The Weyburn Police Service received numerous complaints last week under the City of Weyburn's Noise Bylaw, which prohibits loud, unnecessary, or unusual noise that disturbs others. This could be from gatherings, vehicles, pets, or other activities, at any time of the day.
Deputy Chief Shane St. John said police typically enforce the bylaw when noise complaints are received, and they have the authority to act when the noise is excessive or persistent.
Upholding the bylaw means keeping music and voices at a reasonable volume, ending loud activities at a respectful hour, and addressing noise concerns promptly if approached by a neighbour.
Some, however, are hesitant to approach their neighbours to ask them to tone it down.
"Just be respectful of your neighbours, and if a neighbour does approach you, 'could you please turn it down', don't be confrontational. Respect that request and turn the noise down," he advised. "You hope the neighbour would take it respectfully, but some feel, 'oh it's a dog, they're allowed to bark', and then they get confrontational, which is not the correct response, but the dog is or music is really loud, then we can charge."
He said police can charge under the Noise Bylaw if they witness the noise first-hand. However, if the incident has passed, charges require a witness to provide a statement.
"If it's not happening now, we can either give a warning or maybe the complainant wants to give a statement. Then we could charge, and if it goes to court, then they would have to testify to the offense of what was happening. They're the witness. They're the victim."
St. John said this happens most often when the issue is ongoing.
While these kinds of complaints are common at this time of year, many come from those living in apartment buildings.
"You know, people listening to music too loud or movies too loud, annoying other people in the apartment," he said. "A lot of backyard fires, drinking in the backyards that just got way too loud."
Sometimes it's noise made at night that wouldn't ordinarily be a concern, but is causing issues for someone who can't sleep and has to work the next day.
However, the Noise Bylaw applies to all hours, at any time of the day.
"It could be something against the norm at those other hours, like during the day, it's something that isn't the normal noise, essentially. That could be in an apartment, someone yelling and screaming, or music, bothering others, that can be anytime. People want to enjoy their backyards, and there's a dog barking all the time, then definitely give us a call. That's outside the norm. If your dog is barking, take them inside or do something that doesn't bother everyone."
By being considerate, we can all help maintain a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable atmosphere as we make the most of the final weeks of summer.