By Claude & Parth on 2026-03-24, City: Ottawa, View Transcript
The Emergency Preparedness and Protective Services Committee reviewed proposed changes to food premises and amusement place licensing bylaws, sparking significant debate about new noise enforcement powers. Music industry representatives raised concerns about costly acoustic report requirements and equipment relocation mandates, while staff emphasized the measures would only apply to repeat violators. The committee also heard from residents about ongoing HVAC noise issues at new apartment buildings.
FOOD PREMISES LICENSING MODERNIZATION: The committee reviewed amendments to consolidate food premises and amusement place licenses into a single "expanded activity food premise license" effective May 31, 2026. Currently, 170 of 189 licensed amusement places also operate as food premises, requiring dual inspections. The new $448 annual fee combines what previously required two separate licenses. Staff also proposed updates to address ghost kitchens, requiring shared commercial kitchens to maintain client logs and ensure clients carry minimum $2 million commercial general liability insurance. Home-based low-risk food businesses will be exempt from municipal licensing but remain subject to Ottawa Public Health inspection.
MUSIC VENUE ENFORCEMENT CONCERNS: Multiple music industry delegates raised concerns about two proposed enforcement measures: authority to mandate relocation of sound equipment and requirements for professional acoustic engineering reports costing "tens of thousands of dollars." Melanie Brulé of the Ottawa Music Industry Coalition stated the measures were introduced "without clearly defined thresholds, processes, or protections for operators." Aaron Benjamin of the Canadian Live Music Association warned the framework "relies on discretionary decision-making without clearly defined thresholds that creates inconsistency." Staff clarified the provisions would only apply to "chronic non-compliance" cases, not all venues, and enforcement "seeks compliance through education first."
NOISE COMPLAINT DATA ACCESS: A venue operator testified about investing "close to $100,000 in different phases into sound related improvements" but facing potential license non-renewal due to ongoing complaints. The operator has been waiting "close to four months" for complaint location and timing data needed to conduct an acoustic study, resulting in "maybe a dozen" court adjournments. Staff acknowledged privacy concerns may be limiting data sharing.
HVAC NOISE AT NEW DEVELOPMENTS: Councillors raised concerns about residents near newly built apartment buildings experiencing rooftop mechanical noise that current bylaws cannot address effectively. Specific locations include 275 Carling Avenue (The Clemo), 1354 Carling Avenue (The Talisman), and properties in Ward 9. A notice of motion was introduced to include noise bylaw review in the next term of council's work plan, examining disparities with NPC 300 guidelines.
ONLINE LICENSING SYSTEM: Staff announced a new online business licensing solution launching in November 2024 to replace the current in-person process. Multiple speakers complained about having to visit industrial areas to fill out forms in person.
Passed: Amendments to licensing bylaw 2002-189 relating to food premises regulations (Schedule 7) and amusement places (Schedule 5), to be voted on by full council April 8, 2026.
Notice of Motion Introduced: Review of noise bylaw to be included in bylaw review work plan for next term of council, examining disparities with NPC 300 guidelines and emphasizing proactive planning-stage controls. To be considered April 16.
Councillors present included Vice Chair Hill, Councillor Divine, Councillor Johnson, and Councillor Lulu Love. The Mayor and Deputy Mayor were not mentioned as present in the transcript excerpts provided.