The City of Calgary initiated efforts at the beginning of summer to address the issue of loud vehicles causing disturbances on streets like 17th Avenue, impacting residents and passersby. As of now, a total of seven noise violation tickets have been handed out.
In June, the city unveiled a campaign to target noisy vehicles, with a pledge to penalize drivers exceeding the legal noise limit with fines of $270. The permissible noise threshold for vehicles in Calgary stands at 96 decibels. Motorists failing noise level tests could face tickets amounting to $300. The city attributed the noise nuisances to various sources such as loud exhausts, excessive engine revving, squealing tires, blaring stereos, and extended car alarms.
In an effort to monitor excessive noise, the city installed noise monitoring devices in key areas like 17th Avenue in 2024 to gauge noise levels. Enforcement actions have been concentrated in zones where these monitoring devices are operational.
The Traffic Safety Team, established by the city, consists of peace officers who primarily operate during daytime hours. Notably, the team has issued a significant number of tickets, including 2,200 for traffic violations like speeding in designated zones. Inspector Brad Johnson, a team member, emphasized the ongoing work required to address the issue effectively.
Business owners along 17th Avenue have observed varying impacts from the crackdown on noisy vehicles. While some, like Ernie Tsu, noted a quieter summer, attributing it to increased awareness rather than ticketing, others like Harry Dimitriadis highlighted the persistent issue of loud vehicles passing by their establishments.
The Traffic Safety Team is navigating the delicate balance between public safety concerns and nuisance factors, focusing on addressing severe violations while evaluating the effectiveness of their initiatives. The pilot project is slated to continue until March 2026, with potential adjustments based on reviews, including officer working hours.
Despite mixed reactions from patrons and businesses, the challenge of managing noise disturbances on 17th Avenue remains a complex issue, with stakeholders acknowledging the diverse impacts and ongoing efforts to find practical solutions.
