OTTAWA – Ron Cannan, Member of Parliament for Kelowna-Lake Country is pleased to inform constituents that the Contraventions Regulations amendments to address the issue of noisy boats on Okanagan Lake were approved and registered at Treasury Board on May 14th.  They came into force immediately upon registration.

The regulatory amendment increases the fines for contraventions of section 37 of the Small Vessel Regulations.

Cannan said that the fines have been raised from $100 to $250 for operating without a muffler, and from $100 to $500 for operating with a muffler cut-out or by-pass that is not visibly disengaged. This increase in fines applies to all boats (including jet skis) operating where the Contraventions Act applies.

Cannan noted that the Government has also added provisions to the ongoing Small Vessel Regulations reform project that will make enforcement of the muffler requirements easier.

“The new provisions introduce wording that will make the "silent choice" system unacceptable,” said Cannan.   “The "silent choice" system is a switch on the dash that when engaged, connects the muffler by-pass. Since the system can be switched over so easily it makes it difficult for a police officer to prove that a certain vessel is the source of the loud exhaust noise,” he said. 

Under current provisions in the Small Vessel Regulations it is illegal to operate a vessel within 5 nautical miles of shore unless it is equipped with a muffler that is in good working order and that is in operation at all times while the vessel is in use to prevent excessive or unusual noise. If the vessel is equipped with a muffler cut-out or by-pass (which diverts exhaust gasses around the muffler), it must be visibly disengaged in such a manner as to ensure that, it cannot be engaged accidentally.
 
“Okanagan Lake is nowhere more than 3 miles wide, so this prohibition applies everywhere in Okanagan Lake,” said Mr. Cannan.
 
“I am hopeful that these efforts will help address the concerns of constituents, local governments and enforcement agencies.  I thank all those including our regional Minister Stockwell Day, the Mayors and Councils of Kelowna and Lake Country, and local police enforcement for continuing to press this issue so that it was resolved in time for boating season.  Let’s hope that these enhanced enforcement measures, and some common sense and respect, will mean all of us can enjoy our summer at Okanagan Lake and all lakes in the region.”