Transport Canada is considering revisions to rules concerning the noise emitted by boat engines, with groups in British Columbia calling on the public to report excessively loud engines to influence future enforcement efforts.
Gary Milne, chair of the Shuswap and Mara Lakes Decibel Coalition, likened the noise generated by some motorboats to that of a jet flying directly overhead. While acknowledging that standard underwater exhausts produce some noise, Milne emphasized the coalition’s advocacy for quieter lake environments, stopping short of complete silence.
The coalition is part of a national network advocating for noise reduction in recreational areas, with a focus on regulating motorboats exceeding 88 decibels. Milne highlighted the disruptive nature of loud boat noise, stating it could drown out conversations on beaches.
In the Shuswap region of British Columbia’s southern Interior, the amplifying effect of surrounding mountainous terrain exacerbates the issue of noisy boats. Anticipated changes to small vessel regulations under the Canada Shipping Act are expected to target excessive noise within the coming year.
Sau Sau Liu, a senior communications adviser at Transport Canada, confirmed ongoing efforts to develop decibel-related requirements as part of broader small vessel regulations modernization. Meanwhile, Milne urged the public to report noise complaints this summer to inform future enforcement actions by federal authorities and the RCMP.
The coalition hopes increased reporting of excessively loud boats will lead to heightened RCMP presence on Shuswap and Mara lakes following the implementation of updated regulations. A recent public survey conducted by Transport Canada in March 2022 revealed widespread support for engine noise regulation changes, with respondents expressing a sense of urgency for action on this issue.
Several communities and regional districts in British Columbia, including the Okanagan Region and Kootenay National Park, have implemented boat noise control bylaws. For instance, the Regional District of the Central Okanagan enacted a bylaw in 2004 prohibiting excessively loud motorboats and mandating muffled or underwater exhausts. Violators of noise bylaws face fines and potential boat impoundment by law enforcement.
Owners concerned about their boat’s noise levels are advised by Transport Canada to have their vessels serviced to ensure efficient engine operation and proper exhaust system functionality.