How to File a Noise Complaint

As the weather gets warmer, so do the social calendars. Summer is prime time for backyard BBQs, patio parties, family gatherings, and late-night conversations around the fire pit. While these things are part of what makes the season great, they can also bring one common issue to the surface: noise complaints. What’s fun for one person can be disruptive to another, especially in tightly packed neighbourhoods or multi-unit buildings. Whether you're the one affected by noise or worried about hosting something yourself, understanding how noise bylaws work in Ontario is key.

Here’s everything you need to know about noise complaints, when you can file one, how to do it, and what steps to take to stay both neighbourly and legally protected.

1. What Are Noise Bylaws and Who Makes Them?

Noise bylaws are local rules made by individual municipalities in Ontario to control sound that disrupts the reasonable enjoyment of property. These bylaws vary from city to city, but their core purpose is the same: to reduce excessive, unnecessary, or disturbing noise, especially during times when people are expected to be sleeping or relaxing.

Municipalities such as Toronto, Ottawa, Mississauga, Hamilton, and smaller towns like Barrie or Kingston all have their own sets of rules. That means the exact permitted hours for noise and what counts as a violation will depend on where you live. While provincial laws cover broader issues like environmental noise from industrial sources, most everyday complaints—like loud music, power tools, or parties—fall under local bylaws.

2. Common Types of Noise That Lead to Complaints

Certain types of noise are more likely to result in complaints, especially during evenings and overnight hours. These are some of the most common:

• Loud music or parties

• Barking dogs or other persistent animal noise

• Power tools and landscaping equipment

• Construction noise

• Yelling, arguing, or domestic disputes

• Vehicles revving engines or modified exhaust systems

• Commercial noise from bars, restaurants, or deliveries

Some bylaws even cover snow blowers and leaf blowers if they’re used too early or too late in the day.

3. Time of Day Matters: Daytime vs. Nighttime Noise

Most Ontario municipalities make a clear distinction between daytime and nighttime noise allowances. Here’s how the timelines typically break down:

• Weekdays (Monday to Friday):

• Loud noise is usually restricted from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.

• Weekends and Holidays:

• Restrictions may extend from 11:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m., though this varies

• Construction:

• Often only allowed between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. or shorter hours on weekends

• Amplified Sound:

• May be banned altogether outdoors after certain hours, even if music isn’t overly loud

That means your neighbour’s band practice on a Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. might be totally legal, even if it’s annoying, but that same session at midnight would likely be a bylaw violation.

4. What to Do if You’re Dealing with a Noisy Neighbour

If you’re being affected by recurring or unreasonable noise, here’s how to approach the situation.

Step 1: Talk to the Person (If It Feels Safe)

• Many people don’t realize how loud they’re being

• A calm, respectful conversation can solve the issue without escalating it

• Choose a neutral time to speak—avoid late-night confrontations

Step 2: Start Documenting the Problem

• Keep a noise log noting the date, time, duration, and type of noise

• Include how it affects your daily life (sleep, work, stress, etc.)

• Video or audio recordings can be helpful, but only if obtained legally

Step 3: Contact Your Municipality

• Search for your city’s “noise complaint” or “bylaw enforcement” department

• Some cities offer online complaint forms, while others require a phone call

• Provide as much detail as possible, especially if it’s an ongoing issue

Step 4: Cooperate with Bylaw Officers

• Officers may visit the area to hear the noise themselves

• In some cases, they’ll issue a warning before a fine

• You may be asked to submit a formal statement or continue documenting the problem

5. What Happens After a Complaint Is Made

Once a complaint is filed, the bylaw department may:

• Investigate the property or location

• Issue a warning notice to the person responsible

• Levy a fine for violation of the bylaw (amount varies by city)

• Take further action if the issue continues or worsens

Keep in mind that bylaw officers often need to hear the noise themselves, especially for ongoing cases. That’s why multiple complaints or multiple people reporting the same issue can increase the chances of action being taken.

6. Exceptions and Special Circumstances

Not all noise is treated the same under the law. In some cases, noisy activities may be allowed or exempt:

• Emergency services: Sirens, police or fire activity, and infrastructure repair are usually exempt

• City permits: Public events may be granted exemptions for outdoor music or longer hours

• Seasonal work: Snow clearing and garbage collection may start early for practical reasons

• Construction: Can receive permits to work outside regular hours under special circumstances

If you’re unsure whether a certain noise is illegal or not, your local bylaw office can usually clarify it over the phone or via email.

7. What If You’re the One Hosting the Party or Doing Renovations?

If you're planning a get-together, outdoor celebration, or home improvement project, here are a few ways to avoid complaints:

• Let your neighbours know in advance if you’re hosting something

• Keep music at a reasonable volume, especially after dark

• Avoid loud power tools early in the morning or late at night

• Respect the local quiet hours and wrap up events before then

• If it’s a major event, consider checking if your municipality requires a noise exemption

Being proactive can go a long way in preventing conflict and showing respect to those around you.

8. When to Involve Police

In some situations, bylaw officers are not available, especially during late-night hours or weekends. If the noise is extreme, persistent, or accompanied by aggressive or unsafe behaviour, you can contact the non-emergency police line.

Police can intervene when:

• The noise is tied to public disturbances or intoxicated behaviour

• A bylaw officer is unavailable and it’s outside normal working hours

• The situation feels threatening or unsafe

Only call 911 if there’s a danger to safety, such as violence, threats, or criminal activity.

9. Long-Term Solutions for Ongoing Noise Problems

If your complaint has been logged and nothing changes over time, there are a few next steps:

• File additional reports with updated documentation

• Contact your city councillor to bring awareness to the issue

• Ask about mediation programs for neighbour disputes

• Consider small claims court if there’s been actual harm or distress

Most noise disputes can be resolved before they get to that point, but it’s good to know what tools are available if the issue becomes long-term or severely disruptive.

Noise complaints may seem like a small issue, but they can significantly affect your quality of life. Ontario’s municipalities have systems in place to help keep things peaceful, especially as social gatherings pick up in warmer months. Whether you’re filing a complaint or trying to avoid one, understanding the rules and taking a reasonable approach is the best way to protect both your peace and your neighbourly relationships.