Ontario Construction News staff writer
The City of Toronto is reviewing the impact of the noise bylaw, which was amended in 2019. Feedback will be accepted at public consultations starting Sept. 12.
Construction noise will be the focus on Sept. 20 at the North York Central Library, 5120 Yonge St. from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Registration for in-person and virtual consultations is available online.
This review aims to assess the bylaw amendments and consider potential refinements. Key focus areas for the review include:
- Assessing the effectiveness of the current decibel limits and enforcement approach for amplified sound.
- Enhancing the city’s response to excessive vehicle noise.
- Strengthening noise enforcement and strategies for the proactive mitigation of noise issues.
The city also intends to respond to additional issues as part of the implementation review, including potential decibel limits for power devices (for example, leaf blowers and lawn mowers), regulations for waste collection noise and strengthening the noise exemption permit process.
An independent acoustical engineering firm has been hired to provide a technical review of the bylaw and a firm to conduct broad public opinion research. This research and the public consultation feedback will be used to recommend refinements to the noise bylaw in a staff report expected at the economic community and development committee this fall.
More information is available on the city’s website.