Bylaw Services and police work to make St. Patrick’s Day less noisy in Sandy Hill
Q: Eighteen months ago, I rented a house for my family and myself in Sandy Hill. Last year, on the weekend just before or just after St. Patrick’s Day, I couldn’t get my car out of my driveway because of a crazy party that covered the whole street. Do I need to be concerned about that happening this year on March 17, St. Patrick’s Day? What can residents do?
A: Drinking alcohol in an unlicensed public place is an offence in Ontario, but last year the Ottawa police were unable to disperse the crowd due to its surprising size. Instead, the police focused on limiting the alcohol coming in, and circulated through the crowd to prevent any more serious crimes. This year, the police and Ottawa Bylaw and Regulatory Services are arranging for more resources for Sandy Hill over the St. Patrick’s Day weekend.
Residents who observe life-threatening situations or crimes in progress should call 911. For less serious public safety concerns, such as a party spilling out onto the street, you should contact the Ottawa police at 613236-1222, or call Bylaw Services at 311. They want that information as soon as possible.
If you experience excess noise, then often the sensible thing to do is to have a word directly with the occupants of the property where noise is coming from. A polite request that a party host turn down the volume, or that they ask their guests to stay indoors, or close the windows, may resolve the problem.
If that does not work, or if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable speaking with the noisemakers, you can call 311 to report excess noise to Bylaw Services. The noise bylaw applies 24/7, so it is not necessary to wait until after 10 p.m. to make a complaint.
After investigating a call to 311, Bylaw Services will normally get back to the resident and provide a report number. If you believe the unit in question is occupied by a tenant, you are advised to log onto www.noiseinsandyhill. ca, and report the incident again, including the report number. Using that website will mean that landlords know about tenants who make or permit excess noise.
The website is operated by Coun. Mathieu Fleury and the Sandy Hill Town and Gown Committee. The committee consists of the councillor, Action Sandy Hill, the University of Ottawa, a landlord representative, the Ottawa Police Service and other City of Ottawa services. It works on various approaches to promoting community harmony in Sandy Hill.
Landlords have an obligation to address noise that disturbs other tenants or neighbours. A tenant who holds a party that gets too loud is committing an offence under the city’s noise bylaw. That means the landlord is able to give a notice to terminate the tenancy, and potentially apply to evict the offending tenant.
Besides any action a landlord takes, a party that is too noisy can result in a fine of $385, or a bylaw charge and a higher fine. Occupants need to control the noise from parties they host, which includes controlling the volume at which music is played, and stopping guests from yelling outside. Hosts should encourage goodbyes to be said inside the house or apartment, rather than outside.