Court orders Aquarius Mews resident to stop holding late parties on his balcony

No more noisy, late-night parties for Steven Newell.

The B.C. Supreme Court has ordered Newell and other unnamed persons not to use any entertainment systems on a deck and a balcony of the Aquarius Mews, a condominium complex in Yaletown, between 11 p.m. and 8 a.m.

Newell and friends were also directed not to use during these same hours the hot tub in these areas that form part of the condo’s common property. It was Newell who installed an entertainment system, a large barbecue grill, and hot tub.

As owner of a penthouse unit, Newell has exclusive use of a portion of the common property, which consists of a large roof deck above his unit and a balcony adjacent to his suite.

The strata corporation claimed that since he moved into his unit in June 2010, there had been several noisy gatherings there as well as on the deck and balcony. It cited complaints by neighbours about loud music and parties.

Newell countered that the gatherings at his place were only occasional events. He also told the court that his hot tub doesn’t contravene the strata’s bylaws.

In her decision, court justice Elaine Adair noted that Newell believes his neighbours are “killjoys and do not belong in Yaletown”.

“But Yaletown living does not give Mr. Newell an excuse for ignoring the Bylaws of his strata corporation,” Adair wrote.

Comments

10 Comments

awwwwwwwwww

Oct 24, 2012 at 4:05pm

Poor Mr Newell. and I didnt even get invited to a party. I never heard the noise :(

On a more serious note, Thats why I would never purchase a condo (or penthouse) in Vancouver yaletown. Too up tight. I dont want my neighbours or strata dictating to me how to live and enjoy My Home. Controlling the heat in the common areas,the decor,or playing nosey neighbours as to who Mr Newell is entertaining. I like the space and freedom of a house since I entertain a lot. thank goodness I have awesome neighbours (all professionals) who also enjoy my parties when invited or atleast never complain.

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Bad editing?

Oct 24, 2012 at 7:10pm

"Newell" is referred to repeatedly without identifying his full name.

Is it Newell Jones, or John Newell, etc.? Or, is it more like "Cher" - a single-named person?

Strange - makes me think something was lost in editing.

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tedelection

Oct 24, 2012 at 7:55pm

i wonder what he does for a living???

most likely inherited everything from his parents

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To newell

Oct 24, 2012 at 11:19pm

Move to my neighbourhhood. let the old people at the mews sleep. lol
I hate stratas

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Bra55Tax

Oct 25, 2012 at 11:13am

He should have his parties in one of his company's greenhouses.

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Bad editing?

Oct 25, 2012 at 2:53pm

<blockquote>
"Newell" is referred to repeatedly without identifying his full name.

Is it Newell Jones, or John Newell, etc.? Or, is it more like "Cher" - a single-named person?

Strange - makes me think something was lost in editing.
</blockquote>

Ah, I see it's been fixed.

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b76

Oct 26, 2012 at 4:40pm

Why is this news? WTFC!

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Martin Dunphy

Oct 26, 2012 at 4:50pm

b76:

It is news because it was a decision handed down by the B.C. Supreme Court.

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oshie

Oct 30, 2012 at 3:39pm

Why would you assume that you can have noise in a partnered building? That is the sole purpose of owning a house with surrounding property... Pay off your mortgage, stop disturbing your neighbours, go back to your farm and buy a real house.

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