Letter to the Editor: Seguin Noise Pollution

Here's the transcript of my letter to the local paper (click link for on-line text at www.cottagecountrynow.ca)...

I support Ontario Camp of the Deaf’s effort to raise charitable funds in a legal manner. I’m a former, scarred, motorcycle rider and now ATV and sled guy. I support motor sport enthusiasts as long as everyone is acting within the law.

While the camp’s motor sport racing may be considered a “legally non-conforming” activity, the motor sport related noise level was measured as illegal (by independent consultants hired by Seguin) based on Ministry of the Environment standards.

Let’s be perfectly clear. The camp’s disputed commercial zoning issue is separate from the illegal noise pollution issue.

Mr. Chidley, according to this newspaper’s April 23 article, intends to wait until his possible re-election in order to deal with the noise pollution issue in Ward 1. Noise pollution created by the camp’s motor sport racing should be dealt with now.

Politicians have put off fixing this noise pollution problem for too long. First Foley’s, now Seguin’s council continue to permit illegal noise to pollute the residential area surrounding the camp without effective, measurable municipal by-laws in place which are strictly enforced. Seguin has got to get tough and stay tough.

Seven months remain before the end of Mr. Chidley’s term as Ward 1 councillor. It is outrageous that Mr. Chidley will allow area residents to suffer another long summer of illegal noise pollution without action. An enforceable noise pollution by-law with high, escalating minimum fines for any repeat commercial offender needs to pass now. Mr. Chidley wants to wait until 2011 to - maybe - fix the problem. Mr. Chidley wants area residents and cottagers to suffer - for no valid reason - another summer of illegal noise pollution. If Mr. Chidley will not act now, Mr. Chidley will not act later.

Bill Pocock

Candidate for Ward 1 councillor
Seguin Township