If it hasn't already, a non-stop construction zone may be coming to a neighbourhood near you, if bylaw changes aren't made soon.
“We’re on the verge of the biggest housing changes in Richmond’s history since the 1960s,” stated Coun. Harold Steves, who, at a planning committee meeting Tuesday asked city planners to curb residential construction noise on weekends and statutory holidays.
The request came after a presentation from community activist Kerry Starchuk, who said she’s had enough of living under the constant bombardment of construction activity in her Blundell neighbourhood.
“Construction is happening every day of the week, seven days of the week, there are no breaks,” she told the committee.
Steves concurred, noting on Easter weekend there was a lot of construction where he lived.
Starchuk pointed out the city has a Good Neighbour Program. She outlined various activities, conducted by construction crews near her home, that contravene neighbourly behavior (as she's done in a Facebook page).
She pasted pictures of the activity on a door, for presentation purposes, and rolled it into the meeting.
Starchuk claims the noise and sights make the city less livable.
Coun. Bill McNulty took to semantics, pointing out that Starchuk called the ‘program’ a ‘policy.’
“It’s not all doom and gloom in Richmond, unlike popular opinion,” said McNulty, who wanted Steves’ referral to consider the fact some construction activity, like carpeting and painting, can be quiet.
Other municipalities like Vancouver and North Vancouver forbid all construction activity on Sundays and holidays.
Presently, construction crews may work on homes on a Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends.
The city’s deputy manager, Joe Erceg, said the construction near Steves’ house on Easter was illegal. (Editing note: This statement was later retracted. In fact, construction noise is permitted on holidays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
Starchuk said the Good Neighbour Program calls for crews to remove waste on a “regular” basis, but in fact, this is not happening.
“I live looking at properties full of waste and garbage,” she said.
About 40 homes are demolished monthly in Richmond and statistics show a growing trend.
Starchuk said she has contacted city planners and staff several times with her concerns.
“It was suggested I take the money and run when I talked to someone in the city. I can’t run, I live here, my family is here …I would like to work with the city and hope to solve these difficult challenges,” said Starchuk.
While Coun. Carol Day wanted a “bylaw with some teeth,” planning committee chair Linda McPhail was more tepid on the idea.
“I would hate to be so prescriptive that it stop construction entirely,” said McPhail, adding a "few bad apples" are to blame.
Coun. Chak Au said he wants construction crews to have to post signs indicating to residents the bylaw enforcement contact information, as well as permitted hourly operations.
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