The survey for the amendment to the statute includes, among other things, noise related to construction sites, special events and landscaping equipment such as lawnmowers.

Sarah HicksCity of Vancouver chief permitting inspector says the survey is an opportunity to strike a balance between the city’s busy activities and the search for quiet places.

We want to understand where our residents and businesses feel the effects of noise. We want to find out where we can accommodate noisier activities like outdoor festivals or cultural events, while still providing quieter areasprecise Sarah Hicks.

The noise protection regulations determine the permissible noise level depending on the location, the time of day and the origin. Sarah Hicks notes that it was first implemented in 1989 and has not seen any major updates since 1997.

Construction sites, motorcycles and leaf blowers

Barbara Campbellresidents of the neighborhood west endShe’s complaining about a big construction project near her home.

Noise protection does not seem to be an issue with this project, She says. She wants stricter controls on when noise is allowed.

We see trucks, motorcycles, it’s amazingpoints out in turn David Scottpoints to a busy intersection in the neighborhood west end. Some motorcycles have a modified exhaust systemhe says.

Leaf blowers can also cause irritation. So far this year, the City of Vancouver has received 29 complaints about its use.

A 2004 ordinance bans them in an area bounded by Stanley Park, Burrard Streets and western georgia, and the avenue Beachmake west end the first district in Canada to ban this type of gear. However, residents have said in the past that the statute is rarely enforced.

We now have the opportunity to understand what local residents think of the Noise Abatement Ordinance. What needs updating? What do you like? What did we miss? It’s about modernization and the search for ways to improve the noise situationcloses Sarah Hicks.

The poll is available through May 30, and the recommendations will be presented to City Council in the fall.

With information from Yasmin Gandham