Make some noise at an upcoming Animal & Bylaw Services open house event

Animal& Bylaw Services is inviting vehicle owners to participate in two public open house demonstrations of the Noise Snare prior to its deployment on Calgary streets.

On Saturday, May 26 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on Wednesday, May 30 from 4 to 8 p.m. find out just how loud your car, truck, SUV, minivan or motorcycle is by cruising the City of Calgary emergency vehicle training track (located behind the Fire Department Training Academy at 5811 - 23 Ave. S.E.).Please note, both events are weather dependent.

When on the track, drivers must obey all instructions given by bylaw officers. The track speed is 30 km/hr and drivers will be instructed when they can accelerate to 50 km/hr for their pass by the noise snare device. After passing by the device, all vehicles will be required to decelerate to 30 km/hr and exit the track. The rules of the road will be enforced.

The excessive vehicle noise provision was added to the Calgary Traffic Bylaw last year and sets the limit at 96 decibels. At that level and beyond, a $200 fine can be assessed. This is equivalent to the sound of a power saw from one metre away.

The Noise Snare records video and audio of vehicles as they pass by. An onboard noise meter gives a reading of the volume level of the sounds emanating from vehicles, and the owner of those that reach or exceed 96 decibels will be contacted by a bylaw officer.

The Noise Snare will be deployed as of May 31 and the first month will be about public education with bylaw officers issuing warnings.

Onward/ Animal & Bylaw Services is committed to employing innovation responsive to citizens needs and essential in ensuring safe and cared for communities. | 2020 Sustainability Direction: By 2020, the City demonstrates that a broad representation of our citizen’s voice has been considered in setting priorities and delivering services.