Londoners may be able to dance the summer away to pounding music on patios downtown.

City council’s planning and environment committee Monday approved a two-month trial allowing amplified music and dancing on patios in the core, of which there are more than 30, despite an impassioned plea from residents it is already too loud.

“It is absolutely unbearable,” Patricia Pettigrew, a downtown resident for about 17 years, said outside city hall after the meeting.

“There are times when the music is coming directly at our building, the sound carries. I could not sleep a wink” during recent festivals, said the resident of Picton Street.

Pettigrew was not alone. The committee was told by many residents during a public session that noise is an issue every summer weekend, especially during festival season, causing sleepless nights and at times shaking the units in many towers.

In a presentation, city staff recommended a trial period in August and September, stating amplified music will help attract more youths to the city to live and work and make the city attractive and vibrant.

“It’s a temporary permit stating amplified music and dancing will be allowed to happen when it is not allowed now,” said Jim Yanchula, a city planner.

City council will vote next week on the recommendation.

Coun. Paul Hubert supported the test, saying it would be chance to test the idea downtown before London hosts Country Music Week from Sept. 8 to 11.

“It’s a unique situation. We have a five-week learning experience. I will support this,” said Hubert, referring to country music week being five weeks from the start of the temporary bylaw.

Coun. Tanya Park encouraged residents to call police if there is a noise problem.

Though the city bylaw states music cannot go after 11 p.m. or exceed 90 decibels, that is often exceeded — and there is no enforcement or response when London police are called, the committee heard from several residents.

“It will transform the downtown into a circus, every citizen has a right to quiet enjoyment of their property,” said one resident from the gallery.

Coun. Phil Squire was the only committee member to vote against the motion, saying there was not a strong enough argument for amplified music as opposed to acoustic that is now allowed.

“I was underwhelmed by the evidence presented to us and I was hugely impressed by the public presentation.”

The city will hire two more bylaw enforcement officers for the summer, the committee heard from staff.

After studying the two-month trial period, staff will report on its impact.

Of the more than 30 patios in the downtown, 11 are on Richmond Row and 21 others throughout the core.

NDeBono@postmedia.com

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