Transport Canada is reviewing regulations concerning noise emissions from boat engines, with advocacy groups in British Columbia encouraging individuals to report excessively noisy engines to influence future enforcement measures.
Gary Milne, chair of the Shuswap and Mara Lakes Decibel Coalition, likened the noise level of some motorboats to that of a jet flying overhead, emphasizing the need to reduce such disruptive sounds. The coalition, part of a nationwide network advocating for quieter lake environments, aims to address noise issues without silencing all boat activity.
Milne highlighted the coalition’s call for regulations targeting motorboats surpassing 88 decibels, citing concerns over the ear-piercing nature of loud boats that can disrupt conversations on beaches. He emphasized that the mountainous terrain surrounding Shuswap and Mara lakes in B.C.’s southern Interior exacerbates the impact of noisy engines and above-water exhaust systems.
Anticipated changes to small vessel regulations under the Canada Shipping Act, focusing on noise control, are expected to be introduced within the next year. Transport Canada’s senior communications adviser, Sau Sau Liu, confirmed ongoing efforts to develop decibel-related requirements as part of broader regulatory updates for small vessels.
In the interim, Milne urged the public to report instances of excessive boat noise to aid in shaping future enforcement strategies by federal authorities and the RCMP. The coalition hopes that increased reporting this summer will lead to heightened RCMP presence on Shuswap and Mara lakes following the implementation of revised regulations.
Transport Canada conducted an online survey in March 2022 on small vessel noise emissions, revealing widespread support for overdue engine noise regulation changes. Respondents emphasized the need for decibel limits for manufacturers and operators to address the escalating issue of noisy vessels.
Several communities and regional districts in B.C., such as the Okanagan Region and Kootenay National Park, have enacted boat noise control bylaws. The Regional District of the Central Okanagan, overseeing Okanagan Lake, implemented a bylaw in 2004 prohibiting excessively loud motorboats and mandating muffled or underwater exhaust systems. Violators of the noise bylaw can face fines, with police authorized to impound offending boats.
Owners concerned about their boat’s noise levels are advised by Transport Canada to have their vessel serviced to ensure efficient engine operation and proper functioning of the exhaust system.