Vroom! Vroom! Uh, maybe not.
Wednesday, the city’s tougher noise bylaw took effect, and that means decibel limits and time restrictions for a multitude of irritating noises.
READ: Laneway Housing New By-Laws Are Officially In Effect In Toronto
Those limits, as stated in the bylaw, now include noises emanating for things such as motor vehicles, motorcycles, power devices, construction, animals, residential air conditioners, unnecessary noise, loading/unloading, music from restaurants and others. Check the bylaw for the varying time restrictions. The city says you’re free to report any noise, even ones not listed on the bylaw, if it’s "unreasonable and persistent."
Enforcing the bylaw is a new squad on the Toronto’s Municipal Licensing & Standards (MLS) division. All you have to do is dial 311 to make a complaint. Someone will be ready to respond seven days a week, 6 am to 2 am. The inspectors will be carrying special monitoring equipment.
For those especially irked by all the construction noise downtown, here’s the rules: noise from construction is not permitted from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. during the week, and not until 9 a.m. on Saturdays. Construction noise is not permitted on Sundays or statutory holidays.
