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Noise from Ridley Island construction upsets Port Edward council

Port Edward council will be expressing their frustration with noise coming from Ridley Island as construction work continues.

Port Edward council will be expressing their frustration with noise coming from Ridley Island as work on the Road, Rail and Utility Corridor continues.

The issue of noise was brought up at the Jan. 14 meeting by Counc. Knut Bjorndal, who said he has heard complaints from many in the community.

"One of the things residents have been talking about is the hammer drilling that they are doing at night, sometimes into the middle of the night ... we were ensured that during construction noise and dust would be kept down, but that's not the case when they are hammer drilling into the night. Even with the windstorm we had the other night you could still hear it," he said.

"I think we need to send a letter to them saying that this is unacceptable."

Mayor Dave MacDonald said he too has heard the noise, but noted that Ridley Island is outside of Port Edward's boundaries so the bylaw would not be enforceable regardless.

However, Prince Rupert Port Authority manager of corporate communications Michael Gurney said crews are aware of the bylaw.

"The construction crews on Ridley Island are attempting to do their very best to respect the District of Port Edward noise bylaw restrictions, which restrict noise from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m.," he said, noting the noise is related to rock breaking needed for the Road, Rail and Utility Corridor.

"The Prince Rupert Port Authority encourages any residents, either in Port Edward or Prince Rupert, to make contact either by phone or through online contact form if they have any noise concerns. The information gathered through the form allows us to address specific concerns."