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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday night Catalyna Correa says she and her six-month-old daughter, Angelica, are woken up by what Correa describes as the "thundering bass" coming from the Raven Pub into her home on 51 Street.

Catalyna Correa says she and her six-month-old daughter are woken up four nights a week by the "thundering bass" coming from the Raven Pub. She wants the city to do something about it. - Lauren McKeon/NNSL photo

"I understand as a business they have the right to operate, but as residents we also have the right to sleep," said Correa, who added the competing rights put the situation into a "deadlock."

Correa appealed to city councillors and administration last Monday to end that deadlock.

"I am entirely sympathetic to your concerns," said city councillor Paul Falvo.

"It just goes to show how noise can spread."

Falvo added if the city decides to increase housing in the downtown area, issues like this one will be exactly the kind of thing council will have to address.

Correa told councillors she estimated there are currently about 100 families who live within hearing distance of the Raven.

"Why should an entire community suffer for one small business? Why should children, babies and families be woken up night after night for one small business?" she asked.

Correa said she regularly calls city Municipal Enforcement to complain about the noise, which she said usually gets worse after the pub cranks up the volume after midnight - once bylaw officers go off duty.

Dennis Marchiori, director of Public Safety, said bylaw officers will begin extending their hours this week to 2 a.m. for the summer months.

Under city bylaw 3537, "No person shall play or operate any radio or stereophonic equipment or other instrument or any apparatus for the production or amplification of sound either in or on private premises or in any public place in such a manner as to disturb the quiet, peace, rest, enjoyment, comfort or convenience of any person or persons during the city's Quiet Time."

"Quiet Time" lasts between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., said Marchiori. He added bylaw officers ticket noise bylaw offenders based on complaints, not according to things like decibel levels.

But that doesn't always make it easy on those suffering from the loud noise.

"I don't want to have to call every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday for the rest of the summer," said Correa.

Marchiori said the city has sat down with Raven staff in the past and the pub has been responsive to complaints.

In 2001, residents of the Northern Heights condominium complex took on the pub with a signed petition complaining about the noise. At the time, pub owner Jim Sturge said he respected the condo residents but also had a business to run.

The pub's solution was to move its amplifiers so they wouldn't face Northern Heights. It also spent $15,000 on a new sound system and has since insulated the ceiling against sound.

Marchiori said he will remain in touch with both Correa and the Raven to try and work out a solution. Both Correa and Marchiori figured the noise from the pub is leaking outside the building from constantly opening and closing doors. News/North left phone messages at both the Raven and at Sturge's home.

A man answering the phone at the bar said someone would call back by Friday, but that call was not returned by press time.

Correa said she'd like to see the Raven receive the $10,000 maximum fine if it continues to violate the noise bylaw.

"Something more serious than what has been done in the past has to happen," said Correa.

"A fine of $150 is not going to affect the Raven Pub one bit if they make thousands of dollars per weekend."