More adjustments to the Comox Valley Regional District’s noise bylaw could be coming next month to address noise complaints.
The potential adjustments are part of ongoing changes to the bylaw after many discussions about noise complaints related to operations at Saratoga Speedway.
The changes to the bylaw would include:
- Limiting noise from auto racing on Mondays and Tuesdays at all times.
- Wednesdays and Thursdays before 11 a.m. and after 8 p.m.
- Fridays and Saturdays before 11 a.m. and 9:30 p.m.
- Sundays before 11 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
The board recently moved to limit hours of racing from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. no more than five days per week. Discussions with the landowners led to the revised suggestions.
Electoral Area C director Edwin Grieve said the new recommendations are a step forward for all parties.
“I think what we have before us today is probably the best possible compromise given the current circumstances,” said Grieve.
“This will bring predictability and certainty and allow one evening a week where residents can enjoy a barbeque with the family or friends in the peace and quiet of their own yards.”
Noise complaints have been brought forward about the racetrack for many years, according to Electoral Area A director Daniel Arbour.
He says there has been a history of noise complaints around the track, which was built in the 1960s.
He adds there are more options to controlling noise that could be implemented, but the discussion is not over.
Grieve says the issue is very divisive in the community and will require a compromise until a more solid solution can be made.
“A lot of the points, I think, will be addressed through a proper land use rezoning. This is basically a bandage to stop that hemorrhaging,” said Grieve.
“I do believe that this is best possible solution right now to at least get us through to the next point when we get down to a proper zoning for the speedway.”
An amending bylaw will be presented for three readings Aug. 3 and would be adopted on Aug. 30.
