Some noisy events at the Knights of Columbus hall have prompted a petition by neighbourhood residents.
At Monday night's council meeting in North Battleford, councillors received a petition signing by 15 individuals, as well as a letter sent to the Knights of Columbus board of directors by local resident Larry Labbe. The complaints centred on the noise generated from some events at the Knights of Columbus facility at 1202-105th Street.
Particularly noted was a "rave" event held at the hall on July 20th, which was described in the letter as the third one to have taken place there over the previous several months. In Labbe's correspondence. the dances and the bass-oriented music were described as "excessively loud and unbearable."
"Not only is the noise a problem, but many of us have had damage caused during these events. These damages include broken fences, trampled flower beds and garbage," the letter stated.
Labbe also noted in the letter to the Knights of Columbus that residents have been continually forced to complain to the RCMP about the noise situation. It was noted the RCMP was called about the noise on July 20th and the music was turned down, but "only a short time later the music was turned up again," Labbe stated.
His correspondence also described a "lot of loud yelling and profanity, as well as drinking in the parking lot and street" before police finally responded to break up the situation again around 12:30 am.
Labbe stated the concerns extend to several functions including weddings and socials. "We feel we should not have to continuously call the police to control functions in your hall. Proper security by your group should be a priority so that these functions and events do not get out of hand, as they so often do."
City councillors including Grace Lang indicated wanted to see the concerns addressed, with Lang noting there were bylaws in place to address the situation.
Fire chief Pat MacIsaac promised to look into the matter and report back to council. RCMP staff sergeant Phil Wilson indicated he wanted to be included in those meetings as well.
