Noise complaints in Ontario are usually governed by municipal by-laws. While most daily noise issues (parties, construction, dogs) are handled by local bylaw officers, serious or persistent noise can escalate in rare cases to provincial offences or criminal charges.

Ontario refers to unwanted and loud noise as “noise pollution”.

What laws regulate noise?

1. Municipal Noise By-Laws

Most noise complaints are handled under municipal by-laws passed under the authority of section 129 The Municipal Act  which gives Ontario municipalities authority to prohibit and regulate matters related to noise, vibration, odour, dust, and outdoor illumination.

Each city has its own noise by-laws. For example:

• City of Toronto – Toronto Municipal Code, Chapter 591 (Noise)
• City of Ottawa – Noise By-law No. 2017-255
• City of London – Noise By-law PW-12

These by-laws set out:

• Quiet hours
• Prohibited sound levels
• Construction restrictions
• Rules for amplified music

Because the rules vary by municipality, you should check your city’s website for the exact by-law.

2. Provincial Law

In rare cases, provincial legislation may apply.

• Environmental Protection Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. E.19 (can apply to industrial noise)
• Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, S.O. 2006, c. 17, s. 22 (this section is often relied on in persistent neighbour noise disputes in rental buildings)

3.  Criminal Code

In extreme situations, noise (in combination with other offenses) could amount to a criminal offence. For example: Criminal Code, section 175(1)(a) refers to causing a disturbance in or near a public place by screaming, shouting, swearing, singing or using insulting or obscene language.

What counts as noise that could violate by-laws?

This depends on the municipality, but common examples include:

• Loud music late at night
• Yelling or parties
• Construction outside permitted hours
• Idling vehicles
• Power tools at prohibited times
• Barking dogs (in some municipalities)

How do you file a noise complaint?

The process to file a noise complaint involves the following steps:

Step 1: Find out where the noise if coming from:

• Neighbouring home, construction site, or local business: Contact your municipal office or 211.
• Industrial facility or renewable energy project: Contact your local Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks

Step 2: Provide the following information:

• Address of the property
• Type of noise
• Ontario recommends keeping a record of:
  • Time of day
  • Frequency and duration
  • Intensity (1–5 scale
  • Source of the noise
  • Impact on you
  • Any distinctive tones (buzz, hum, pitch)

Step 3: A by-law officer may attend and investigate.

What is the result of a noise complaint?

If the officer determines there is a violation, they may:

• Issue a warning
• Issue a ticket
• Lay a charge

Noise complaints are enforced under the Provincial Offences Act. A ticket, a summons, or a Administrative Monetary Penalties (AMPs) may be issued.

If charged, the person can:

• Pay the fine, or
• Dispute the charge in court.

For more information on fighting the ticket in court, refer to How do you defend a traffic ticket? The process is the same.

Noise and tenants

If you live in a rental unit, excessive noise may involve your landlord. Under the Residential Tenancies Act, section 22 states that a landlord must not substantially interfere with a tenant’s reasonable enjoyment of the rental unit. If another tenant is causing serious noise and the landlord does nothing after being informed, you may apply to the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB)

Possible remedies include:

• Rent abatement
• An order requiring the landlord to address the issue
• Ending the tenancy (in serious cases)

More information

For more information, contact the municipality, or view the legislation. For legal help, contact a lawyer.

								
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