'Just constant noise': residents upset over city-approved construction racket at 5 a.m.
Tina Lovgreen | CBC News | Posted: June 2, 2017 12:48 AM | Last Updated: June 2, 2017
City of Vancouver approved 3 weeks of construction for new casino from 8 p.m. until 5 a.m.
A sleep deprived Vancouver resident is shocked to learn that the "unbearable" construction noise outside her building in the wee hours of the morning was actually approved by the city.
"It's just constant noise, like there's absolutely no peace and quiet," said Kristina Cisnero, who lives at Beatty and Smithe streets.
In the past three weeks, the city says it has received at least 15 complaints related to construction work being done for the new Parq casino development.
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Parq Vancouver directed questions to the City of Vancouver but said it has "complied with all processes with respect to noise variance and public notification"
The city approved nighttime work to be done every day from May 8 to May 31, from 8 p.m. until 5 a.m. for construction of a water main for the casino.
A spokesperson for the city said the work was approved in order to limit impact on traffic along Expo Boulevard and residents were notified prior to the start of the work.
Typically, the City of Vancouver prohibits construction noise past 8 p.m., but according to the city's website, one can apply for a noise bylaw exception permit.
"I was quite shocked," said Cisnero.
"It just didn't make any sense to me that they would allow this kind of noise and disruption in a residential area to continue past the normal construction permit time," she said.
Cisnero said the warm temperatures over the weekend also meant she had to make a choice between living in sweltering heat or leaving the window open and inviting in the construction noise.
"When it was hot, it was unbearable," she said.
She hopes next time, the city will consider residents before issuing such overnight work.
"Yes, you're the City of Vancouver. And yes, you're improving the city, but you should also take into consideration that there are residents around.
We also want to enjoy the city and our peace and quiet," she said.