SUNDRE – Driven by a desire to expedite the Highway 27-Main Avenue overhaul, the Town of Sundre's council has approved a request to relax noise restrictions through the upcoming construction season.
“We want to see this project completed as soon as possible,” said Chris Albert, the town's director of corporate services, referring to all parties involved in the project from Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors to infrastructure consulting firm AECOM and of course the municipality.
AECOM is the consultant for TEC and upon the request of the construction contractor, had requested a relaxation to the Community Standards Bylaw as it relates to noise restrictions, said Albert, who was acting chief administrative officer during the regular Feb. 10 council meeting.
The bylaw prohibits construction that can be heard beyond the boundary of the construction site any time after 10 p.m. and before 7 a.m. any day of the week, further barring the operation of equipment, machinery, mechanical devices or any other tool “of a noisy nature that may disturb persons in a residential district.”
But with a project of this magnitude, work may be required outside of those hours.
“Specifically, the contractor may be required to potentially work past 10 p.m. and start before 7 a.m. on certain days during concrete pours and asphalt work,” said Albert.
“AECOM is requesting that we put in this relaxation in order to allow the contractor to – should there be a need – make up any shortfalls that they need to do in timing,” he said.
“Unfortunately, it is difficult to determine specific days,” he said, adding work will largely depend not only on conditions but also the contractor’s schedule.
“So we are requesting that this be a comprehensive relaxation of the bylaw for that entire construction and for the entire construction season.”
The overlay project is being carried out by TEC, which hired a communication consultant, he said, adding both council and the community will be notified as updates become available.
“As we get that information, we will disseminate it as we can.”
Moving to approve the request, Coun. Paul Isaac said, “I know the project is important and the sooner it’s done, the less noise it’ll be down the road.”
Coun. Todd Dalke asked about the possibility of going one step farther and essentially encouraging the contractor to work through the night if need be.
Albert said the motion was written to allow the contractor to work beyond regular hours any time between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.
“Theoretically, if the contractor did require it, they could work 24-hours a day if they so choose,” he said.
Seeking clarification, Coun. Jaime Marr pointed out the motion as presented allowed the relaxation specifically for concrete pours and asphalt work and asked if that was general enough.
Mayor Richard Warnock said he didn’t expect the contractor would for example be doing grading work in the middle of the night but that once started, concrete pours and laying asphalt must be completed.
Besides, “I doubt we’re going to get to tell TEC what to do,” added the mayor, nevertheless agreeing it couldn’t hurt for administration to mention in upcoming conversations with TEC and the contractor that council supports construction crews doing what is needed to complete the project sooner than later.
“I want that project done before winter … we’ve talked about it for seven years,” he later said.
“We can absolutely make them aware that to get the project done, council is in favour of working when they need to,” said Albert.
“(But) I don’t think the motion needs to be changed. Their specific ask was around the concrete pours and the asphalt work,” he said, adding the call ultimately comes down to TEC and their contractors.
“(As well) if you want people to work in the middle of the night, it’s going to cost you more,” he added.
Offering parting thoughts before the motion was unanimously carried with councillors Connie Anderson and Chris Vardas not present on excused absences, the mayor asked administration if it would be possible to receive notification in advance when the contractor intends to work outside regular hours simply so residents can be informed.
