Backyard hockey rink dismantled after neighbour complaint can be rebuilt

Jean-Christophe Boss's backyard hockey rink in Sherbrooke, Que., will live again as long as it's on another part of his property so as not to disturb his neighbour.

• Backyard hockey rink dismantled after complaint from Sherbrooke, Que., man

Boss's backyard rink had become the bane of neighbour Normand Grenier's existence, with the loud sounds of pucks hitting the boards and the bright lights shining into his dining room.

Grenier said the rink caused him "visual harm," so he made a complaint.

Boss was subsequently told to dismantle the rink or face a fine for breaking zoning rules.

According to the city, Bossneededa permit to build a rink with boards,althoughits website doesnt specify that detail.

After CBC/Radio-Canada reported the story, Boss got a call from the city telling him he could rebuild the rink as long as it's far enough away from Grenier's property.

Despite the publicity, though,Sherbrooke Mayor Bernard Svigny said he has no plans to introduce a municipal bylaw for rinks on residential property.

Svigny said the city cant predict what kinds of rinks people might want to build, especially not one like Boss's.