aaronktam

Here is an unpublished story that I wrote during my internship at the Globe and Mail on February 10, 2010.

There will be partying throughout the Olympics period at the Irish House despite numerous noise complaints.

Residents living near the venue have filed numerous noise complaints and actions have been taken by the Irish House to reduce the level of noise.

Special technicians and city workers have been brought in to figure out how to further reduce the noise levels according to Tania Richards, the director of sales, marketing and promotions.

“We’re actually changing over equipment, we brought in new amps last night,” said Ms Richards. “We’re hoping to reduce the noise; we’re doing the best we can.”

David Mclellan, the general manager of community services for the city of Vancouver stated that some residents have given feedback stating that the noise levels have improved.

“It appears that a lot of the adjustments that [the Irish House] have made are now being quite effective,” said Mr. Mclellan

The Irish House, like many other Olympic venues that will be opening across the city this week, is a temporary structure. In other words, the venue is a large vinyl tent. Because of the construction material used, sound levels will increase in volume as they travel upwards.

Noise however, is not new to this neighborhood.

The venue is located near the busy theatre district on Granville Street. “The 800, 900 and 1000 block of Granville Street are the three loudest busiest blocks in Vancouver,” said Ms Richards.

Inside the Irish House there’s no indication the party will die down. People like 41-year old Andy Maxwell from Victoria are enjoying the Olympics atmosphere early on.

The Irish House is one of the only venues open this early on in downtown. That’s why “this is the place to party,” said Mr. Maxwell while he enjoyed a drink.

Even with new sound-dampening equipment, noise will still be reaching the residential areas surrounding the venue.

Ms Richards welcomes input from the nearby residents and also welcomes them to the Irish House. “I will even buy them a beer.”