balance between accommodating residents’ needs for peace and quiet and supporting the city’s development initiatives. The amendments to the noise bylaw will undergo further review and approval by the council, highlighting the ongoing efforts to address the competing interests of residents and the construction industry in Kelowna.
