Snowblowers fall under Medicine Hat’s noise bylaw, police say

These powerful machines, however, produce quite a bit of noise, and have caused commotion in some neighborhoods.

Colin Heyens, Medicine Hat community peace officer, said the noise bylaw to those who may not be familiar with what it conveys.

Heyens said that a motorized blower should only be operated between the hours of 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Friday.

On weekends and holidays, the hours are condensed to 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. for noise.

“If there’s somebody who’s breaking the rules and they’re out there removing snow early in the morning, disturbing some people, definitely give us a call,” he said.

“We do have an education-first approach to make sure everybody’s on the same page and that everyone’s operating within the limits.”

Some residents use their motorized blowers early in the morning, perhaps due to a conflicting schedule that gives them no choice.

Regardless, noise disturbances outside of the bylaw’s timeframe do come with repercussions, perhaps fines that can be given to offenders.

Commercial generated noise is the exception as clearing public spaces is necessary during hours when not in use, Heyens said.

“Places like the hospital obviously need to be cleared regularly throughout the night so that people can have access to emerge and stuff like that at all hours,” he said.

“A lot of these commercial lots too, the best time to clear them is when non-business hours so that the parking lot’s empty and it’s most convenient and safe for everyone.”

Heyens said that while some residents may not be able to clear snow at more reasonable time, a shovel is always recommended as a quieter alternative.

by Jayk Sterkenburg

Snowblowers fall under Medicine Hat’s noise bylaw, police say

Our Community