SUBMITTED BY ANGELA WELCH, NOTL.
OPINION

Dear editor:

The Garrison Village community of Niagara-on-the-Lake has had some problems of late with Airbnbs, though not all are operated without consideration for the neighbourhood and our privacy.

Some quiet neighbourhoods like ours, where we once could sit in our gardens on a warm summer’s evening, are now plagued by noisy partiers, forcing residents to retreat into our homes and close the windows.

We do this to avoid weekenders who feel there are no boundaries to the amount of noise, music and partying that is acceptable. This is their home for a night, “So live with it,” we’ve been told on occasion.

There has been very little support from the Town of NOTL, which we have contacted on numerous accounts through email and phone.

We have been told if we wish to go forward with any complaints, we must be willing to become involved. This would mean filling in a logbook (provided to us) and recording for one month how and when we are being disturbed. The log would be sent to the town when completed. Then a second log for one more month would have to be completed.

Only then will action be taken.

I have recorded the noise level on occasion and the recordings provide substantial proof of what is happening in our neighbourhood. 

The town has not requested to listen to any of the recordings I have made.

Our regional police force has been called on numerous occasions to bear witness to the disturbances, only for us to sit and wait needlessly. 

If local police would respond to a call in a decent amount of time, they would fully hear and see the impact of the situation and could take immediate action.

I feel we, as a community, must take a stand to protect what Niagara-on-the-Lake stands for: A town of historic values, a place to visit with family and friends, to take part in the charm and the beauty this great town has to offer. 

Let’s hope it’s not too late for us or future generations.

Angela Welch 

NOTL