While they may bring soothing music to the ears of some, one Sarnia woman finds the noise of her neighbour's wind chimes so irritating she wants the city's noise bylaw to include them.
Rhonda Kjeldsen told council at its recent meeting there are no specific regulations governing wind chimes within the current bylaw, but the general provision for unusual noise still applies.
"I have made countless complaints to my neighbours, the bylaw office, and police -- based on the numerous instances of disturbance to me due to my neighbour's wind chimes -- and have been told that there's nothing the police or the city can do," said Kjeldsen.
She asked that the bylaw be amended to include wind chimes as an unusual noise and potential nuisance.
"I have respectfully requested that my neighbour limit the use of their chimes because it is an irritant to me and it has resulted in confrontation. Not only have they not removed the initial wind chime, but they have installed additional wind chimes and bells," Kjeldsen said.
She wants her neighbours to enjoy their wind chimes inside.
"I can not take my backyard and bring it into my home. My front and back yard is where I enjoy my life. I'm retired and I spend a lot of time out there and my back and front yard enjoyment is literally at the whim of the wind," said Kjeldsen.
Community Services General Manager Stacey Forfar agreed to look at the situation.
"I know bylaw has been involved in this [matter]," Forfar said. "As it's been alluded to this is a bit of a challenging [and] subjective issue, but we could certainly take a look at what's out there and return to council with some options."
Council asked staff to report back on the issue.
