The City of Calgary is considering making city noise data available to interested researchers to study the impact of noise on Calgarians. This decision follows a motion from Ward 8 Coun. Courtney Walcott calling for the administration to develop a noise policy vision and review existing city rules around noise. The city report highlights that exposure to traffic noise above certain decibel levels can increase the risk of adverse health effects. However, city officials have stated that they currently lack the capacity and resources to conduct a comprehensive study on noise impacts. The administration estimates that developing such capacity would require several years of effort and significant expenditure, which is not currently a city priority.
Instead of undertaking a full-scale study themselves, the administration plans to provide collected noise data to researchers who are interested in exploring the issue further. This approach could involve partnering with individuals who have federal grant funding or are conducting their own research projects. By collaborating with researchers, the city hopes to gain valuable insights into the impact of noise on residents without having to divert significant resources towards the study. Additionally, work is already underway on a noise monitoring pilot project involving city bylaw officers and the creation of a Traffic Safety Team to address vehicle noise issues in specific areas of the city.
One of the driving factors behind the decision to explore noise impacts further is the prevalence of vehicle noise in certain areas of Calgary, such as along 17 Avenue in the Beltline. Residents have expressed concerns about excessive noise levels late into the night, impacting their quality of life. By deploying monitoring devices across the city, the administration aims to collect data on noise levels and visualize patterns to inform deployment strategies for enforcement. The upcoming launch of the Traffic Safety Team will initially focus on school zone safety before transitioning to vehicle noise enforcement, using baseline noise data collected from the monitoring devices.
City officials have also been training bylaw officers and collaborating with Calgary Police on traffic enforcement measures, especially related to addressing vehicle noise. The hiring of additional sergeants and peace officers is intended to bolster enforcement efforts and ensure that noise regulations are being followed. However, some Calgarians have expressed concerns about potential overreaching enforcement and monitoring, with vintage car owners like Nadean Wutzke advocating for a reasonable approach to noise regulation. Despite efforts to address noise issues in the city, city councillors have indicated that developing an overarching noise strategy for Calgary is not likely to happen in the near future due to other pressing priorities.
In conclusion, the City of Calgary is taking steps to address noise issues by considering collaboration with researchers and implementing a noise monitoring pilot project. While the administration acknowledges the importance of studying the impact of noise on residents’ health and well-being, they currently lack the capacity and resources to undertake a comprehensive study. By providing noise data to interested researchers, the city hopes to gain valuable insights into noise impacts without significant expenditure. The upcoming launch of the Traffic Safety Team and deployment of monitoring devices signify the city’s commitment to addressing noise concerns, particularly related to vehicle noise in specific areas. Despite challenges in developing an overarching noise strategy, the city remains dedicated to finding solutions to mitigate noise impacts on Calgarians.
