Residents Demand Solutions as Noisy Air Conditioning Disrupts Glebe

Residents of Glebe, a neighbourhood in Ottawa, are expressing growing frustration over the disruptive noise generated by the air-conditioning system of a newly constructed apartment building, The Clemow. The building, which opened in the fall of 2024, has been the source of complaints about a persistent high-pitched sound that many residents describe as a “whine and roar.” Local resident John Crump, who also serves as the president of the Glebe Community Association, noted that the noise has affected the quality of life for many individuals in the area, causing sleepless nights and heightened stress levels.

The source of the noise is attributed to the building’s air-conditioning system, which is operating at full capacity for the first summer since its inauguration. Crump highlighted the impact of this issue, stating, “There’s a real threat to the quality of life and the right of people to enjoy a peaceful environment around their homes.” The situation has escalated to the point where large signs around the neighbourhood label The Clemow as a “noisy neighbour.”

Residents like Paul Jenkins, a retired central banker who has lived in Glebe since 1973, have reported that the noise has rendered traditional outdoor activities, such as reading on the porch, nearly impossible. “It’s like a series of drones over our head,” Jenkins remarked, adding that the noise is incessant and diminishes the livability of the area.

Concerns about noise pollution are not merely anecdotal; research has linked excessive noise to various health risks. According to the Ontario government, prolonged exposure to high levels of noise can adversely affect physical and mental well-being. Crump emphasized the need for the building’s management to find a solution promptly, arguing that the situation represents a failure to protect residents’ rights to a peaceful living environment.

Local councillor Shawn Menard recently met with residents to discuss the matter. He characterized the noise as akin to “a helicopter constantly flying overhead,” noting that it varies in pitch depending on wind conditions. Menard confirmed that noise readings taken by city bylaw officers indicated that the air-conditioning system was “right on the cusp” of city noise limitations, meaning it did not officially exceed the allowable levels. Nonetheless, he recognized the persistent nature of the noise as a significant quality of life issue.

To address the potential health risks associated with the noise, Menard has reached out to Ottawa Public Health for further investigation. He is determined to ensure that residents’ concerns are addressed more swiftly than in previous cases, such as the prolonged noise issues faced by the Chartwell Lord Lansdowne Retirement Residence.

In a communication dated August 21, 2023, a spokesperson for The Clemow asserted that the company had coordinated with the City of Ottawa’s bylaw office and independent sound consultant Gradient Wind Engineering to assess the cooling equipment. The assessment concluded that the system complies with the city’s Environmental Noise Control Guidelines. The spokesperson added, “We understand that compliance does not necessarily mean comfort,” acknowledging residents’ ongoing discomfort.

The Clemow’s website indicates that representatives have engaged with city officials regarding potential noise abatement measures, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring that solutions are both effective and technically sound. This commitment is crucial, especially as the same developer is considering plans for an additional building near the Bronson and Carling intersection, which could exacerbate the existing noise issues.

Roger Chapman, the city’s director of Bylaw and Regulatory Services (BLRS), explained that officers are tasked with enforcing the noise bylaw, which limits noise from air-conditioning systems to 50 decibels. Chapman reported that between May 10 and August 22, 61 noise complaints related to The Clemow’s air-conditioning system were received, and BLRS is currently collaborating with the property manager to explore ways to mitigate the issue.

Crump underscored the need for immediate mitigation measures, expressing surprise that the building was allowed to proceed without any noise-reduction structures around the air-conditioning vents. He stated, “What needs to happen is some mitigation measures quickly to resolve the noise issue.”

As the community grapples with these challenges, the call for effective solutions remains urgent. Local residents are hopeful that collaborative efforts between the city, health officials, and the building’s management will lead to a resolution that restores peace to the Glebe neighbourhood. The emphasis now lies on fostering a harmonious living environment that respects the needs and rights of all residents.