Port Moody is taking a new step to handle loud vehicles by testing noise sensors that are mounted on streetlights. These sensors will help the city understand where and when noise levels are too high. The goal is to improve peace in neighborhoods and gather facts for future rules.
City council approved the plan on July 29. The decision came after many people complained about loud motorcycles and cars. Instead of using high-cost noise cameras, the city chose this lower-cost option to gather important data.
The idea started back in January when residents in Newport Village and Klahanie said the noise was getting worse. City council members pushed for action and asked the province to support a pilot project and change laws to let cities use noise cameras.
But waiting for the province was not ideal. The city wanted to act sooner.
Staff first looked into noise cameras. These tools can show exactly which car made the noise, like how speed or red-light cameras work. But the cost was too high. One vendor asked for $10,000 for a short test run. That didn’t include extra staff time or upkeep. Another offered a one-week trial for free, but the setup and removal costs were still too much.
Coun. Diana Dilworth explained that the city hoped to find a free solution, but it turned out that even the “free” options came with hidden costs.
That’s when staff suggested the use of cheaper noise sensors. These simpler tools don’t take pictures or identify cars. But they do record sound levels and can show when noise is too loud. The new plan costs only $2,000 and includes a one-year service agreement.
The city is already working with the sensor company on another project involving LED streetlights. This made the deal even easier and quicker to roll out.
Jeff Moi, who manages engineering and operations, said the sensors will still help a lot. Even without knowing which car made the noise, the city can learn when and where the noise problems are worst.
This will help guide future plans. It might even help push for better laws and smarter solutions in the future.
Coun. Samantha Agatarap said the pilot is a smart first move. She hopes the results will support future efforts to make the city quieter and more peaceful.
Police Chief David Fleugel noted how hard it is to enforce current noise rules. Officers need to catch the noise at the exact moment it happens and have the tools to prove it. He said the new system may help fill that gap.
Coun. Haven Lurbiecki added that the project will help separate normal city noise from “purposefully loud” behavior that affects people’s well-being.
Coun. Callan Morrison also supported the plan. He said even a more costly project would be worth it to get strong facts. He pointed out that no matter where people live in Port Moody—on Guilford Way, Heritage Mountain Boulevard, or Ioco Road—they face loud mufflers at some point.
The new sensors are set to be installed in August, during the busiest time for noise complaints. Moi said the city hopes to have a short report ready by next spring.
If this simple system works well, the city may still look into advanced noise cameras in the future. That depends on law changes and support from the people.
