Sep 23, 2009- 2:20 PM
Citizens vent anger at amphitheatre design consultation
Several residents angrily complained about excess noise from musical events in the area of the amphitheatre.
“For several years now, an enormous public nuisance has been perpetrated on the hundreds of people who live within clear reception of noise created at Bell Park in the summer,” said Joan Pella of 157 Nepahwin Avenue.
Although she moved from her former home to escape the noise, she still found her quality of life was affected even in her new home, which is five kilometres away.
“I have to keep the windows shut and even wear ear plugs when I go to bed.”
She mentioned that excess noise can not only be an irritant, but can also cause health effects from the stress.
She told architect Dennis Castellan and landscape architect Rodger Todhunter that she would prefer the new amphitheatre not to be built at Bell Park.
Castellan said efforts will be made to use modern techniques and technology to reduce the noise problem coming from Bell Park events.
“Noise mitigation can be addressed but not entirely eliminated.”
Alan Jennings, who lives on Kingsmount Avenue, agreed with Pella about the noise.
“I still hear loud noise from the park and I live a quarter mile away. We need sound reflecting fencing. Sound has to better controlled there,” said Jennings.
Ward 10 Coun. Frances Caldarelli, who lives further away on Kirkwood Drive, said she dreaded when Bell Park hosted events with loud bands.
“I loathe those events. I hear every one of those decibels. Worse, I get the phone calls,” she quipped.
“The noise problem has to be addressed.”
Gospel musician Ron Whitman asked why noise could not be monitored.
“If they do it for Vale Inco emissions, why cannot noise be monitored as well?”
Chris Gore, the city manager who helped organize the public consultations, said people had to realize that any open air amphitheatre in the middle of the city would generate some noise.
He said though he had been informed of the noise problem at other public consultations with stakeholders.
One method would be to have the city run the sound system at the new amphitheatre, suggested Castellan.
The architect suggested the new amphitheatre be moved up the slope to the north and the existing structure be turned into a grassed area.
The intent was to ensure the new structure would blend in with the natural contours of the site and allow for better access for performers and their equipment.
Another point of contention from some in the audience was whether the new design would protect the audience from the elements, specifically rain and cold winds. It was mentioned that rain had affected some festivals economically this summer.
But Castellan said during consultations with stakeholders who currently use the park and with those who would like to use the facility, opinion varied.
“Some want an roof overhead. Others wanted to see the stars at evening events.”
Gore cited cost concerns as a reason not to provide a cover over the audience. It was suggested that a wind proof fencing system could buffer winds.
But Caldarelli cited excess costs as a reason not have that in place.
Another design item was the seating capacity. Castellan suggested a seating of 1,800 though that was not fixed yet.
“There is a firm hired by the city looking at the business case for what seating should be made available.” He did suggest a mix between fixed hard seating and an adjacent grassed area. He noted the audience would have a better view of the lake than the current set up.
Northern Lights Festival Board member Esa Hermakari said his organization had always thought a seating capacity of 4,000 would be appropriate. Others agreed saying a smaller seating capacity would prevent more expensive bands from being able to be booked.
Gore said a next step in the process will be a city council discussion on the draft designs at the end of October.
Gore said there was still time for the public to give their input by calling 3-1-1.
