Report Amplified or Instrument Sound

What is Amplified Sound?

Amplified sound is sound that comes through loudspeakers connected to electronic devices such as:

  • Music
  • Voices
  • Other sounds
  • This is common in places like nightclubs, bars, restaurant, cafes, patios, or concerts

It also includes any sound from musical instruments, amplified or not. A few examples are listed below: 

  • Pianos
  • Cello
  • Flute
  • Clarinet
  • Guitar (acoustic)
  • Includes percussion instruments (instruments that produce sound when struck, shaken, rubbed or scraped), examples:
    • Drums (bass, bongo, snare)
    • Cymbals
    • Xylophone
    • Tambourines, etc.

Noise from the above sources is not allow if:

  • It's heard in an outdoor living area and:
    • Exceeds 55 dB(A) or 70 dB(C) between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m., or
    • Exceeds 50 dB(A) or 65 dB(C) between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.
  • It's heard in an outdoor living area and:
    • Exceeds 50 dB(A) or 65 dB(C) between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m., or
    • Exceeds 42 dB(A) or 57 dB(C) between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.

Information on Amplified Live Music on public patios or sidewalk cafes can be found by visiting the City of Toronto website.

Amplified Sound and the Noise Bylaw in Toronto

Bylaw Enforcement Officers measure noise at the point where it is heard, also called the point of reception. They will:

  • Measure sound from outside or inside the property
  • Measure background noise with the amplified sounds off
  • The Officers will then determine whether the sound levels are in compliance with the bylaw
  • Note: There are lower sound level limits within an indoor living area and at night.  For more information refer to the bylaw Section (591-2.1)

Reporting Amplified Sound

Before reporting a noise issue, try speaking with the person or business making the noise to give them the opportunity to correct the issue. If this approach does not resolve the issue, you can submit an Amplified or Musical Instrument noise complaint below, or by calling 311.

Buskers and Street Entertainers

To report amplified sound or sound system being used by a Buskers, Street Entertainer, you can submit a Public Space Complaint service request below, or by calling 311.

If a person using amplified sound on the sidewalk and the complaint is only regarding the volume and not the content, you can submit an Amplified or Musical Instrument service request below, or by calling 311.

Noise Exemption

Individuals and organizations can apply for noise exemptions permits for specific events or activities that may be in contravention of the Nose Bylaw if all application requirements are met. Learn more about the noise exemption process.

Report Permitted or Exempted Noise

Report noise that is exempt or permitted during allowable hours and does not violate the Noise Bylaw. These reports will not be investigated but will be recorded to help inform future policy and enforcement decisions.

For more information, please refer to the related article links below. You can submit a service request using the link below, or by calling 311.

Using Mediation in Noise Complaints

The City has partnered with TNG Community Services, an organization that provides free voluntary community mediation services to Toronto residents, as an alternative means to resolving a dispute with the help of neutral mediators. Further information can be found by visiting the TNG Community Services website. 

Noise Outside the Scope of the Bylaw

Certain types of noise are exempt from the Noise Bylaw or outside the scope, including:

  • Government-related work and noise due to safety measures
    • This includes construction, rehabilitation, or maintenance work conducted by the City, Province of Ontario, Government of Canada, any of its agencies or agents. including the operation of motor vehicles and equipment actually engaged in the work.
  • Safety measures include:
    • Bells or sirens operated by police, fire, and paramedic services 
    • Bells or whistles operated by rail or transit services
    • This also includes other emergency measures as outlined in the Bylaw (591-3.1)
  • Waste collection noise
  • Noise from moving vehicles or traffic
  • Airport and aircraft noise
  • Noise from watercrafts (e.g. party boats)
  • Noise from trains or railways

Important Notes

The Municipal Licensing and Standards Division does not respond to:

  • Isolated events that are unlikely to reoccur
  • Infrequent noise
  • Issues under the jurisdiction of another agency
  • Exemptions from the Noise Bylaw
  • Demonstrations
  • Noisy parties, or noise from people acting disorderly, such as yelling, screaming and fighting. To report these types of noise, call the Toronto Police Service non-emergency number at 416-202-2222 or call  911 for emergencies.

In situations where no formal investigation will be done, data from complaints is still captured by the City to inform future policies.

Amplified noise in a City park

As per Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 608, unless authorized by permit, no person shall operate loud speakers or amplifying equipment from any source in a park. Permits are obtained through Parks and Recreation.

Park noise complaints fall under Parks Use service request. You can submit the Park Use service request online at www.toronto.ca/311,or by calling 311. The Service request can be found under Bylaw Violations and Property Issues/Parks/Unauthorized Park Use.

Amplified noise in Downsview Park / Rogers Stadium / Rouge Park/beach 

Downsview Park, Rogers Stadium, Rouge Park/beach are not City Parks. Downsview Park/Rogers Stadium is Federal land and Rouge Park/beach falls under Parks Canada. City of Toronto Parks Enforcement does not have jurisdiction within these park, except in cases involving amplified noise. To report an amplified noise complaint for one of these locations, you can submit an Amplified or Musical Instrument service request below, or by calling 311.