City of Toronto is reviewing its recently amended noise bylaw, public meetings planned starting Sept. 12

Toronto.com
Sept. 1, 2023

The City of Toronto is reviewing its noise bylaw, which was amended in 2019, with several upcoming public meetings to be held, both in-person and virtual, starting Sept. 12.

The meetings are broken down into general categories, including:

General noise -- for example, unreasonable and persistent noise, power device noise and noise from waste collection:

In-person meeting: Tuesday, Sept. 12, 7 to 9 p.m. at Metro Hall, 55 John St., Room 308/309.

Virtual meeting: Tuesday, Sept. 19, 7 to 9 p.m.

Amplified sound -- for example, music from bars:

Virtual meeting: Wednesday, Sept, 13, 7 to 9 p.m.

In-person meeting: Thursday, Sept. 21, 7 to 9 p.m., at Metro Hall, 55 John St., Room 308/309 (7 to 9 p.m.).

Motor vehicle noise:

Virtual meeting: Monday, Sept. 18, 7 to 9 p.m.

Construction Noise -- for example, condo developments and residential infill:

In-person meeting: Wednesday, Sept. 20, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at North York Central Library, 5120 Yonge St., Meeting Room 101.

Those interested in attending are asked to register online.

Feedback can also be submitted by emailing mlsfeedback@toronto.ca. Deadline is Oct. 15.

Amendments to the bylaw in 2019 resulted in the introduction of sound level limits for amplified sound and motorcycles, enhancements to the noise exemption permit process and the introduction of a dedicated noise enforcement team with late night coverage.

The review, according to the city, aims to assess the bylaw amendments and consider potential refinements.

The city has hired an independent acoustical engineering firm to provide a technical review of the bylaw and a firm to conduct the broad public opinion research.

City staff will use the research and public consultation to recommend refinements to the noise bylaw in a report expected at the Economic Community and Development Committee this fall.