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Dear Editor:
As a neighbor across the street from the Dam Pub we strongly urge council and the Mayor to deny this applicatin for a noise by-law exemption.
We live directly across the street from the Pub. Our children have windows that look across at the pub patio. I would like the councilors and mayor to please advise us why our children should not be able to go to sleep until after 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings or 9 on Thursdays and Sundays?
The biggest danger of this exemption is that the precedent will be irrevocable. The Dam Pub, in its current theme, seems quite harmless and I am sure council is wondering who could object to some quiet Irish music on a balmy summer evening. However, if the owners decided to sell the pub or change the theme to Metalica or Acid Jazz it would be impossible to revoke their exemption. Indeed, what will stop all the pubs and restaurants from deciding that they also want an exemption? How would Council justify an exemption for the Pub and not also SiSi or Largo for example?
If the Dam Pub wants to have music until late at night they are welcome to have it indoors, like every other establishment and resident in the town.
We understand that the Blue Mountain Village has a similar exemption, but surely Blue Mountain is a special zone and buyers and visitors expect some level of noise associated with staying at a resort community. The Blue Mountain Resort also has a significant incentive to keep the residents happy and buyers coming. Moreover, condo owners in the village bought their property with the exemption in place and thus are not adversely affected by a change in the status quo. The same is certainly not the case for residents of Thornbury whose real estate value will likely be adversely affected by an exemption.
What greater benefit will come to the community of Thornbury and its residents if the by-law exemption is granted? Surely, that is the standard by which this application should be tested.
It is clear that the Pub enjoys a healthy and growing business under the current by-laws (including competing against the exemption for Blue). Denying this exemption will not seriously harm their business. The proprietors did not acquire the Pub with any expectation that they would be able to get an exemption, nor did they build a business case on competing head-to-head with the Village at Blue. However, no greater good exists for the population of Thornbury for this exemption. On the contrary, it will certainly inconvenience and aggravate many residents.
Please explain why the Dam Pub has a right to make noise and I, as a resident, do not have the right to quiet summer evenings with our children?
I would ask you please honestly consider how you would vote if you lived next door to the pub?
Thank you,
Peter Firstbrook & Christine Morrad
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