Corp Comm Connects

Noise bylaw compromise positive for Toronto homebuyers and residential construction

Newwire.com
April 18, 2019
Residential Construction Council of Ontario (RESCON)

The residential construction industry has just inhaled.

This afternoon, Toronto city council voted 21-4 in favour of Councillor Ana Bailao's motion to the noise bylaw exemption to amend the proposed permit process for continuous concrete pouring. The originally proposed Municipal Licensing and Standards (MLS) exemption process would have crippled the industry's ability to deliver desperately needed housing supply – new condos and purpose-built rentals – to Torontonians and put thousands of jobs in jeopardy.

The bylaw change authorizes the executive director of MLS, rather than city councillors, upon receipt of an application for continuous concrete pouring, to issue an exemption permit contingent on having a noise mitigation plan.

"Although the industry preferred the status quo exemption, this amendment represents a workable compromise for industry," says Richard Lyall, president of the Residential Construction Council of Ontario (RESCON). "We want to work closely with Toronto residents, City Council and MLS staff to ensure projects are completed as quickly and efficiently as possible. As suggested by Mayor John Tory, we want to wrap up new development in a timely manner so we can 'get out of current residents' hair,' as well as house Toronto's future residents."

Jason Ottey, director of government relations and communications at LiUNA Local 183, commends Councillor Bailao for explaining her father's work as a concrete finisher to council.

"We are happy councillors like Councillor Bailao understand this issue," Ottey says. "We thank the councillor for sharing her family's table conversations in a public forum for a complex issue that affects the entire city. We are very happy with the outcome of today's discussion and vote as we continue to build new homes and infrastructure for Toronto."

The change to the noise bylaw will be effective Oct. 1.

A coalition made up of RESCON, LiUNA Local 183, the Building and Land Development Association (BILD) and the Ontario Formwork Association have been advocating against drastic changes that would impact the local economy.

David Wilkes, BILD president and CEO, adds: "Builders want to be good neighbours too. The City Council decision allows our industry to continue to produce jobs, housing supply and attract investment to the city."