The ongoing debate over outdoor music at the Port Dover Legion is set to take center stage once again at an upcoming Norfolk County Public Hearing Committee meeting on Tuesday.
At the heart of the issue is a proposed Zoning By-law amendment that would allow the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 158 to host live music events on its outdoor patio and parking lot—activities that have been on pause following a zoning and bylaw compliance review triggered by noise complaints.
The Legion is seeking to rezone its parking lot at 212 Market Street East from Urban Residential Type 2 (R2) to Community Institutional (IC).
Additionally, a special provision in the proposal would explicitly permit outdoor patios and cafés as allowable uses on the property—clearing the way for legally sanctioned outdoor entertainment.
If approved, the amendment would resolve the current zoning conflict, which designates the Legion’s parking lot as residential, and restore the organization’s ability to host outdoor musical events.
These events, which began in 2020, have played a key role in raising funds for veteran support and local charities.
Community Support and Concerns
While the Legion has received broad support for its community contributions—including $100,000 in donations to veterans’ causes and local nonprofits last year—not all neighbors are on board with the zoning change unless certain conditions are met.
Susan Thomson, a long-time resident of Market Street East and a nearby property owner since 2009, will deliver a deputation at the public hearing.
While she does not oppose the zoning amendment itself, she is requesting that council consider “conditional rezoning” to better balance community enjoyment and neighborhood peace.
“The sound became increasingly louder and impacted my home, my family, and our use of the property,” Thomson wrote in her statement.
She added that although she had communicated her concerns to the Legion, little action was taken to reduce the volume of music.
Thomson also noted that other neighbours—including seniors and families with small children—shared her concerns but now feel “intimidated” from speaking publicly following what she described as a wave of online backlash and misinformation.
Her proposed conditions include:
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Adherence to Norfolk County’s Noise By-law and provincial regulations
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Maintaining volume levels below 70 decibels, which she described as more reasonable and less likely to disrupt surrounding residents
“These lower sound levels should not impact the Legion’s ability to fundraise or contribute to the community,” she said. “This could be a win-win for both the Legion and the residents.”
From Complaint to Cooperation
This zoning debate traces back to last summer, when complaints about amplified music prompted a review by Norfolk County bylaw officers.
While no fines were issued, the investigation uncovered that the Legion’s outdoor events were taking place in an area not zoned for such use—a discovery that raised flags with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), as municipal bylaw compliance is tied to liquor license conditions.
Norfolk County officials have maintained that the county’s goal has never been to shut down music altogether.
Instead, they’ve focused on helping the Legion come into compliance through a zoning application—an option now actively being pursued.
A recommendation report will follow Tuesday’s public hearing, factoring in public feedback, planning considerations, and compliance needs.
Until then, outdoor music at the Legion remains paused.
For now, the patio stays open—but much quieter.