Taking Action on Excessive Noise in Toronto

Whether it be from construction or loud vehicles, excessive noise has long been a subject of concern in Toronto, with impacts ranging from hearing loss and sleep disturbance to cardiovascular and cognitive health. From 2018-2021, the volume of noise complaints in Toronto increased by 164%, illustrating a growing need to strengthen our Noise By-law and enforcement mechanisms.

This month, City Council received a report with recommendations to improve the enforcement of our Noise By-law, including a request for the Government of Ontario to increase the fines and demerit points set out in the Highway Traffic Act for violations such as modified exhaust pipes and excessive vehicular noise. Council also requested staff to continue monitoring new advancements in Automated Noise Enforcement technology for potential implementation in the future.

In addition, the report recommended further restrictions on leaf blowers and other small engine equipment, prohibiting their use between the hours of 8:00pm and 8:00am on weekdays. Although this report did not go as far as many had hoped, I will continue to support further restrictions – up to and including a ban – on the use of gas-powered leaf blowers in Toronto.

Further improvements to the Noise By-law are being explored through the City's comprehensive Noise By-law review, which will come before City Council in 2023. You can find more information on Toronto's Noise By-law, including how to submit a complaint, here.