Community member, Gary Vipond advised that he recently met with Inspector Di Pasquale and thanked him for the meeting. He advised the noise in his neighbourhood has a been a concern for some time. Mr. Vipond advised that on 2 different occasions the OPP had placed ads in the local newspaper describing an initiative called, "Quiet Running" and enquired as to follow up.
Inspector Di Pasquale advised that he was not familiar with the results of that initiative, but advised there is a Provincial initiative call Project Erase which stands for Eradicate Racing Activity on Streets Everywhere.
Mr. Vipond advised that the issue is beyond rumbling motors and that some residents are fearful. During one incident in the area of Zina and Clara a resident fell off their bike as result of a very loud backfire from a vehicle. He stated that residents are happy to help resolve the issue but are also fearful of an altercation if trying to get a license plate or photo of the offenders. He also mentioned Anthony Carnevale's newspaper article where Anthony indicated that he is not looking for complete silence but a certain level of respect.
Mr. Vipond also referred to a newspaper article from a London newspaper where the local police did a blitz on noisy mufflers, etc. in 2020 and reported that 110 charges were laid.
Chair Taylor said that residents need to know that there is a plan and what the outcome is. Chair Taylor advised that last year Dufferin OPP ran a blitz called Project Running and asked if the Inspector could advise on the results of that program.
Inspector Di Pasquale advised he will send out a direction to all officers to address illegally modified vehicles and officers will be provided training and resources to address this concern. They will also partner with MTO to target illegally modified vehicles. He will also speak to his media team to determine how the OPP can better inform the public on the law and repercussions of any non-compliance. Inspector Di Pasquale advised that the public can help by reporting any incidents through the online reporting tool or the non-emergent OPP line - 1 888 310-1122.
Chair Taylor invited James Bramley, Supervisor, Licensing and By-law Enforcement for the Town of Orangeville to speak to the matter. Mr. Bramley advised that they can only enforce bylaws on private property. He encouraged members of the public to maintain a 2 week log of any issues they experience and then report it to bylaw using either their online portal or calling Town Bylaw. He advised it is important to provide the following details: address, where the problem is occurring and the time it occurs. He advised they also try to educate the public on this matter.
Vice-Chair McSweeney asked Inspector Di Pasquale if there is a way there could be greater police presence on the streets that are known to be a problem. Inspector Di Pasquale advised that is where they need the public's assistance in identifying locations, times and trends to assist them with targeted enforcement and presence where needed.
Winston Newton Bogart also spoke and advised he is part of Vipond's neighbourhood group. Mr. Bogart advised that when they first complained to police about the issue they did have increased police presence and in fact police sat in his driveway. He said one of the problem times is over the school lunch hour and when school is being let out. He expects that over the upcoming long weekend there will be issues 24 hrs./day. He also stated that many motorists use Zina as a bypass to Broadway and the issue isn't just noise, but speeding and failing to stop at stop signs. He re-iterated the worst times are from the time school is out until about 7:00 pm and on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings.
Bob Murray, a resident of Zina Street also spoke and advised that the noise detracts from their enjoyment of their back garden. As well, his grand daughter attends school in the neighbourhood and he wants it to be safe for all of the children.
Another resident spoke and said that she has a concern about the Spencer and Riddell area due to speeding cars and cars revving loudly. She described the problem time as Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings between 10 pm and 2 am.
Member Post thanked the community members for attending and voicing their concerns. She advised as Mayor that Town Council is actively looking at these concerns. A traffic study was conducted at the west end of Zina and there wasn't a significant speeding problem found. Town staff have been asked to conduct the study further east on Zina. The Town is aware that Zina and Elizabeth streets are used as a bypass for Broadway and the situation is being monitored. The Town does have a traffic calming strategy and is still in the information and data gathering phase to assist in determining next best steps.
Chair Taylor advised that there will be more to come on Spencer Ave. in the future.