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NEWSLETTER February 16, 2023
Moving Forward on Decibel Limits
Hello Decibel Coalition Members and Supporters,
In our last newsletter we gave you an update on the terrific response to Transport Canada’s Let's Talk web portal and information on the then upcoming Canadian Marine Advisory Council (CMAC) meeting on November 9th, 2022.
Thank you again everyone for your continued support, it is paying off.
The November 9th CMAC meeting held in person in Ottawa
The CMAC is a consultative body run by Transport Canada (TC) with representative from all relevant stakeholders (of parties) that have a recognized interest in shipping, navigation and marine pollution matters.
Establishing noise limits for boat motor noise comes under the recreational boating section. Rob Bosomworth and Nancy Croitoru (co-chairs of Decibel Coalition) attended the November meeting in Ottawa in person and it was very productive. In addition to attending the CMAC meeting and making our views known, we also had a private meeting with the policy people from the Assistant Deputy Minister’s office, to express our pleasure around TC’s actions and discuss our concerns around timing.
It was very clear that Transport Canada is taking the issue of excessively loud boat motor noise seriously and is actively engaged in the process of creating decibel regulations. It is also clear that the Decibel Coalition is respected and recognized as a very strong advocate from the users of waterways from across Canada. We had requested that both operators and manufacturers be required to comply with the new Decibel regulations and TC has come out in support of that, in spite of opposition from some.
We also expressed our concern about how long this process will take. At current course and speed we can expect regulations to come into force by 2025. While they heard us, we are not sure any change will happen. As they say – the process is the process and everything takes time.
Moving Forward
We are actively engaged in discussions with law enforcement agencies both across Canada and in the US, to learn and share best practices. It is through these discussions that we hope to help bring solutions to the table that will enable law enforcement in Canada to easily enforce these new regulations and ensure they are not contested in courts.
The Decibel Coalition is planning to participate in the upcoming CMAC meeting expected in April. Stay tuned for when that will be.
Donations
We still have a way to go and any and all donations are welcome. Every little bit helps. Please send your donations to Donate - Safe Quiet Lakes.
Finally, we would like to thank you for your support as we continue our journey to regulatory success. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
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