With numerous other regulations, citizens, corporations and businesses have to abide by noise regulations that protect the rights of Canadians to live in an environment that is not exposed to dangerous levels of noise. The more populated a neighborhood, city or province, the more the noise and not just one but several different types of noise ranging from a conversation between two people, to the loudest noise of thunder, a lawn mower or a concert nearby. Hence, the Canadian regulatory bodies have imposed laws in place to limit the dangerous effects of noise pollution.
Noise levels between 40-60 dB (decibels) in relation to nearby surroundings, are considered acceptable. And noise levels above the allowable limits are generally regarded as noise pollution. Below mentioned are typical noise sources and their noise levels in dB:
Faint to moderate noise sources and noise level in decibels:
- 20 decibels – watch ticking
- 30 decibels – whispering
- 40 decibels – refrigerator
- 50 decibels – moderate rainfall
- 60 decibels – dishwasher
Loud Noise levels
- 70 decibels- city traffic
- 80 decibels- restaurant
Louder noise levels
- 90 decibels – lawn mower
- 100 decibels – chainsaw
- 110 decibels – car horn
- 120 decibels – rock concert
- 130 decibels – jet engine 100 feet away
- 140 decibels – shotgun blast
In Canada, noise pollution is regulated at both federal and provincial levels At provincial levels, noise is regulated for transportation such as trains, cars, vehicles and aircrafts. On the other hand, the federal government regulates noise levels for residential, commercial and industrial noise pollution.
The jurisdictions by the federal government enforce a maximum limit noise levels in specific situations and are practiced under the Canadian Aviation Regulations for aircrafts, the Railway Safety Act for trains and the Motor Vehicle Regulations for road traffic.
At the provincial or territorial levels, noise regulations differ based on separate laws, all unique to the provinces and thus, any noise complaint ticket has to be opened according to the provincial law of a specific province. Some provinces hold targeted laws for noise regulations, while others may include noise regulations in the municipal or general environmental regulations. For the sake of understanding, noise regulations at the provincial or territorial levels impose limitations for different types of activities and their time periods and manage the monitoring and implementation of the noise regulatory laws.
Types of Noise regulated at Provincial levels
As stated previously, Provincial Bylaws enforce noise regulations for the industrial, residential and commercially related and renewable energy noise pollution. Noise sources regulated at provincial levels include:
Industrial Noise Sources:
- heavy machinery or equipment
- ventilation equipment
- heating, ventilation and air condition systems (HVAC)
- compressors
- dust collectors
- onsite truck traffic
- refrigeration trucks
Regulated Renewable energy noise sources:
- wind turbines
- solar farms
- bioenergy projects
Noise Regulatory Bodies & ByLaws by Province
The Environmental Protection Act manages law enforcements with respect to noise in the industrial, commercial and transportation sectors. Provinces that abide by the Environmental Protection Act include
- NewfoundLand and Labrador
- Northwest Territories
- Nunavut
- Ontario
- Prince Edward Island
The Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (EPEA) regulates various noise sources in the industrial, commercial and transportation departments. Provinces regulated by the EPEA include:
- Alberta
- Saskatchewan
The Environment Act imposes noise regulations in the provinces:
- Manitoba
- Nova Scotia
The Clean Environment Act enforces noise regulations in the NewBrunswick province.
The Environment Quality Act limits noise pollution in the province Quebec.
The Yukon Environmental and Socio-Economic Assessment Act enforces noise regulations in the Yukon province.
How to lodge noise complaints?
Any bothersome sound that goes beyond the normal limits can be reported to the concerned authorities of the municipality, city and province.
Municipal bylaws limit noise sources that disturb the peace of residents living in a quiet neighborhood. They enforce limitations on noise sources such as:
- Construction works during prohibited times
- Noisy residential appliances like a loud air conditioner, lawn mower
- Noise trouble by a nearby concert
In order to lodge a noise complaint, you need to enquire about the relevant municipal, city or provincial body that regulates noise control. In general, residential noise complaints have to be made in the municipality department while industrial, commercial and transportation noise complaints are handled by the provincial bodies.
Once the appropriate body is determined, you can either place a call on their helpline to lodge the noise complaint or visit the office to provide detailed information about the noise sources such as the date, time, location and the type of noise.
It is important to note that the procedure for lodging the noise complaint varies among municipalities and provinces. So, it is advised to you to search for the information online or contact an official to file a noise complaint based on your area of residence.
