Sonic Boom addresses noise concerns

Edmonton’s live music lovers were stoked when Union Events announced Monday that Sonic Boom was moving from the concrete and asphalt of Northlands to grassy and green Borden Park nearby.

Some residents of surrounding communities, however, are not so jazzed about the two-day alternative music festival.

Melanie Harmsma, who lives in the area, started a petition on change.org entitled, Limit Concert Noise to Safe and Community-Friendly Levels. The petition called for the festival, now in its seventh year, to “not exceed safe noise limits as outlined by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety.”

Union Events’s Dave Johnston said in a statement Thursday, “our move to Borden Park came after months of careful consideration and planning with the city. We feel that our new home offers an opportunity to make this world-class event even better for our patrons and the surrounding community, within the limits of applicable bylaws.”

The statement also underlined Sonic Boom’s desire to be a good neighbour. “In the coming weeks, we will be undertaking a community outreach program to educate residents on what we’re up to, and what steps we are taking to mitigate impact.”

It now appears the conflict is ending harmoniously.

Posting on Facebook after hearing Johnston make similar comments on CBC Radio, Harmsma said she was happy to hear the response from the organizer.

“It seems the sound echoing and projection may be decreased with the move, and this is good news for those who are quite far away and yet still are disturbed by the concert.”

She added that the response she’s received has been mixed, and that she’d leave the petition active until interest wanes. “I feel the voices of those who protest have been heard and do believe the sound situation will improve this year,” she said.