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Dear Editor:
Wake up Thornbury!
Your town council came close -- too close for comfort -- to approving The Dam Pub's application for relief from the noise by-law. This is an apparent effort to be "fair" to the pub. After all, the Blue Mountain Village has an exemption and The Dam Pub has a right to be competitive.
Well, I have a business, too, only my business depends on my ability to concentrate. I need quiet. I also live where I work. The noise by-law protects me and everyone else, both residential and business, who value quiet.
But the by-law is under attack. This assault won't stop with The Dam Pub. I expect every other restaurant in town, now and in the future, will apply for and, possibly, receive, similar exemptions. Soon, there won't be anywhere in town where a quiet business or individual will be able to find peace to work or just enjoy life.
In fact, one councillor suggested a blanket exemption from the noise by-law be considered for all of downtown Thornbury.
If council wants to encourage noise-making businesses, such as pubs and bars, for Thornbury, this would be a good first move. But if we want a mix of businesses, stores, professional practices, and other quiet endeavours as well as residential uses, we must protect their right to quiet.
If council approves this application, by the Dam Pub, it will set a precedent that will affect not only Thornbury but Clarksburg and Craigleith, too -- in fact, the entire town of the Blue Mountains.
I believe the town needs to have a "Noise By-law Awareness Day". On this day, everyone should play their music outside and loud! Then we can all get an idea of what a town would be like without the protection of our right to quiet enjoyment.
We need a reality check before the Noise By-law is undermined. On April 28, the town council will convene again on this issue. I am asking the residents of the Town of The Blue Mountains to let council and town staff know that we all value our right to quiet enjoyment of our properties and we do not want them to take this first step toward denying that right.
Speak up, now, or it will be too late.
Jan Pratt
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