The City has been reviewing the current Noise Bylaw which applies to all properties in the City of Toronto. There will be a public meeting where you can voice your opinions on proposed changes to the bylaw.
Noise Bylaw Public Meeting
Wednesday, February 17 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Toronto City Hall in Committee Room 1
Along with some minor updating (it’s been a while), the most contentious change proposed is to increase the level of noise audible within your home, produced by an outside source, from 50DBa to 85DBa during the period of 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. There are certain areas considered “Quiet Areas” and other various special cases, so read the whole proposal (.pdf / toronto.ca) if you would like more detail.
The residents in Cabbagetown who have been waiting for a resolution to the Regent Park Community Energy Centre noise issue (one of the CRA’s Top 5 Issues) will be disheartened to note that should this change take place, it would make the “summer drone” which is often as loud as 65DBa completely legal (at least between 7 am and 11 pm).
Here is the press release from the City:
The City of Toronto Municipal Licensing and Standards Division has undertaken a review of the City’s Noise Bylaw, which provides standards for noise and applies to all properties in Toronto. The bylaw exists to prevent noise that is likely to disturb residents’ enjoyment and comfort.
The goal of the review is to create a noise bylaw that balances the interests of all stakeholders, is up-to-date and easy for residents, property owners and businesses to understand.
Key recommendations include:
• specific time periods when noise is prohibited
• limits for amplified sound
• proactive noise mitigation requirements
• increased fines and penalties
• removal of automatic exemptions for pouring of concrete and large crane work
Staff will present the changes being considered at a consultation session on Wednesday, February 17 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Toronto City Hall in Committee Room 1.
More information about the review and current regulations can be found at toronto.ca/mlshaveyoursay.
Staff will report to the Licensing and Standards Committee on Tuesday, March 8 with recommended bylaw changes.
Toronto is Canada’s largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world’s most livable cities. Toronto is proud to be the Host City for the 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us @TorontoComms.
Tammy Robbinson
Strategic Communications
416-338-3761
trobbin@toronto.ca