City probes noise devices installed near public park

Councillor said her office received several complaints about gadgets near shelter

The city is investigating after it received complaints about the use of noise-emitting devices targeting young people near a small parkette off Yonge St.

Ward 27 councillor Kristyn WongTam said her office received several complaints on Thursday about devices installed on the outer walls of the building at 415 Yonge St., adjacent to the McGill Parkette.

Covenant House, which provides shelter to homeless youth, is nearby.

Wong-Tam said staff will now investigate the complaints about the devices, which are said to be discouraging people from entering the park.

A representative of a building that installed the noise-emitting devices said there are no plans to remove them, despite complaints to the city.

John Mah, vice-president of asset management at Artis Reit, the investment trust that manages the property, said electronic devices were installed in the fall and will not be removed.

“We have received no complaints from the city to date and received no private or individual complaints until today,” Mah said in a written statement.

“We have received confidential feedback from local residents who have noticed a decline in vagrancy and loitering individuals who appeared intimidating to residents.”

Wong-Tam said the city has been working to improve the conditions and safety of the small park, located near Gerrard St. E.

The land the parkette sits on is being leased to the city by the building owners.

Wong-Tam said the owners have refused to give the city permission to go ahead with park enhancements.