Effort underway to save historic Bracebridge clock tower

CTV Barrie: Clock tower silent An effort is underway to restart a clock tower in Bracebridge that was silenced by complaints. Brandon Gonez explains.

An effort is underway to save a historic clock tower in downtown Bracebridge.

The century old clock tower was silenced after some residents complained it was too loud, but stopping the bell also means stopping the clock.

Mayor Graydon Smith says the town's hands were tied after the complainants pointed out a noise bylaw.

“People have come up to me and said you know what it does impact my life and I don't necessarily like it. Our bylaw department is beholden to uphold the bylaws of the community.”

The bell was previously silent for 10 years until Martin Sheffiele purchased the property a year ago.

“I fully restored the clock and have it in perfect operational order and that includes the bell too.”

Sheffiele has submitted an application to the town for an exemption to the bylaw.

A committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday where Smith says a decision will be made on whether the time and sounds of the century old clock tower will resume.