This afternoon was noisy for hours on end. If I stand in a certain spot in my hallway, a particular spot in front of a closet, the noise is at it's most muffled... unfortunately I can't stand in my hallway to prepare dinner or read to my kiddo.
I emailed my real estate agent to ask him if he was aware of the ongoing noise issues in this neighbourbood and if he was aware that there are no noise by-laws applicable to industrial or commercial properties in Quinte West. He came to my house while CB Freezers/Chill Chain Logistics were being their noisy selves, I had another meltdown, and he swore that he had no knowledge of either account.
I should say that not everyone has ignored me in all of this. Lou Rinaldi's office, (our MPP) has been responding to my emails with more than a "sorry, can't help" and for that I am really grateful. The people at our local ministry of the environment offices have been pretty great too. At the very least they've made an attempt to not be dismissive.
We went to see the Trenton Hawks hockey game tonight and it was wonderful (even though they lost). It was like being in an episode of Corner Gas. We were surrounded by great characters, cheering for the local boys. It was just as life should be in a small community. It's what I've been missing during these past weeks of hell.
When we got home tonight there were no refers parked in front. I put my kid to bed and enjoyed listening to the ticking of the clock in his bedroom.
I'm praying this means it will be quiet tonight. If the silence lasts all weekend it will be heaven.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Woken up at 7...
and I'm not about to complain about 7am since that's practically sleeping in at this point.
I did manage to get some sleep last night. I had a few glasses of bubbly and was snoozing before 10:30 when my husband said they started up.
I guess the answer to my noise problems is to take up drinking. Good thing we've got a full cellar.
I did manage to get some sleep last night. I had a few glasses of bubbly and was snoozing before 10:30 when my husband said they started up.
I guess the answer to my noise problems is to take up drinking. Good thing we've got a full cellar.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
A few questions...
Can someone answer these questions for me?
Why is it necessary for CB Freezers/Chill Chain Logistics to keep refers in the front of the building every night? For what reason are they recently prevented from placing those things at the rear of that side lot?
Why is it necessary for CB Freezers/Chill Chain Logistics to keep refers in the front of the building every night? For what reason are they recently prevented from placing those things at the rear of that side lot?
I'm also curious as to why they are relatively quiet during the day but run all evening and into the wee hours of the morning?
I'd also like to know if throwing boxes of frozen product inside the refers at 4am is considered a normal part of the processing or manufacturing of goods? That's what time they woke husband up this morning.
Day dreams?
I managed to get a bit of sleep last night because I've now moved myself into the downstairs guest bedroom where the noise is slightly more tolerable. It was a rainy day but it was pretty outside and it was quiet...
Quiet until 7pm then the on and off started up again.
I'd like someone to explain to me why CB Freezers/Chill Chain Logistics makes more noise at night than they do during the working day.
I'm seriously considering reversing my sleep schedule because the daytime noise is far more reasonable.
I sent a second email to my Councillor, Jim Alyea on Tuesday. Still no reply. This doesn't surprise me one bit since my first email sent on the 15th hasn't been answered either.
The thing that really gets me is that I've tried to be reasonable...
"Please believe me when I say that I am in no way looking to shut down or even move CB Freezers. I simply want to be able to function normally in my own home.
I understand that industry is important to the vitality of the local economy, but to give industrial and commercial properties free reign is unimaginable. There has to be a way for us to exist together. The people of this community need protection and are anxious for change. Many of the people I speak with believe that change will never come. Some have already moved away.
I’m asking you to help us. Please let us know what we can do to change the current unbearable conditions we are being forced to live with daily."
It has really surprised me that the one question that is never answered is 'how we can make change happen?' I still haven't figured it out.
Quiet until 7pm then the on and off started up again.
I'd like someone to explain to me why CB Freezers/Chill Chain Logistics makes more noise at night than they do during the working day.
I'm seriously considering reversing my sleep schedule because the daytime noise is far more reasonable.
I sent a second email to my Councillor, Jim Alyea on Tuesday. Still no reply. This doesn't surprise me one bit since my first email sent on the 15th hasn't been answered either.
The thing that really gets me is that I've tried to be reasonable...
"Please believe me when I say that I am in no way looking to shut down or even move CB Freezers. I simply want to be able to function normally in my own home.
I understand that industry is important to the vitality of the local economy, but to give industrial and commercial properties free reign is unimaginable. There has to be a way for us to exist together. The people of this community need protection and are anxious for change. Many of the people I speak with believe that change will never come. Some have already moved away.
I’m asking you to help us. Please let us know what we can do to change the current unbearable conditions we are being forced to live with daily."
It has really surprised me that the one question that is never answered is 'how we can make change happen?' I still haven't figured it out.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Into the inferno...
The noise has actually been worse over the past 2 days and I am finding it difficult. I think that they've had some sort of vent or something installed. I saw them working on something on the roof yesterday.
There is no where I can go in my home to escape the new noise. When it was just the refers I could go into the back room and the rumbling hum was less audible. Today I could hear the new and improved continuous noise from 7am to 8:30 am and 3pm to 7pm even from my basement. There is literally no where left for me to go.
CB Freezers is not even bothering to move the refers to the side or back any longer. They've kept them running directly out front for days. They are torturing me inside my home. They are well aware that placing the refers in the front is most disruptive for us. They are sending a clear message that they can do as they please and there is nothing we can do.
I thought I'd let you know the actual effects that this has had on me since just complaining about noise seems a bit unimportant.
I've had extremely poor sleep, especially over the past month. I am now averaging about 4 hours of interrupted sleep a night. I quite literally feel like I did when I was a new mum.
The lack of sleep has caused side effects like poor concentration, forgetfulness and irritability.
I've been doing my best to act like everything is a-ok for my son. We go outside and shoot hoops in the front drive while the noise is blaring from the other side of the road. The truth is that I just want to beg them to stop.
My emotional and mental well being have been put the test. I have cried more in the past two weeks than I have in years and years. I have broken down in front of my child which I have not done since he was 2 years old. I simply do not understand how they can be allowed to put us through this. At least Noriega and the Branch Davidians had the option of surrender from their sound torture.
I cannot sleep in my own home.
I cannot sit in my living room and watch tv.
Now, with the new noise, I cannot eat at my own dinner table.
There is no where I can go in my home to escape the new noise. When it was just the refers I could go into the back room and the rumbling hum was less audible. Today I could hear the new and improved continuous noise from 7am to 8:30 am and 3pm to 7pm even from my basement. There is literally no where left for me to go.
CB Freezers is not even bothering to move the refers to the side or back any longer. They've kept them running directly out front for days. They are torturing me inside my home. They are well aware that placing the refers in the front is most disruptive for us. They are sending a clear message that they can do as they please and there is nothing we can do.
I thought I'd let you know the actual effects that this has had on me since just complaining about noise seems a bit unimportant.
I've had extremely poor sleep, especially over the past month. I am now averaging about 4 hours of interrupted sleep a night. I quite literally feel like I did when I was a new mum.
The lack of sleep has caused side effects like poor concentration, forgetfulness and irritability.
I've been doing my best to act like everything is a-ok for my son. We go outside and shoot hoops in the front drive while the noise is blaring from the other side of the road. The truth is that I just want to beg them to stop.
My emotional and mental well being have been put the test. I have cried more in the past two weeks than I have in years and years. I have broken down in front of my child which I have not done since he was 2 years old. I simply do not understand how they can be allowed to put us through this. At least Noriega and the Branch Davidians had the option of surrender from their sound torture.
I cannot sleep in my own home.
I cannot sit in my living room and watch tv.
Now, with the new noise, I cannot eat at my own dinner table.
Monday, October 26, 2009
A chatty day
A bit of a change today, the noise actually got worse this afternoon and was continuous from at least 4pm till just before 8pm. It's now just before 11 and we're back to the regular old cycle of on and off. Despite all this I'm cautiously optimistic today. I've had a few conversations that have provided a glimmer of hope. A glimmer is all I need to keep me going.
Many people that I approach about this issue suggest going to the mayor of Quinte West, John Williams. They say that he's a great guy and I get the impression they think he will listen. I'd like to share my email to the mayor today.
"I know that you’re probably tired of hearing from me but I’m tired also. This morning I was woken up (again) before 4am from the refers and banging at CB Freezers.
I have spoken with Mr. Willard and was promised a good night sleep. I got just that. One night. The refers have continued to be parked in the front of the building and I am continually woken up. I have called the Ministry of the Environment and the police. I’m continually told to contact the municipality. “Talk to the mayor. He’s a nice guy.” Every time I tell people that we are unprotected by local by-laws because CB is zoned an industrial property people are gob smacked. I’m pretty certain the gentleman at the Ministry thought I’d lost my mind when I said that they were exempt from any municipal noise by-laws.
Please know that I am not looking to shut down CB Freezers and I’m not asking for them to move. I simply want to be able to sleep in my own home, I want to be able to have my family visit and I want to enjoy the normal use of my property.
I spoke with a woman on Saturday who said that her neighbours actually built a bedroom in their basement to escape the noise. They eventually moved because they couldn’t stand it anymore.
I listened to someone tell me about a friend, a cancer patient, who had to move because she could not recuperate in her own home.
I’ve spoken with a tired single dad who says “I can hear those reefers at night like they're right outside my bedroom window and I live quite a bit further away from them then you do. I find the noise gets quite a bit louder when the foliage disappears. My neighbours …. can't stand them as well, and are really affected by the noise emanating from CB…”
My neighbours, even those unaffected by the noise, are totally disillusioned by their city and have no faith in their elected officials. Maybe because I’m new to all this I’m not that jaded just yet.
I’d like to ask two things of you.
1. Please come out and hear for yourself what we are subjected to at 1, 2, 3 and all hours of the morning. Walk around this neighbourhood and talk to the people who are affected.
2. Let us know what we can do to affect change. We are willing to work for the betterment of our neighbourhood and to improve the lives of our neighbours, just tell us what we can do."
His response was that he would speak with Mr. Willard about moving the refers to the north and west where they should cause less noise to the residents.
My reply:
"That’s good for us but worse for our neighbours to the west.
You really should come out right now and hear what we’re dealing with. Something has been running non stop all afternoon and I suspect will do so all night long."
His final response was that CB Freezers have the authority to operate their business and would look into it.
Many people that I approach about this issue suggest going to the mayor of Quinte West, John Williams. They say that he's a great guy and I get the impression they think he will listen. I'd like to share my email to the mayor today.
"I know that you’re probably tired of hearing from me but I’m tired also. This morning I was woken up (again) before 4am from the refers and banging at CB Freezers.
I have spoken with Mr. Willard and was promised a good night sleep. I got just that. One night. The refers have continued to be parked in the front of the building and I am continually woken up. I have called the Ministry of the Environment and the police. I’m continually told to contact the municipality. “Talk to the mayor. He’s a nice guy.” Every time I tell people that we are unprotected by local by-laws because CB is zoned an industrial property people are gob smacked. I’m pretty certain the gentleman at the Ministry thought I’d lost my mind when I said that they were exempt from any municipal noise by-laws.
Please know that I am not looking to shut down CB Freezers and I’m not asking for them to move. I simply want to be able to sleep in my own home, I want to be able to have my family visit and I want to enjoy the normal use of my property.
I spoke with a woman on Saturday who said that her neighbours actually built a bedroom in their basement to escape the noise. They eventually moved because they couldn’t stand it anymore.
I listened to someone tell me about a friend, a cancer patient, who had to move because she could not recuperate in her own home.
I’ve spoken with a tired single dad who says “I can hear those reefers at night like they're right outside my bedroom window and I live quite a bit further away from them then you do. I find the noise gets quite a bit louder when the foliage disappears. My neighbours …. can't stand them as well, and are really affected by the noise emanating from CB…”
My neighbours, even those unaffected by the noise, are totally disillusioned by their city and have no faith in their elected officials. Maybe because I’m new to all this I’m not that jaded just yet.
I’d like to ask two things of you.
1. Please come out and hear for yourself what we are subjected to at 1, 2, 3 and all hours of the morning. Walk around this neighbourhood and talk to the people who are affected.
2. Let us know what we can do to affect change. We are willing to work for the betterment of our neighbourhood and to improve the lives of our neighbours, just tell us what we can do."
His response was that he would speak with Mr. Willard about moving the refers to the north and west where they should cause less noise to the residents.
My reply:
"That’s good for us but worse for our neighbours to the west.
You really should come out right now and hear what we’re dealing with. Something has been running non stop all afternoon and I suspect will do so all night long."
His final response was that CB Freezers have the authority to operate their business and would look into it.
*Sigh* Another sleepless night.
Woken up before 4am by the refers. Three are parked at the front bay. Call the OPP once again. This time I'm told there is nothing they can do. They say that I should talk to the by-law officer, or the mayor. Have done, no options there. I ask for an officer to come out to listen to the noise, so that they can see how bad this is.
Two officers come out and say there is nothing they can do. I mention that according to the Environmental Protection Act they have the ability to enforce violations to the act. They say that they would need to be guided by the Ministry as to what they could do. They also say that this is the first complaint that they've had about this. Hmm, I called just a couple of days ago. I'm also fairly certain that my neighbour has called before. Will speak with her to make certain.
I also called the Ministry of the Environment Pollution Hotline 1-866-663-8477 The guy I speak with says that I called the other night... I say the situation is worse this evening and that I have been woken up and cannot sleep in my own bedroom. What I find interesting is that I had called a different number the previous night, the Spills Action Centre 1-800-268-6060
Really, honestly and truly I just want to be able to sleep in my own home.
Two officers come out and say there is nothing they can do. I mention that according to the Environmental Protection Act they have the ability to enforce violations to the act. They say that they would need to be guided by the Ministry as to what they could do. They also say that this is the first complaint that they've had about this. Hmm, I called just a couple of days ago. I'm also fairly certain that my neighbour has called before. Will speak with her to make certain.
I also called the Ministry of the Environment Pollution Hotline 1-866-663-8477 The guy I speak with says that I called the other night... I say the situation is worse this evening and that I have been woken up and cannot sleep in my own bedroom. What I find interesting is that I had called a different number the previous night, the Spills Action Centre 1-800-268-6060
Really, honestly and truly I just want to be able to sleep in my own home.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Stories from the neighbours
Once again there were a lot of people who were not home on our rounds today. No worries because I'm planning on heading out again on Monday.
I did speak with a lady just down the road who told me about the neighbours that she used to have, people she really liked, that moved because they were being driven mad by the noise. She told me of people building bedrooms in their basements to get away from the rumbling hum.
I've been told about sick people, cancer patients, having to move because they couldn't stand being in their own homes to recuperate.
I heard from another neighbour that every time the refers are moved to the 'west lot' when we complain, the noise gets worse for them.
Even the people who say that they are not affected by the noise are sympathetic and fairly flabbergasted when they are told that Quinte West has no noise by-laws for industrial or commercial properties in the manufacturing or processing of goods or products.
I'm new at this so I still have hope for change... but I can't blame the people who have lived with this for far longer for giving up.
It's a fair bit quieter this evening but there is an odd humming which I can hear in the house. Now that I've gotten to know some of them, I really wonder and worry if my neighbours can hear it too.
I did speak with a lady just down the road who told me about the neighbours that she used to have, people she really liked, that moved because they were being driven mad by the noise. She told me of people building bedrooms in their basements to get away from the rumbling hum.
I've been told about sick people, cancer patients, having to move because they couldn't stand being in their own homes to recuperate.
I heard from another neighbour that every time the refers are moved to the 'west lot' when we complain, the noise gets worse for them.
Even the people who say that they are not affected by the noise are sympathetic and fairly flabbergasted when they are told that Quinte West has no noise by-laws for industrial or commercial properties in the manufacturing or processing of goods or products.
I'm new at this so I still have hope for change... but I can't blame the people who have lived with this for far longer for giving up.
It's a fair bit quieter this evening but there is an odd humming which I can hear in the house. Now that I've gotten to know some of them, I really wonder and worry if my neighbours can hear it too.
My neighbourhood
We only canvased half of our neighbourhood yesterday. Since it was a Friday most people were not home. A couple of people I did meet were elderly neighbours who were totally awesome to chat with. Although they said they were not affected by the noise (which I am glad of) we had a few really great conversations. One thing is perfectly clear, no one here has faith in their elected officials. No one feels change will happen.
I thought that I'd address just two things that have come up...
#1. It is not my aim to shut down CB Freezers.
I do not want people out of jobs and it is in no way my intention to shut down a business that has every right to operate. My goal is simply to have them operate in a manner that does not violate the Ontario Environmental Protection Act or my own rights.
#2. I am in no way complaining about the air traffic noise.
Trenton, Ontario is a proud military town. We were well aware of the airbase located within Trenton. I have seen the crowds that gather to greet the loved ones of our fallen heroes. When we occasionally hear an aircraft pass it is a reminder of those that are fighting for us. Aircraft noise is not an issue.
Off to canvas the other half today... hoping the rain stays away.
I thought that I'd address just two things that have come up...
#1. It is not my aim to shut down CB Freezers.
I do not want people out of jobs and it is in no way my intention to shut down a business that has every right to operate. My goal is simply to have them operate in a manner that does not violate the Ontario Environmental Protection Act or my own rights.
#2. I am in no way complaining about the air traffic noise.
Trenton, Ontario is a proud military town. We were well aware of the airbase located within Trenton. I have seen the crowds that gather to greet the loved ones of our fallen heroes. When we occasionally hear an aircraft pass it is a reminder of those that are fighting for us. Aircraft noise is not an issue.
Off to canvas the other half today... hoping the rain stays away.
Friday, October 23, 2009
A single night
After having a complete breakdown and basically begging for sleep, the quiet in our neighbourhood lasted exactly one night.
It started up again last night. Despite being assured that they would make every effort to keep the refer units in another lot there were three in the front bay directly across from my home.
I did take another reading on the meter but it was pretty windy and that was effecting the readout. So although it's high, it's also all over the place ranging from 60 - 90 dBC, so not accurate at all.
I called the OPP last night and explained that I was aware of the exemption to the noise by-law for industrial properties in Quinte West but I wanted to know how loud something needed to be before I contacted them. I was told that if it was loud enough to bother me that I could file a complaint. Did I want to file a complaint? Yes.
Within 45 minutes the refers were being moved from the front of the building. I'm not entirely certain where they were moved to but I could still hear them though they were slightly less loud.
Today I brave the dreary, rainy weather and canvas the neighbourhood.
It started up again last night. Despite being assured that they would make every effort to keep the refer units in another lot there were three in the front bay directly across from my home.
I did take another reading on the meter but it was pretty windy and that was effecting the readout. So although it's high, it's also all over the place ranging from 60 - 90 dBC, so not accurate at all.
I called the OPP last night and explained that I was aware of the exemption to the noise by-law for industrial properties in Quinte West but I wanted to know how loud something needed to be before I contacted them. I was told that if it was loud enough to bother me that I could file a complaint. Did I want to file a complaint? Yes.
Within 45 minutes the refers were being moved from the front of the building. I'm not entirely certain where they were moved to but I could still hear them though they were slightly less loud.
Today I brave the dreary, rainy weather and canvas the neighbourhood.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
A Complete Breakdown
Scott Willard of Canadian Blast Freezers contacted me yesterday morning and I had a total meltdown. We had two conversations yesterday. Let's review some of it ...
He suggested that I believed they were making more noise in retaliation for complaining and that the increase in noise was imagined because I was annoyed. He was incredulous when I said that refers had been parked in the front of the building, and that they had been cycling on and off all weekend long.
To his credit, when Mr Willard actually looked into the issue, he called back to apologise. He was not aware that the current construction at the site had caused some of the refers to be moved.
He said that the 'banging' I heard did not come from them. That perhaps someone was banging on my door.
I said that I stood in the middle of my driveway and heard it coming directly from them and that I had video of the event.
He asked why I would chose to live on a highway.
I told him it wasn't exactly the QEW.
He asked why I would chose to live across the street, when I knew there was an industrial property there.
I said I wasn't aware the the noise by-laws would be non-existent for industrial properties in Quinte and asked him if he would think of looking up by-laws before moving into a new area. Later I explained that we had moved from a noisy location, that we were used to noise, but that this is far worse. The 'you moved here' argument is all sorts of bunk. What about the neighbours who have lived here for 20+ years?
He noted that in the video you could clearly hear a car passing and that the meter went up at that point.
Yes. When the car passes the level goes up to about 67-69. This reading was taken about 4 meters from the road. This is the daytime/rush hour background noise of my neighbourhood. I noted that at 2 am, more than 20 meters back from the road, at my front door, the reading is consistently in the 70's due to the noise from their facility. (This is about the same level as a vacuum)
**Video Voluntarily Removed: Someone felt that my son being in this video was in some way wrong. My son was simply excited about using the new sound meter and fascinated with video. He is effected by the noise but I will not be accused of using him as a pawn in this issue.**
He said that the situation would be getting worse with the increased production.
He said that there would be video cameras installed on the premises.
He said that with the increased production there would be no issues with rodents.
This is something that my neighbours were very concerned about with the expansion.
He asked if we would be planting trees on our own property.
This was in response to my questioning the possibility that they plant a berm of trees, a suggestion posed by Lou Rinaldi's (my MP) office "approach CB Freezes [sic] about working cooperatively on the problem - possibly a berm or trees to contain the noise." I said we were planning on planting next year.
He asked what I wanted.
Sleep.
When Mr. Willard called the second time, and I had sort of calmed down, he swore to me that I would get a peaceful night sleep. I have to say that yesterday was very quiet and if I wasn't running on minimal disrupted sleep over four days I might have even enjoyed it.
The big question in my mind today is: Why should I be grateful for one night of sleep in my own home?
He suggested that I believed they were making more noise in retaliation for complaining and that the increase in noise was imagined because I was annoyed. He was incredulous when I said that refers had been parked in the front of the building, and that they had been cycling on and off all weekend long.
To his credit, when Mr Willard actually looked into the issue, he called back to apologise. He was not aware that the current construction at the site had caused some of the refers to be moved.
He said that the 'banging' I heard did not come from them. That perhaps someone was banging on my door.
I said that I stood in the middle of my driveway and heard it coming directly from them and that I had video of the event.
He asked why I would chose to live on a highway.
I told him it wasn't exactly the QEW.
He asked why I would chose to live across the street, when I knew there was an industrial property there.
I said I wasn't aware the the noise by-laws would be non-existent for industrial properties in Quinte and asked him if he would think of looking up by-laws before moving into a new area. Later I explained that we had moved from a noisy location, that we were used to noise, but that this is far worse. The 'you moved here' argument is all sorts of bunk. What about the neighbours who have lived here for 20+ years?
He noted that in the video you could clearly hear a car passing and that the meter went up at that point.
Yes. When the car passes the level goes up to about 67-69. This reading was taken about 4 meters from the road. This is the daytime/rush hour background noise of my neighbourhood. I noted that at 2 am, more than 20 meters back from the road, at my front door, the reading is consistently in the 70's due to the noise from their facility. (This is about the same level as a vacuum)
**Video Voluntarily Removed: Someone felt that my son being in this video was in some way wrong. My son was simply excited about using the new sound meter and fascinated with video. He is effected by the noise but I will not be accused of using him as a pawn in this issue.**
He said that the situation would be getting worse with the increased production.
He said that there would be video cameras installed on the premises.
He said that with the increased production there would be no issues with rodents.
This is something that my neighbours were very concerned about with the expansion.
He asked if we would be planting trees on our own property.
This was in response to my questioning the possibility that they plant a berm of trees, a suggestion posed by Lou Rinaldi's (my MP) office "approach CB Freezes [sic] about working cooperatively on the problem - possibly a berm or trees to contain the noise." I said we were planning on planting next year.
He asked what I wanted.
Sleep.
When Mr. Willard called the second time, and I had sort of calmed down, he swore to me that I would get a peaceful night sleep. I have to say that yesterday was very quiet and if I wasn't running on minimal disrupted sleep over four days I might have even enjoyed it.
The big question in my mind today is: Why should I be grateful for one night of sleep in my own home?
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
I bought a sound meter
Canadian Blast Freezers didn't get back to me via email or telephone... or heck, even walk across the street for a chat. Neigther did the 7 councillors I wrote to. My MP and MPP have been little help either. That's fine because it seems everyone except the residents has been passing the blame and doing squat for this community.
And so today I bought a sound meter. I know it's not exactly the most precise scientific instrument but I don't have $100's to spend. The $50 version will have to do.
I also sent a letter to about a zillion people including the Prime Minister. I know it's far fetched but it makes me feel like I'm trying.
Monday, October 19, 2009
A new week
I'm trying very hard not to fixate because I'm know I'm starting to drive other people crazy with my sleep deprived rants but it's hard when the noise continues all day long and into the wee hours of the morning.
I hope that this can be resolved soon... I just want a normal home, a quiet bedroom and to know that I can sit in my living room and unwind after the kiddo has gone to bed without that damned rumble tormenting me.
I hope that this can be resolved soon... I just want a normal home, a quiet bedroom and to know that I can sit in my living room and unwind after the kiddo has gone to bed without that damned rumble tormenting me.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
And so it continues...
I finally went to bed at 4am this morning and the noise was still cycling on and off. At 6am it woke me up. It's now almost 10:30 am on Sunday morning and I can still hear them.
A meat processing plant in a nearby town burnt down recently and I heard that CB Freezers will be taking over their processing. In my last two emails to Canadian Blast Freezers I asked them to confirm these rumours and dispel the fears that my neighbours and myself are feeling. The only reply that I've had is the marked increase in the frequency and level of noise.
I am terrified that this is going to get worse. Just how bad does this situation need to get before changes are made?
I don't think that it's too much to ask for Quinte to protect it's people by placing some guidelines on commercial and industrial noise emissions in primarily residential areas.
A meat processing plant in a nearby town burnt down recently and I heard that CB Freezers will be taking over their processing. In my last two emails to Canadian Blast Freezers I asked them to confirm these rumours and dispel the fears that my neighbours and myself are feeling. The only reply that I've had is the marked increase in the frequency and level of noise.
I am terrified that this is going to get worse. Just how bad does this situation need to get before changes are made?
I don't think that it's too much to ask for Quinte to protect it's people by placing some guidelines on commercial and industrial noise emissions in primarily residential areas.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Tired
The on and off started around 7ish and has continued all night.
I'm tired. I'm grumpy. I'm completely stressed. I can't savour the silence between the rumblings because I'm so anxious about it starting up again.
I'm not keeping track tonight. I'm going to veg in the back room of the house where the noise is less audible and try to distract myself.
I was speaking with my husband about just how badly this is beginning to effect me and he actually suggested putting the house up for sale. We only moved in 2 months and 7 days ago.
Anyway, I'm not moving just yet. I'll very likely lose my mind, start walking imaginary dogs and saving toe nail clippings, but I won't give in, or give up that quickly.
I'm tired. I'm grumpy. I'm completely stressed. I can't savour the silence between the rumblings because I'm so anxious about it starting up again.
I'm not keeping track tonight. I'm going to veg in the back room of the house where the noise is less audible and try to distract myself.
I was speaking with my husband about just how badly this is beginning to effect me and he actually suggested putting the house up for sale. We only moved in 2 months and 7 days ago.
Anyway, I'm not moving just yet. I'll very likely lose my mind, start walking imaginary dogs and saving toe nail clippings, but I won't give in, or give up that quickly.
A Summary of Last Night
The starting and stopping had begun before we got home at around 8 last night. I didn't start keeping track of times until 10:45 pm, after my kiddo eventually went to sleep.
10:45 pm - on
10:49 pm - off
11:03 pm- on
11:08 pm- off
11:17 pm - on
11:25 pm - off
11:53 pm - on
12:27 am - off
12:46 am - on
12:56 am - off
1:16 am -on
1:24 am - off
1:37 am - on
1:42 am - off
1:45 am - on
1:51 am - off
2:01 am - on
2:19 am - off
Again, this contintued after I tried to go to sleep.
This morning my six year old asked if we wrote a letter to Santa if he'd help us. I'm thinking it wouldn't hurt.
10:45 pm - on
10:49 pm - off
11:03 pm- on
11:08 pm- off
11:17 pm - on
11:25 pm - off
11:53 pm - on
12:27 am - off
12:46 am - on
12:56 am - off
1:16 am -on
1:24 am - off
1:37 am - on
1:42 am - off
1:45 am - on
1:51 am - off
2:01 am - on
2:19 am - off
Again, this contintued after I tried to go to sleep.
This morning my six year old asked if we wrote a letter to Santa if he'd help us. I'm thinking it wouldn't hurt.
off...
It's well after 2am, I'm tired and need to try and get some sleep.
Tomorrow is a new day and I am certain that this problem will be resolved eventually if I keep at it.
I can't imagine anyone thinking this is acceptable.
Could you live with this?
Tomorrow is a new day and I am certain that this problem will be resolved eventually if I keep at it.
I can't imagine anyone thinking this is acceptable.
Could you live with this?
Friday, October 16, 2009
It's started again...
We went out for dinner tonight and were welcomed home by the familiar disruptive rumble across the street. It's around 10:30 pm now and it's been on and off since we got home at 8pm.
Yesterday I sent messages to seven city councillors of Trenton and Murray wards of Quinte West but haven't had a single reply. I also sent an email to the Chief Administrative Officer this afternoon... again nothing yet. Add to the list the two unanswered emails I sent to Canadian Blast Freezers. Hmmm, perhaps I'm being ignored.
10:45 pm and it begins again...
Yesterday I sent messages to seven city councillors of Trenton and Murray wards of Quinte West but haven't had a single reply. I also sent an email to the Chief Administrative Officer this afternoon... again nothing yet. Add to the list the two unanswered emails I sent to Canadian Blast Freezers. Hmmm, perhaps I'm being ignored.
10:45 pm and it begins again...
A summary of all those 'ands'
So last night was another bad one as far as noise goes. The starting and stopping is terrible because even when it has stopped all you're doing is waiting for the noise to start agian.
Anyway I figured that since I was up I'd do some work and keep track of the starting and stopping to give people an idea of just how bad the situation is. The easiest thing for me to do was to create quick posts so that there was some way to accurately mark the time.
Here is a summary of the time marks from last nights posts.
10:57 pm - on
11:03 pm - off
11:24 pm - on
11:31 pm - off
11:51 pm - on
11:58 pm - off
12:13 am - on
12:18 am - off
12:19 am - on
12:25 am - off
12:46 am - on
12:53 am - off
1:13 am - on
1:20 am - off
1:41 am - on
1:48 am - off
2:08 am - on
2:15 am - off
2:36 am - on
2:43 am - off
This rotation of noise began before the first post and continued after the last one.
It's like being poked by a bully.
Anyway I figured that since I was up I'd do some work and keep track of the starting and stopping to give people an idea of just how bad the situation is. The easiest thing for me to do was to create quick posts so that there was some way to accurately mark the time.
Here is a summary of the time marks from last nights posts.
10:57 pm - on
11:03 pm - off
11:24 pm - on
11:31 pm - off
11:51 pm - on
11:58 pm - off
12:13 am - on
12:18 am - off
12:19 am - on
12:25 am - off
12:46 am - on
12:53 am - off
1:13 am - on
1:20 am - off
1:41 am - on
1:48 am - off
2:08 am - on
2:15 am - off
2:36 am - on
2:43 am - off
This rotation of noise began before the first post and continued after the last one.
It's like being poked by a bully.
and
off...
I have to try to get some sleep now. Hopefully I can drift off before it starts up again. Hopefully there won't be any banging later :(
I have to try to get some sleep now. Hopefully I can drift off before it starts up again. Hopefully there won't be any banging later :(
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Political tag... I'm not it!
I've been waiting since Tuesday for a reply from Canadian Blast Freezers. I let them know of the latest round of noise issues we've been having and I had a few questions about the rumoured expansion of their business. I emailed again this morning and still have not heard a word back.
Today I also emailed my MP Rick Norlock. His office has said there is nothing he can do about the issue as it must be dealt with on a Municipal level. They suggested contacting council so I've emailed the 7 members that deal with the Trenton and Murray wards.
I'm really starting to feel that no one is actually responsible for anything.
*sigh*
Where are Spiderman and the other hero's when you need them?
Today I also emailed my MP Rick Norlock. His office has said there is nothing he can do about the issue as it must be dealt with on a Municipal level. They suggested contacting council so I've emailed the 7 members that deal with the Trenton and Murray wards.
I'm really starting to feel that no one is actually responsible for anything.
*sigh*
Where are Spiderman and the other hero's when you need them?
A Post Script
This video was shot at my front door. To get the full effect take your computer outside and turn up the volume to the point where you can hear it from inside your bedroom with the windows closed.
Edit: The original unedited video was originally posted at the time marked below. I've added 'title comments'.
Another "Good Morning Neighbour!"
It's almost 4 in the morning and I can't get back to sleep. This is the second time I've been woken up this morning. I'm not sure exactly what time my sleep was first disrupted but the second time was at 3:42 am.
How is this acceptable?
How is this acceptable?
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
A change of plans
Well I was going to call in a complaint but I got a call from the school that the kiddo was sick and he needed to be picked up. Instead of phoning I sent an email to the warehouse supervisor to complain about the noise and ask a few questions that have been making the neighbourhood rounds. I figured that getting answers from the souce rather than gossip might be a good start.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
An early wake up call
At approximately 6:01 am I'm woken up by banging. The noise is so loud that it would not surprise me if it were actually coming from inside our garage.
I get out of bed and stand on my front stoop and sure enough, the noise is coming from across the street. I'm guessing that they are loading or unloading the truck trailer that is parked at the bay.
This morning I'm taking the kiddo to school and then going on the class trip to the library. When I get home I'm planning to speak with someone at CB Freezers. I'm interested if they are the same owners of Chill Chain Logistics, a trucking company run from the same building.
I get out of bed and stand on my front stoop and sure enough, the noise is coming from across the street. I'm guessing that they are loading or unloading the truck trailer that is parked at the bay.
This morning I'm taking the kiddo to school and then going on the class trip to the library. When I get home I'm planning to speak with someone at CB Freezers. I'm interested if they are the same owners of Chill Chain Logistics, a trucking company run from the same building.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Did you know....
the word noise comes from the Latin nausea meaning seasickness.
You learn something new everyday.
You learn something new everyday.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Lets start at the very begining.
Two months ago we moved into our new home in Trenton, Ontario.
Over all we love it.
The people here are fantastically friendly. There is a great sense of community and pride where ever you turn. Quinte West is also just about one of the prettiest places on earth. There's just one problem... the noise.
We moved here from Hamilton, a city of over 500,000. I lived near a main street in a house behind a bar and a Harley Davidson dealership. I'm no stranger to noise. In my new community of 20,000, in an otherwise idyllic setting, I've had more nights of interrupted sleep in 2 months than I did in the three years at our previous house.
Across the street from our new home sits CB Freezers, a blast freezing and cold storage facility. Yes, we knew it was there when we bought our home but we liked the house and wanted to move quickly and start to settle before school started for our son. Sure the facility was a bit unsightly but how bad could it possibly be?
Pretty damned bad.
One evening during the first weeks in our new home we were subject to a continual cycle of an 'engine' type noise turning on, running and then turning off from 9:30 pm to 6 am in the morning.
A week or so later, on September 4th 2009, I was fed up and recorded the times that I heard an 'engine' start up. At 12:20 am, 12:40 am, 1:05 am, 1:10 am, 1:30 am, and 1:35 am I heard a loud 'engine' type noise. The last one that started at 1:35 am lasted 20 minutes.
At 2:47 that same morning I wrote to my MPP, Mr. Lou Rinaldi, to ask for help or advise on dealing with the noise. I was told to contact the local by-law officer. Speaking with neighbours I already knew that would lead no-where.
October 8th, 2009, it's another markedly bad night for noise and I'm fed up. My windows are closed and I can still clearly hear the starting and stopping that has been going on for hours, I can't even get to sleep, never mind being awoken. Something has to be done.
October 9th, 2009, I contact the by-law office and am informed that because CB Freezers is zoned industrial they are exempt from noise by-laws. Basically they can make as much noise as they like at anytime of the night or day. I'm told to contact CB Freezers.
I call the owner of CB Freezers, but he's unavailable, I leave my name and number but no one gets back to me. I call across the street and speak with the warehouse manager. I'm told they'll look into the latest round of noise. I also ask about the new fence they are erecting, hoping it will be a sound barrier. Nope, just a chain link fence with barbed wire on the top.
At this point I'm thinking that their exemption to any noise laws has to be some sort of mistake. I contact the Ministry of the Environment to request information on industry and noise limitations. I'm given a number and told to ask for a duty officer for noise. No one is available so I leave a message.
Finally, I contact the mayor of Trenton, Mr. John Williams. Mr. Williams writes me back to say that the construction at CB Freezers is almost over and all will be back to normal soon. I've written back to say that it's the normal I'm worried about.
Over all we love it.
The people here are fantastically friendly. There is a great sense of community and pride where ever you turn. Quinte West is also just about one of the prettiest places on earth. There's just one problem... the noise.
We moved here from Hamilton, a city of over 500,000. I lived near a main street in a house behind a bar and a Harley Davidson dealership. I'm no stranger to noise. In my new community of 20,000, in an otherwise idyllic setting, I've had more nights of interrupted sleep in 2 months than I did in the three years at our previous house.
Across the street from our new home sits CB Freezers, a blast freezing and cold storage facility. Yes, we knew it was there when we bought our home but we liked the house and wanted to move quickly and start to settle before school started for our son. Sure the facility was a bit unsightly but how bad could it possibly be?
Pretty damned bad.
One evening during the first weeks in our new home we were subject to a continual cycle of an 'engine' type noise turning on, running and then turning off from 9:30 pm to 6 am in the morning.
A week or so later, on September 4th 2009, I was fed up and recorded the times that I heard an 'engine' start up. At 12:20 am, 12:40 am, 1:05 am, 1:10 am, 1:30 am, and 1:35 am I heard a loud 'engine' type noise. The last one that started at 1:35 am lasted 20 minutes.
At 2:47 that same morning I wrote to my MPP, Mr. Lou Rinaldi, to ask for help or advise on dealing with the noise. I was told to contact the local by-law officer. Speaking with neighbours I already knew that would lead no-where.
October 8th, 2009, it's another markedly bad night for noise and I'm fed up. My windows are closed and I can still clearly hear the starting and stopping that has been going on for hours, I can't even get to sleep, never mind being awoken. Something has to be done.
October 9th, 2009, I contact the by-law office and am informed that because CB Freezers is zoned industrial they are exempt from noise by-laws. Basically they can make as much noise as they like at anytime of the night or day. I'm told to contact CB Freezers.
I call the owner of CB Freezers, but he's unavailable, I leave my name and number but no one gets back to me. I call across the street and speak with the warehouse manager. I'm told they'll look into the latest round of noise. I also ask about the new fence they are erecting, hoping it will be a sound barrier. Nope, just a chain link fence with barbed wire on the top.
At this point I'm thinking that their exemption to any noise laws has to be some sort of mistake. I contact the Ministry of the Environment to request information on industry and noise limitations. I'm given a number and told to ask for a duty officer for noise. No one is available so I leave a message.
Finally, I contact the mayor of Trenton, Mr. John Williams. Mr. Williams writes me back to say that the construction at CB Freezers is almost over and all will be back to normal soon. I've written back to say that it's the normal I'm worried about.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)