Local brewery threatened with NIMBY noise complaints

Left Field Brewery is embroiled in a neighbourhood conflict as nearby residents complain that the brewing operation and retail outfit is making too much noise. An article in the Star today outlines the situation, which can't help but draw the word NIMBY to one's tongue.

The primary issue that it would appear a handful of neighbours have is that the brewery leaves its garage door open during retail hours, which they complain allows noise to filter across to their properties. Left Field, for its part, claims that the heat generated from active brewing requires that the door remain open.

While one resident characterizes the brewery as "bad neighbours," owners Mandie and Mark Murphy claim they have taken many steps to mitigate noise concerns stemming from their business. In a thoroughgoing blog post, they offer their side of the story, which outlines how they've dealt with the feedback from the neighbours.

The issue is now before city council, as area councillor Paula Fletcher hopes to bring staff from Legal Services, Economic Development and Culture, and Municipal Licensing and Standards together with the brewery and residents to find a solution that everyone can commit to by the time the brewery's license is up for renewal in February 2016.

Left Field Brewery's owners say they "would like nothing more than to find a solution to any reasonable concerns that any of our neighbours may have," which hints at the main issue at hand. What is a reasonable concern? Everyone will have a different view on what constitutes such a thing, but perhaps the city could do a better job of ensuring that the criteria is clearly established.