PORT COQUITLAM (NEWS1130) – It’s Christmas time in the city of Port Coquitlam, but some angry folks don’t want to hear any silver bells ringing in their neighbourhood. The group lives near Our Lady of the Assumption Church on Shaughnessy Street.

For close to a year, it has been complaining the church bells are too loud.

“It’s been characterized as a no-win situation,” says Councillor Brad West. “We have tried for several months to come up with a solution that would be acceptable… to some of the neighbours in the area who have been complaining and acceptable to the church.  Unfortunately, despite a lot of work and effort, that didn’t seem to be possible.”

City staff have been to the church on a few occasions to find out exactly how loud the bells are. At last night’s meeting, council ordered the church to keep the decibel level below 70.

“This is my first year on council and I have spent more time on the bell issue than any other issue, other than the budget,” says Councillor Dean Washington. “It’s the topic of conversation wherever I go.”

There was also some kind of heated exchange outside council chambers after the issue was discussed.

“I’m not sure what happened to be honest,” explains West. “I certainly could hear some loud conversations taking place, but we were in our chairs in council chambers so I’m not sure what happened outside.”

Council is has also restricted bell ringing to religious services only; hourly tolling is not allowed.

West says he’s also heard from people who enjoy the bells and he believes only a small number of the people in the neighbourhood are complaining.