HomeMy WebLinkAboutCLD-011-12 Clarington REPORT
MUNICIPAL CLERK'S
Meeting: GENERAL PURPOSE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE
Date: March 19, 2012 Resolution#: ®l ' By-law#: N/A
Report#: CLD-011-12 File#:
Subject: REQUEST FOR NOISE CURFEW AT CANADIAN MOTORSPORT
VENTURES LTD. (MOSPORT) RACETRACK
RECOMMENDATIONS:
It is respectfully recommended that the General Purpose and Administration Committee
recommend to Council the following:
1. THAT Report CLD-011-12 be received;
2. THAT the request for a noise curfew requested by Donna Lepard be denied; and
3. THAT Donna Lepard and Canadian Motorsport Ventures Ltd.be advised of
Council's decision.
Submitted by: Reviewed by:
atti
r� e, C MO Franklin Wu,
nicip erk Chief Administrative Officer
PLB/LC
CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON
40 TEMPERANCE STREET, BOWMANVILLE, ONTARIO L1C 3A6 T 905-623-3379
REPORT NO.: CLD-011-12 PAGE 2
1. BACKGROUND
At the March 5, 2012 meeting, Council referred a letter from Donna Lepard, requesting
a noise curfew be placed on Mosport Racetrack, to staff for comment.
In 1997, Council imposed a noise curfew on the activities at Mosport Park prohibiting
any motor vehicle racing prior to 10:00 a.m. on Sunday mornings. In 2003, Council
rescinded the by-law. Ms. Lepard is now asking to have this matter revisited and the
curfew reinstated.
2. INVESTIGATION
Historically Mosport's racing operations had a longstanding noise exemption in the
Noise By-law for most of its 52 years of operation. In 1997, the Municipality moved to
set sound limits on Mosport. This was done in response to incidents surrounding the
Edenfest summer rock concert. At that time, a Sunday 10:00 a.m. curfew was imposed.
Mosport worked hard to abide by the curfew but increasingly found that they could not
operate within the 10:00 a.m. curfew and remain economically viable. In April 2003 the
curfew was removed.
In February of this year, Ms. Donna Lepard submitted a request to Council to reinstate
the noise curfew.
In the years since 2003 Mosport has come under new management who are trying to
revitalize the track with physical improvements to the site, and attract bigger and better
race events.
Mosport has submitted their schedules for this summer. Their Sunday start times show
engine startup at 7:30 a.m. or 8:00 a.m. depending on the race event. Granted these
times are early, but the race events are usually 12 hours long. If there are any major
delays such as accidents the race can extend into the evening. If start time is delayed
to 10:00 a.m. then the anticipated end moves to approximately 10:00 p.m., if there are
no delays.
This means that fans would either have to leave early to get home at a reasonable time
or leave at the end of the race and drive home through the night. That much delay in
departure will cost the track in lower attendance and reduced revenues.
While it is not the Municipality's responsibility to ensure the success of any business
within the limits of the Municipality, it is also not our intention to create undue hardship
or put up roadblocks or excessive impediments.
REPORT NO.: CLD-011-12 PAGE 3
3. RESULTS
Staff have received no complaints about the noise from the racetrack since late 1997.
The letter from Ms. Lepard is the first and only complaint since the noise curfew was
removed.
Mosport's potential lost revenue could be significant if Mosport is required to scale back
their operations.
4. CONCURRENCE: NONE
5. CONCLUSION
While Ms. Lepard does appear to make a reasonable request, staff are concerned
about the direct conflict between the needs of Mosport for a maximum amount of time
for racing and the desire of a resident for peace and quiet. Council must try to balance
these conflicting wishes.
The delay in start times is not just an inconvenience; it is a roadblock to Mosport's
growth and continued progress. Mosport has been recognized as a major race location
in the past. The current owners are attempting to regain and expand that reputation.
This is a venue that is known within the racing community outside this province. It is a
source of community recreation and revenue. To cut back its potential hours of
operation would be a major step backwards for Mosport and the Municipality.
Staff do not believe that the best interest of the Municipality would be served by once
again imposing a noise curfew on Mosport's operations and therefore respectfully
recommend that Ms. Lepard's request be denied.
CONFORMITY WITH STRATEGIC PLAN — Not Applicable
Staff Contact: Len Creamer, Manager, Municipal Law Enforcement
List of interested parties to be advised of Council's decision:
D. Lepard
Canadian Motorsport Ventures Ltd.