Citizens Raise Concerns Over Friday Harbour Noise Exemption at Latest Council Meeting

During an Innisfil Council meeting on March 24, Friday Harbour Resort requested a deferral in a decision to be made by the City Council that would be ruling on their request for an exemption from the noise bylaw imposed by the city. The city granted Friday Harbour’s request and they reconvened during a City Council meeting on May 8 to discuss the exemption with both Friday Harbour and citizens of the area and their neighbouring communities.

Several citizens in the area voiced their concerns during the council meeting about the by-law exemptions. “Everything should be done to support the economic growth of Big Bay Point. What about the Friday Harbour Nature Preserve? How does the nature preserve enjoy the music and DJ banter? What about the war-like explosions of fireworks?” asked a concerned citizen, who went on to point out that Friday Harbour also receives an exemption from the fireworks by-law despite their belief that these fireworks have led to the deaths of several flocks of birds.

Despite the citizen concerns, the noise by-law exemption was given to Friday Harbour on the basis that it could be revoked at any time should the terms be breached by Friday Harbour. The City Council has also set up a protocol for the 2024 season that will establish a process to be followed when a noise complaint is lodged. The noise exemption permit will be allowed for the Beach Club, CIBC Pier, Lake Club and Promenade retail area between May 1, 2024, and Oct. 27, 2024.