Canadian Tire hasn't soundproofed Hamilton store despite neighbours complaining of 'nightmare' noise
CBC
Bernadette Bowen is fed up with Canadian Tire, the loud "monster" neighbour next to her Hamilton bungalow.
Seven days a week, noises emanate from the alley between her backyard fence and the Upper James Street store for hours at a time, said the 64-year-old. Semi-trucks roar through and two garbage compactors rev up and rumble anytime between dawn and dusk.
"I can't even sit in my back garden because of the noise," Bowen said. "It's getting to my nervous system and I'm very frustrated by it."
For over two years, she's been urging Canadian Tire to quiet down, as it originally agreed to do in 1987, after it took over the sprawling commercial site from Miracle Mart. The committee of adjustment at that time approved the corporation's plans so long as it enclosed its compactors in a soundproofed building, according to a decision.
Bowen said Canadian Tire has ignored her repeated calls, and those of her councillor, John-Paul Danko. He said at a planning committee meeting Tuesday that Canadian Tire "refused to have any dialogue with the city at all" to improve the noise levels for residents.
"You'd think that a good corporate neighbour would be willing to do this because it's the right thing to do."
Coun. Maureen Wilson (Ward 1) said she's disappointed in the corporation's lack of cooperation, noting it's a profitable company. Canadian Tire reported making over $4 billion in revenue in the first half of 2023.
"It does not align with their very slick advertisements, especially at Christmas time," Wilson said.
In a statement to CBC Hamilton the next day, Canadian Tire said it is "finalizing plans to enclose the compactors, which will address the noise concerns experienced by neighbours. It is expected that the work will be underway shortly."
Councillors unanimously voted for the city to implement "every enforcement option available" to compel Canadian Tire to soundproof its compacting area in a motion put forward by Danko.
City staff will also review the entire Upper James property for bylaw violations. Danko said the property entrances, parking lot locations, among other aspects, don't follow the city's current zoning rules.
Helen and Joe Lepore have lived behind the Canadian Tire for as long as Bowen, since 1986. They said the noise has gotten worse in recent years.
"It's a nightmare," Helen said. "You hear all the banging. If you're having a shower, it's like they're in the shower with you, or if you're eating dinner, you think, 'holy jeez.'"
The couple were sitting at the side of their house on Wednesday morning, avoiding their backyard and the anticipated noise.
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