Modern and Responsive – Updated Noise Control By-law Reflects Mississauga’s Urban Realm

Change is coming to noise control in Mississauga. City Council today approved a staff report that includes recommended amendments to the existing Noise Control By-law to be implemented in two phases.

A highlight of the updated by-law is a new response model that addresses noise complaints in priority order. The goal is to maximize the City’s existing enforcement resources in an efficient and fiscally prudent manner.

“Mississauga is a growing city and it can be noisy at times. It’s important that our noise by-law evolves along with our City’s growth,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “We have heard the concerns through extensive community engagement. We listened and have proposed amendments to the City’s Noise Control By-law that will make it responsive to the needs of present-day Mississauga, and ensure all residents can enjoy a high quality of life.”

The report’s recommendations for Phase 1 include:

• A priority response model that ranks public complaints, similar to models adopted by other Canadian municipalities
• Joint enforcement of vehicle noise with Peel Regional Police
• Updated, consistent time restrictions for amplified sound
• A simplified noise exemption application process

The report also recommends cancelling the outdated Nuisance Type Noise By-law and eliminating any overlap with laws enforced by other agencies and levels of government.

“The updated noise control program responds to the concerns residents have expressed about the complaints process and confusing time restrictions,” said Sam Rogers, Director, Enforcement. “Addressing noise complaints by priority, streamlining the permitted periods and eliminating duplication will enhance the City’s ability to enforce efficiently and cost-effectively.”

Increasing the City’s enforcement resources will be considered as part of the second phase of implementation when it is financially feasible to do so, as recommended in the report.

The amendments to the Noise Control By-law will come into effect on September 16, 2020. City staff will present Phase 2 of the proposed enforcement plan to Council during the 2022 business planning process.

On April 7, the Government of Ontario passed a law that prohibits municipalities from enforcing construction noise between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. This is in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. As a result, the City cannot enforce its Noise Control By-law when the noise comes from construction during the permitted time. The regulation will be revoked on October 7, 2021.

Tags

• By-laws and Policy
• Enforcement and Fines