NOBODY WILL GET ALL THEY WANT IN RATTLESNAKE NOISE FIGHT
(OSOYOOS TIMES — September 5, 2007) —
The noise from those pesky go-carts at Rattlesnake Canyon just won't go away.
And neither will the noise from many of the residents in the neighbourhood of the amusement park, who have been unhappy since the little race-cars went into the park a few years ago.
Kids, teens and adults by the hundreds love the machines “ the louder and more powerful the better. The Rattlesnake Canyon owners readily admit that the speedy go-carts have become the top revenue generator for their business.
But, understandably, a number of residents near the park don't like the noise that disturbs the serenity of their evenings and weekends.
It's a tough situation and Town Council has tried over the years to jump in and help resolve the problem, but it hasn't been easy and it hasn't really worked yet.
The Town sued the former park owners for noise bylaw infractions. That ended up in a messy court fight that questioned the Town's bylaw.
To their credit, the owners spent a great deal of money on noise abatement measures, such as a solid fence.
Now, the residents have spoken up again, with the same old list of complaints about noise from the park “ and they're pressuring councillors to get involved again and either change the go-carts to quieter ones, or take other measures. Many of the residents just want to see the noise from carts and kids go away.
But the zoning along Hwy. 3 and the Town's earlier permits allow for the amusement park. Noise is to be expected during the days and evening for about three months a year. That's what you get when you live near the highway and commercial operations.
The residents must realize they have to live with a certain amount of this noise. Perhaps the Town can nudge the owners to reduce the noise or times to some degree.
If everyone gives just a bit, maybe the residents and amusement park can be good neighbours. It's going to take some work, and nobody is going to get everything they want.
