By Dan Ferguson - Surrey North Delta Leader
Published: July 27, 2009 9:00 PM
About two dozen people unhappy with the noise produced by blueberry cannons tried and failed to get Surrey city council to hear their concerns Monday night.
They filed into the council chambers, some carrying signs that called for action against the propane-powered noisemakers used to scare birds away from berry crops.
When it became obvious they would not be heard, they left quietly, vowing to continue their lobbying to have something done about the constant dull thumping noise.
Please click on the image above to hear our groups position on propane cannons.
"We're not going away," said Perry Haddock, one of the protesters, who said their presence at council should send a message even though none of them got to speak.
"We were unable to get on the agenda but we felt it was important that they see residents have not been satisfied with the direction that both the city and province have taken [on the cannons]" said Haddock.
He added he was able to give a copy of a letter outlining their concerns to the mayor.
"They do have it within their power when a delegation shows up [without having prior permission to speak] to ask us to make an presentation," Haddock said
"They didn't do that. But I presume they have other items on the agenda."
He said the residents will continue to press for stronger measures to limit the noise.
"It's a bit like water torture," he said. "It starts to drive you crazy."
The residents will be able to speak to council's agricultural committee in September.
On Monday Council gave final approval to tighter noise restrictions that require blueberry cannons to be silent for three hours a day, and to be located 50 metres farther away from residential areas.
Changes to the city’s noise bylaw will increase the minimum distance between the cannons and residential areas from 150 metres to 200 metres.
And the devices cannot be fired between 12 and 3 p.m.
dferguson@surreyleader.com
