On May 19, Kingston City Council approved the university’s application for a one-year extension to its noise bylaw exemption for two West Campus sports fields and Richardson Stadium.

“We are very pleased with the decision, and with the recognition from the mayor and several members of council of the work we’ve done to date to limit the sound emanating from the sports fields and to work with local residents to find solutions when issues arise,” says Leslie Dal Cin, Executive Director, Athletics and Recreation.

The exemption permits the use of game whistles at the sports fields between the hours of 9 am and 9 pm Monday to Sunday, until June 30, 2016. Limited amplified sound for game-related announcements and playing the national anthem is also permitted on a limited basis.

At the time of the original exemption approval, city council placed a number of conditions on the exemption, including:

• Communicating with internal and external field users on the importance of keeping noise levels to a minimum;
• Posting field signs with the same message, and ongoing communication with the community;
• Establishing a call-in line and response protocol to address any neighbourhood concerns; and
• Limiting the volume, frequency, duration and type of amplified sound permitted.

The university will continue to comply with each of these conditions. Queen’s will also continue to report field usage statistics and neighbourhood feedback to the city of Kingston.

Last year, HGC Engineering conducted a noise impact assessment that led to several recommendations for noise reduction in the area. The university began making a number of adjustments to field usage prior to receiving the original exemption, and has since implemented all of the consultant’s recommendations.

As planning for the revitalization of Richardson Stadium moves forward, the university will continue to consult with West Campus neighbours and community members regarding a variety of stadium-related subjects, including noise.