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Back to HomeLetters - June 23, 2011Letters: June 23

Of Chickens and Motocross, David Pinkerton

Of Chickens and Motocross

I have learned when facing community issues that complaints generally trump permission. For example, if there are complaints about the noise/odour of chickens, a bylaw officer might shut me down, even though I followed policy. If 51 of my near neighbours complained, I would certainly expect to be shut down. Instead, council wants to increase the number (5 x motocross events/practices) and give a year’s trial.

Councilor Vandewal said, “A man with 173 acres should be able to do what he wants”. I have less than 2 acres (1.73) and I can’t have 10 chickens because council says the lot is too small to contain odour and noise. Similarly, I believe if you want to have motocross competitions (or rock festivals?), 173 acres is too small to contain the noise in a mixed residential/rural area, based on the current experience of 51 complainants!

If I had chickens on a small un-zoned lot, I might get away with it until a complaint was made. As I didn't have council’s ok, I’d say  sorry and expect a slap on the wrist. Mister Day has been holding snow drags for years without zoning, yet there is no “sorry” and no wrist slap. Instead, council wants to increase dates and expand activities on a year’s trial basis. Every year in August my wife wants to complain about the noise but we agreed to “live and let live” for the one event. Council now says  “no complaints” means noise isn’t a problem. But to have 5 events plus practices and the influx of hundreds of campers means I have to complain.

Lastly, you should google “motocross”  “noise” and "complaint" and see how other Ontario councils/judges have reacted to resident / taxpayer complaints. Almost always, complaints trump permission!

David Pinkerton