Decibel limits needed for 'excessively noisy' motorboats, coalition argues
Decibel limits needed for 'excessively noisy' motorboats, coalition argues
Decibel limits needed for 'excessively noisy' motorboats, coalition argues
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The days of noisy motorboats interrupting an otherwise serene afternoon at the lake could be numbered.
Limiting "excessive" racket at Canada's many lakes has been a goal of the Decibel Coalition for years, and members are hopeful the government may be ready to take action.
Alan Drinkwater, the coalition's western representative, noted that many jurisdictions already impose decibel limits on motorboats, and argued it's time Canada followed suit.
"If they do put decibel limit-based regulations in place, they will be emulating the success that over 27 U.S. states have had for more than two decades in dealing with the problem," Drinkwater told CTV News on Sunday.
The country's current Small Vessel Regulations already require all power-driven boats to use a muffler, but there are no specific performance standards those mufflers must meet.
On a website gathering public feedback about the possibility of strengthening regulations, Transport Canada acknowledged that lack of standards has "led to concerns that vessel engine noise sometimes exceeds acceptable levels."
"Police have also noted that it's hard to enforce the current requirements as they lack the technical expertise needed to identify whether a muffler is properly equipped or not," the site reads.
New regulations would come with their own challenges. To enforce a decibel limit, officials pointed out police would have to buy decibel-measuring equipment and train officers how to use it.
Transport Canada proposed five ways to address motorboat noise, including performance standards that would apply to both boat manufacturers and operators – which is what Drinkwater's coalition would like to see implemented.
The group, whose 54 members include a number of municipalities and environmental organizations, suggested Canada follow an international standard of 75 decibels, adjusted to human hearing, for shoreline sound measurements.
The government's public feedback process closed last month, and its unclear when any potential changes could be implemented. CTV News has reached out to Transport Canada for more information.
Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino is defending the RCMP’s yearslong and undisclosed use of spyware capable of accessing cell phone and computer microphones, cameras and other data as part of dozens of major investigations. Testifying before a parliamentary committee on Monday, Mendicino said the national police force's use of these tools has only be permitted in 'the most serious offences.'
Saskatoon police say a woman who had been reported missing is facing charges in the United States related to unauthorized use of identification and in Canada related to parental abduction and public mischief.
Sources close to the government's proposed $5.3 billion dental care program say the Liberals are planning a temporary solution that involves giving money directly to patients in order to keep their promise to the NDP while they work on a more permanent answer.
The organization that runs the Montreal Pride Festival says it is conducting an internal investigation after it abruptly cancelled the city's official Pride parade on Sunday -- hours before it was to begin.
A suspect already in handcuffs has allegedly managed to overpower a Toronto police officer and steal their SUV, sending police on a wild early morning chase.
Authorities in the Northwest Territories are monitoring a large 'zombie fire' that flared back up following last wildfire season after smouldering underground during the winter months.
The City of Victoria is marking the grand opening of its newest bike and skateboard park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and demonstrations by some professional riders Saturday.
A Calgary man and woman face 33 charges for alleged drug possession in addition to alleged firearm possession that police say was for the purpose of trafficking drugs.
Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino is defending the RCMP’s yearslong and undisclosed use of spyware capable of accessing cell phone and computer microphones, cameras and other data as part of dozens of major investigations. Testifying before a parliamentary committee on Monday, Mendicino said the national police force's use of these tools has only be permitted in 'the most serious offences.'
Ontario hospitals are upholding their mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policies for employees as staff shortages mount to a 'crisis' with more emergency departments temporarily closing over the weekend.
Ontario's health minister said Monday that six hospitals had to close departments -- including ERs -- over the weekend, but argued that the situation wasn't unprecedented.
Quebec's chief coroner has ordered a public inquiry into the death of 26-year-old Abdulla Shaikh, who is suspected of killing the three men at random last week.
The organization that runs the Montreal Pride Festival says it is conducting an internal investigation after it abruptly cancelled the city's official Pride parade on Sunday -- hours before it was to begin.
Montreal police are investigating the suspicious death of a man discovered in a bin during recycling collection in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve Monday morning.
A Manitoba woman who abused and killed her daughter in one of the province's most notorious crimes has been granted escorted temporary absences from prison.
The deputy mayor of a southern Newfoundland town says his community is running out of food as it remains cut off from the rest of the island due to the worst forest fires the province has seen in more than 60 years.
Halifax has cancelled 75 bus trips due to a lack of transit staff, and the union representing the drivers says staffing levels will likely get worse before they get better.
A weather front sprawling out of Ontario and Quebec is leading a low pressure system across the Maritimes Monday through Tuesday. Rain, drizzle and fog are expected in the region with some areas experiencing heavy rain for a period of time.
The intense heat and humidity will break with the passage of a cold front Monday night into Tuesday morning. But showers and thunderstorms are bubbling up in advance of the cold front, with Environment Canada issuing its first severe thunderstorm warnings of the day.
Brantford Police have issued an arrest warrant for a man and are asking the public for help identifying a second man following a police chase which resulted in multiple collisions and the two suspects evading arrest.
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