SWOA has provided updates in the past on the discussions being held by the Decibel Coalition and Transport Canada regarding noisy boats on Shuswap Lake and in other Canadian jurisdictions. Recently we received the following update from the Shuswap & Mara Lakes Decibel Coalition Society (SMLDCS) on how Transport Canada is seeking input from lake users across Canada on this matter. We encourage you to review the various options that Transport Canada is putting forward through the “Let’s Talk” link. Also included below is the recommendation that the SMLDCS would like to have your support.
“Friends of Shuswap & Mara Lakes Decibel Coalition Society,
Transport Canada is listening and needs to hear from you and your neighbours and organizations. Transport Canada is conducting a National survey, Let's Talk now open through May 13th, to determine which of the 5 Options proposed makes sense for introducing dB standards, action and enforcement. SMLDC and the National dB Coalition support Option #5 which is the collective efforts of small vessel owners, manufacturers and enforcement agencies to establish dB thresholds and enforcement, based on best practice models in the USA & EU.
Option 5: Introduce performance standards for manufacturers and vessel operators to follow
This option would combine Options 3 and 4. It would update the Small Vessel Regulations so both manufacturers and operators must make sure their vessels don’t exceed noise-emission levels.
Considerations:
- Proposed changes would make sure that new and existing vessels don’t exceed noise-emission levels
- Police could more easily identify whether a vessel complies with the regulations
- Police would need to buy equipment to measure noise levels and train officers on how to use it
- Vessel operators who comply with the current regulations may need to modify their vessels to meet new requirements
We are inviting you to take a few minutes to share your frustration on the online portal Let's Talk. Please identify your Lake and Association or Organization. I have attached the SMLDC Society response to Let's Talk as a reference. There is also an Association or Organization assist form attached that can be used to file your submission at the Let's Talk portal.
In the coming days we will circulate an outreach online link to VOX alert for your MP to add pressure to Transport Canada. We consider this survey a turning point at Transport Canada and appreciate your support in making a difference.
Thank you,
Gary Milne
Chair, SMLDC Society
Contact 604-351-8541"
SMLDCS has provided SWOA with a further link that will let you, if you want, to alert your MP on the issue.
“The national dB Coalition organization has created a tool that will automatically alert your MP using either your primary residence address or Lake address. You can send two separate alerts to the MP's. The tool is called, VOX MP Alert, it sends an alert to the MP about Transport Canada's Lets Talk survey on Excessively noisy small vessels. The VOX tool sends your email to the MP, Minister of Transportation and Transport Canada Exec.
Here's the link: VOX MP Alert
Process takes about 2 minutes and adds a political dimension to creating awareness of the Noisy boats issue.
Thanks,
SMLDC Society
Gary Milne, Chair”