Noise By-law Exemption for Next Phase of
Humber Bridges Project
The Urban Environment and Development Committee recommends the adoption of the
report (February 3, 1999) from the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services:
Purpose:
To obtain approval for an exemption from the Noise By-law for work under the Humber
Bridges Project as outlined in this report.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that approval be granted for a noise by-law exemption for work under the
Humber Bridges Project.
Discussion:
Under the recently completed phase of the project (Contract T-01-97), we applied for and
received exemptions from the noise by-laws of the former Cities of Toronto and Etobicoke.
As a result we were able to provide the contractor the assurance that their operations could
continue until 11:00 p.m. at night on work days. The principal intent of municipal noise
by-laws is to prevent objectionable noise in the evening and late at night rather than to prevent
contractors from working outside of normal hours or on weekends. Therefore it is incumbent
on contractors for the Humber Bridges Project to limit evening and late night operations to
those that do not generate a great deal of noise. Contractors normally work from 7 a.m. until
about 5 p.m. under a single shift. Under our double shift and noise by-law exemption scenario,
they are permitted to work until 11:00 p.m. Exemptions from the normal noise by-law
restrictions in cases of urgency and public benefit are common, subject to City Council
approval. In the absence of a unified noise by-law across the City of Toronto during the
amalgamation process we have assumed that it is reasonable to advise the tendering
contractors that they will be subject to the same noise by-law provisions and exemptions
adopted under the previous Humber Bridges contract. Therefore it is important to approve an
exemption from noise by-laws for this contract to enable tenderers to plan their schedules on
the following parameters:
(1)double shifting with work permitted until 11:00 p.m. on work days, typically Monday to
Saturday;
(2)work permitted on Sundays but not commencing earlier than 9:00 a.m. nor continuing
later than 10:00 p.m.; and
(3)special consideration, subject to the approval of the Commissioner of Works and
Emergency Services or his designate, for work to continue through the night for selected
critical construction operations.
We have consulted with noise by-law staff of the Toronto and Etobicoke districts who advise
that our intended approach is reasonable under the circumstances.
Tendering for the next phase of the HBP is expected to take place from February 16, 1999
until the end of March 1999 in accordance with the process approved by the former Planning
and Transportation Committee on August 13, 1997, Report 17, Clause 33. As a result of this
strategy, Contract T-01-97 for the Gardiner Expressway eastbound and westbound bridges,
was completed in the exceptionally short period of one year.
Contract award by Council will be recommended in April 1999 with an intended start of
construction in Spring of 1999. Depending on the contract schedule of the successful tenderer,
we anticipate that the next phase of the HBP could be completed by the end of year 2000.
Conclusion:
The noise by-law exemption as requested in this report will ensure contract completion with a
shortened construction schedule.
Council approval should be given for noise by-law exemptions, as outlined in this report, to
facilitate this work.
Contact Name and Telephone Number:
M. Chung, P. Eng., Manager of Structures
Metro Hall Office
Telephone: 392-8341
