Two years of noise bylaw exemptions granted to Legion Br. 157

Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 157.

Town council has approved two years worth of noise bylaw exemption requests for Royal Canadian Legion Br. 157.

The requests will last from May 17-Sept. 28, 2025 and from May 15-Sept. 27, 2026.  

The exemption is regarding “the operation of any electronic device or group of connected electronic devices incorporating one or more loudspeakers to allow for music on Friday from 1800hrs to 2200hrs, on Saturday from 1800hrs till 2200hrs and on Sundays from 1400hrs till 1800hrs at the Royal Canadian Legion #157,” according to the report from manager of licensing and enforcement Bill Tetler.

Unlike previous years, there was little discussion at the council meeting. Legion Br. 157 president Shawn Wilkie made the request for two years.

“In the past years, Royal Canadian Legion Br. 157 has been granted a noise bylaw exemption for our patio. We have successfully and courteously hosted live music entertainment every weekend during the summer months,” said Wilkie. “Providing live entertainment and refreshments on the patio is a significant contributor to our financial success each year. Last year, we were very stringent in monitoring the level of the sound on our patio with respect to our neighbouring community.”

People enjoy the patio as well as friendships, music, dancing and refreshments “while maintaining an acceptable sound level,” he said. With Open Air Weekends being approved for the next two years, Wilkie said they wanted the noise bylaw exemption for that as well as the remainder of the current town council term.

Previous concerns from neighbouring residents were related to noise and volume of the music.

Deputy Mayor Chris Gibb thanked the Legion “for being a good neighbour.” He said after speaking with some of the neighbours, they had good things to say.

“You were able to keep the noise to a reasonable level,” Gibb told Wilkie. “It was communicated to me they felt it was too loud, they reached out, contacted you and you dealt with it.”

Mayor Michael Prue added he attended a Jane’s Walk presentation at the Legion and praised Wilkie for sharing stories and information about the Branch. He said the presentation outlined what Br. 157 means to the town.

Two years of noise bylaw exemptions granted to Legion Br. 157

By Ron Giofu