The Municipality of Huron East was forced to turn off the Seaforth siren last week after an order from the local Health Unit.
Huron Perth Public Health filed the order after testing found the siren exceeded the World Health Organization’s Guideline for single noise events, sounding off at over 110 decibels.
The Health Unit recommended turning it off back in November, but council chose to keep it going. The recent order forced the Municipality to shut if off by January 31, or face a fine of up to $25,000.
Councillor Larry McGrath called the investigation a waste of time.
"We have epidemics, we have people freezing in the streets, we have people starving and this is what we choose to spend our health money," he said. "I'm sorry, I think this is just utterly ridiculous but unfortunately, we've been issued an order... It just boggles my mind how far people will go to pursue something as frivolous as something that goes once or twice a week."
Mayor Bernie MacLellan reminded him that the Health Unit was just doing its job responding to a resident complaint. He also said it wouldn't take much to get under that unsafe level.
"I did have that conversation with Dr. (Miriam) Klassen, and she said if you could drop it five per cent as far as the noise rating goes, it all goes away, end of story," he told council.
Staff will bring a report back to council on whether the siren can be lowered to a noise level below 110 decibels, as well as other options to alert residents to firefighters responding to a call, including flashing green lights near the fire station.