HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-2024-140 - Noise Exemption - Downtown Special EventsCommunity Services Department www.kitchener.ca
REPORT TO: Community and Infrastructure Services Committee
DATE OF MEETING: May 13, 2024
SUBMITTED BY: Gloria MacNeil, Director of Enforcement, 519-741-2200 ext. 7952
PREPARED BY: Gloria MacNeil, Director of Enforcement, 519-741-2200 ext. 7952
WARD(S) INVOLVED: Ward(s) 9 and 10
DATE OF REPORT: April 15, 2024
REPORT NO.: CSD-2024-140
SUBJECT: Noise Exemption Downtown Special Events
RECOMMENDATION:
That an exemption to Chapter 450 (Noise) of the City of Kitchener Municipal Code be
granted for all Downtown Special Events.
REPORT HIGHLIGHTS:
Special Events staff have begun organizing the events calendar for the 2024 season
taking place in the downtown.
Many of the scheduled events will include amplified music and/or elevated noise levels,
however all events are scheduled to end by 11pm.
Events will take place throughout the remainder of the 2024 calendar year.
BACKGROUND:
The special events office annually coordinates a series of events in and around the
provide events that will create urban vitality and attract people to the downtown core. The
type of events vary, however many involve amplified music or other forms of noise.
REPORT:
Staff are excited to welcome back a wide range of concerts, events and festivals in 2024,
from well-loved favourites to exciting new offerings.
In previous years, Special Events staff have typically created a list of events for the coming
year which is then presented to Council, identifying the events requiring a noise exemption.
However, given the complexity of working with several partners and the time it takes to
organize and coordinate such a comprehensive list for a multitude of events, staff have
struggled to confirm the list of events prior to bringing this report forward. This year, staff
are recommending that any event taking place in the downtown core or Victoria Park which
is lead or supported by City or BIA staff, be captured as part of the Downtown Special Events
*** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. ***
Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance.
noise exemption for 2024 and the list of scheduled events will instead be posted on the
comes available.
Special Events and BIA staff will provide By-law Enforcement staff with a contact for each
event being held to ensure there is a point of contact should an issue arise that needs to be
addressed.
Over the years, By-law Enforcement and Special Events staff have worked with nearby
residents and neighbourhood groups to discuss concerns and to put controls in place to
manage and mitigate issues. As a result, we have had nominal complaints.
Staff recognize there continues to be a significant increase of residential condos which have
been built and/or occupied in the downtown and are proactively working on the best way to
communicate event information to owners/property managers and residents with information
regarding these events and to notify them in advance of dates, times and type of events that
will be taking place within the downtown and Victoria Park.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:
This report supports the delivery of core services.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
N/A
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
The Special Events and Communications staff have developed a detailed communications
plan to build awareness of these events throughout the Downtown and across the City. In
addition, a vast number of volunteers and external stakeholders are involved in the wide
array of events.
ACKNOWLEDGED BY: Michael May, DCAO