Repairs and renovations to the law courts in New Westminster will continue for another year.
At its Jan. 27 meeting, council approved an exemption to the city’s construction noise bylaw that allows nighttime work to be done until Jan. 31, 2026. Under the exemption, work at the provincial courthouse can be done between Monday and Friday from 8 to 11 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
A staff report stated the exemption would allow Signia Construction Ltd. to continue its ongoing repairs, renovations and upgrades to the provincial courthouse at 651 Carnarvon St. The report said the project has experienced work delays due to unforeseen design challenges.
In July 2023, council unanimously approved a construction noise exemption until Jan. 31, 2024. In January 2024, council approved a noise exemption until Jan. 31, 2025.
“The provincial courthouse is aging and in need of repair,” said a Jan. 27 report to council. “The work has been, and will continue to occur, in both interior and exterior spaces, but predominantly exterior.”
The report said the work includes the continuation of installing a new roof, installing exterior insulation and cladding, upgrading electrical and mechanical systems, glazing and landscaping.
“Noise disruption is expected due to high-noise activities such as jackhammering, drilling and cutting activities,” said the report. “The Province of British Columbia has been adamant that it will not permit noise during court proceedings and that any closure of the courthouse during business hours would result in lengthy backlog of court proceedings and/or hearings. For these reasons, most of the work must be performed at night when courthouse proceedings are not in session.”
According to the staff report, the City of New Westminster has received five complaints from area residents about noise levels since February 2024.
In a 6-0 vote, council approved the exemption to the construction noise bylaw. Coun. Nadine Nakagawa recused herself, as she lives in proximity to the site.
Coun. Ruby Campbell said she’s received some emails in the past about noise and construction taking place at the courthouse.
“We all know the work has to be done … But it would be helpful if there could be updated signage on site for residents, as well as on the courthouse website if there's a possibility,” she said.
Coun. Jaimie McEvoy said he’s working on a notice of motion that will try to make the exemptions to the construction noise bylaw healthier for people, particularly those living in the downtown. He said he’s researching what other cities are doing and talking to staff about the practicality of the issue; he expects to bring forward a notice of motion to council in the next couple of weeks.
“I just wanted to flag also that this is possible to address our construction noise bylaw exemptions, not necessarily approving every single one or not necessarily having them as open as they sometimes have been,” he said. “What I hear from people in downtown is just that they would like to have some times when they know they'll have some quiet, particularly as we approach summer, where the heat just makes it necessary to open windows at night in some of the units.”