REGINA – Offenders of the city’s noise bylaw will now be ticketed instead of having to attend court.
Regina city council approved an amendment Thursday to allow bylaw officers and police to issue a ticket to people having a loud party or barking dog. Previously, they would receive a court summons.
Another approved change will allow for just one noise complaint to trigger a visit from an officer instead of two.
What the amendment doesn’t provide is more teeth for enforcement of the noise bylaw.
Lakeview resident Trevor Linford presented his concerns to council, saying his family has dealt with yelling and loud music coming from a neighbouring property during the overnight hours “at least twice a week”.
Linford said he has reported the noise “about 30 times” over the last few years, but despite seeing police at the property, he has only heard of one penalty being delivered.
“It would be incredible to crunch the numbers on how many times police or bylaw officers have attended this property compared to what has happened, which is essentially nothing in the last three years,” Linford said.
WATCH BELOW: From barking dogs to loud parties, Raquel Fletcher looks at what makes up the bulk of Regina’s noise complaints (November 5)
Council heard there have been 28 charges under the city’s noise bylaw in the past year, with just seven convictions.
A review of the bylaw change will come before the protective services committee in January 2016.
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