City updates the Noise Control By-law to support live music

Mississauga is setting the stage for more live music events. Today, Council approved permanent changes to the Noise Control By-law that follow a successful pilot program that began in June 2023. The changes will provide more flexibility for live music events across the city as Mississauga continues working to be a “Music City.”

Live music supports the local economy while contributing to our communities. It creates jobs for performers, supports local businesses, attracts visitors and brings people together through Mississauga’s growing music scene.

The changes to the Noise Control By-law are meant to support those shared benefits. They allow for more live music events for both presenters while setting clear noise limits and hours for surrounding neighbourhoods.

Key changes include:

• Expanding areas where live music is permitted in the city’s seven cultural districts.
• Changing noise limits and permitted hours in each district to better support live music.
• Updating the definition of ‘live music’ to include acoustic and amplified music and not recorded music playback.
• Supporting Enforcement division through the introduction of set fines for non-compliance, subject to provincial approval.

These changes provide greater clarity and consistency for musicians, venues and event organizers. They also give residents more opportunities to enjoy live music in their communities.

The new Noise Control By-law makes Mississauga a national leader in building a regulatory environment where live music can thrive. This approach aligns with the City’s Music Strategy 2022–2026 and the findings of Hear and Now: The Impact of Live Music in Mississauga report.

As Canada’s live music sector continues to grow, Mississauga is well-positioned to take advantage of the benefits for our communities and our local economy.

The Live Music pilot

The City manages excessive and ongoing noise through the Noise Control By-law. In 2023, the by-law was updated to reflect the City’s growth, respond to resident concerns and improve enforcement.

The changes also introduced new challenges for live music venues and performers. In response, Council supported a pilot that allowed live music in specific areas and at set times. This three-year Noise Control By-law Live Music pilot launched in June 2023.

The pilot allowed live music at specific venues and times without requiring organizers to apply for an exemption. These were limited to three areas: the Lakeshore Corridor, the Streetsville Business Improvement Area (BIA) and the Cooksville BIA. During the three-year pilot, live music accounted for less than 3 per cent of all noise complaints city-wide.

Public consultations were held in the pilot’s third year, from October 1 to December 2, 2025. The survey received 512 responses and showed strong resident support and recognition of the value of live music.

Key findings include:

• 74 per cent of respondents supported expanding where live music is permitted beyond the original pilot areas.
• 96 per cent supported live music at licensed bars and restaurants during business hours, within set noise limits.
• Almost 86 per cent supported live music both indoors and outdoors at licensed venues, including patios and parks.
• 67 per cent supported applying the same rules to temporary events, such as street festivals.
• 81 per cent supported slightly higher noise limits for live music compared to other sources.

These findings informed Council’s decision to move to a permanent, clearer set of rules for live music.

Background

These changes support the City’s ongoing efforts to grow the live music sector. These efforts include the Music Strategy (2022-2026), Here and Now: The Impact of Live Music in Mississauga and the Live Music Grant. They also support broader City strategies, including the Future Directions 2024 Culture Plan, Path to Prosperity 2030 and Retail Strategy. Together, these initiatives increase opportunities for live music while supporting local talent, businesses and vibrant communities.

In 2023, Mississauga was named “Music City of the Year” by the Canadian Live Music Association and Canadian Music Week for its work to build a strong live music ecosystem.

Quotes

“There is a real appetite for live music in Mississauga. It energizes our communities, supports local artists and businesses, and creates more opportunities for our residents to come together and enjoy their city. Making these regulations permanent shows that we are committed to building a city where live musicians can flourish and succeed.” – Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish

“Supporting live music is a cultural and economic priority for Mississauga. The Noise Control By-law Live Music pilot demonstrated that it is possible to both enable live music events and manage noise levels for residents. By making these changes permanent, the City will continue to encourage live music events for residents to enjoy in Cultural Districts that have been planned and designated for entertainment and nightlife activity.” – Andrew Whittemore, Commissioner, Planning and Building

Tags

• Arts and Culture
• By-laws and Policy