DIDSBURY - A resident is asking Didsbury council to take action to address concerns with off-highway vehicles (OHV) causing noise and pollution concerns on private property in town.
Deborah Forehead appeared before council at the Dec. 10 regularly scheduled council meeting to voice her concerns.
“These vehicles are noisy and emit exhaust, and this includes the smaller, child-size vehicles,” said Forehead. “On an acreage outside town it is perfectly acceptable that these could be used, but in town there is not enough space between residences for the use of these vehicles to not be a noise nuisance to neighbouring properties.
“Not only do they disturb the human neighbours, but they also agitate the neighbouring four-legged occupants. During any month of the year it is unfair that one residence is allowed to interfere with another’s enjoyment of their property.”
The existing bylaw regarding off-road vehicles does not address the use of the vehicles in yards, she said, adding that, “The noise bylaw is completely inadequate to address this as it doesn’t go into effect until later in the evening.”
Off-highway vehicles include ATVs and snowmobiles, she said.
“Fumes from exhaust are also problematic as they drift from the property of origin to adjacent yards,” she said, noting such fumes can create health concerns for some residents, including those with respiratory conditions.
“There is a need for a bylaw that disallows (off-highway vehicle) use in town and I hope you will all give this careful consideration,” she said.
During her delegation appearance, also Forehead requested that council amend the responsible pet ownership bylaw 2022-17 to be more specific regarding crowing animals and chicken coop locations.
Council accepted Forehead’s delegation as information.
Later in the Dec. 10 meeting and in response to Forehead’s delegation appearance, council carried motions to refer the community standards bylaw 2023-14 and the responsible pet ownership bylaw 2022-17 to the policy and governance committee for review and recommendation.
