Noise

The Town of Whitby's Noise By-law regulates unreasonable and unnecessary noise in order to create a peaceful and quiet environment for residents in our community.

When filing a noise complaint, please provide the following information:

  • Location of the noise source
  • Time of day the noise occurs
  • How often the noise occurs and length of time
  • How the noise directly affects you

Please visit Animal Control if you have a complaint related to dogs barking.

File an After-Hours Noise Complaint

For live (currently occurring) noise complaints outside of regular business hours, please call 905.439.6842. All calls are directed to voicemail to ensure that every detail of your complaint is carefully reviewed before any response is initiated. Kindly note that this line is monitored only as resources allow.

Once your detailed voicemail is received, an Officer will follow up as soon as possible. Otherwise, your message will be forwarded to our Enforcement Services department for review and response during regular business hours.

You can file a by-law complaint if you believe someone isn't following the regulations in the by-law.

All complaints, including emails, must contain the complainant's name, address and phone number. Please note that all personal information about complainants will remain confidential.

  • The goal is to resolve the issue and achieve compliance with the bylaw.

  • A Bylaw Enforcement Officer will be assigned to respond to your request and will contact you according to the assessed priority of the service request.

  • If there is a possible noise bylaw violation, the officer may conduct an investigation, which could include education, and/or enforcement actions.

  • This may include the requirement to document noise logs and submit them to the Officer for review.

  • In the event that legal action is necessary, you may be asked to give evidence in court.

We encourage residents to exercise a reasonable degree of tolerance and to review the bylaw regulations by type of noise found below prior to submitting a service request.

If you have a concern, consider speaking with those responsible for making the noise to give them an opportunity to correct the issue. If you are a tenant, you must speak to your landlord first and give them a reasonable period of time to correct the issue before submitted a request to Bylaw Services. 

The following list provides an overview of the noise regulations:

  • The operation of speakers at such a volume that it is audible on a neighbouring property is prohibited between the hours of 9 p.m. and 7 a.m.

  • The operation of speakers at such a volume that it is audible from the interior of a neighbouring home where the neighbouring resident has made an effort to mitigate the reception of the noise (e.g. closing windows) is prohibited at all times

  • Barking or howling of a dog excessively for any period of 20 minutes or longer is prohibited at all times. 

  • Large-scale construction noise is prohibited between 8 p.m. and 7 a.m.

  • Large-scale construction noise is prohibited on Sundays and public holidays

  • Small-scale domestic construction noise (e.g. building a deck, fence, or shed) is prohibited between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m.

The Noise By-law is in effect at all times, and exemptions are not generally available. We may grant exemptions for private usage matters such time-limited private construction and special events and Infrastructure works such as and for large-scale construction projects like road repair works and concrete pouring

For private usage exemption requests see below:

Download Special Event Noise Exemption Application here

Download Construction Noise Exemption Application here

All noise permit requests must be submitted four weeks prior to the request date of activity.

Please note only completed applications with accompanying $370.64 (tax included) fee will be accepted. Refunds will not be granted for applications that are denied.

Please contact us if you have any additional questions. 

Noise and Air Traffic Concerns Related to the Oshawa Airport

The Oshawa Executive Airport is located in close proximity to the east end of Whitby. Aircraft arriving and departing the airport fly over Whitby homes and businesses. The airport is operated by the City of Oshawa and the airport seeks to balance airport operations and sensitivity to aircraft noise.

Transport Canada regulates airport activity. Municipal by-laws cannot be used to regulate aircraft activity, and neither Members of Council or Town staff have the authority to regulate aircraft activity over the Town of Whitby.

For more detailed information regarding airplane noise and related matters, please visit the Oshawa Airport's Noise Information Page.

Please contact the Federal Minister of Transport if you require further information or clarification on regulating airport traffic activity. The Federal Minister of Transport, The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez can be reached via email at pablo.rodriguez@parl.gc.ca and TC.MinisterofTransport-MinistredesTransports.TC@tc.gc.ca or via telephone at 613-992-1301 or 905-848-8595.

Contact Us

Town of Whitby

575 Rossland Road East
Whitby, ON L1N 2M8

905-430-4300
service@whitby.ca

Contact the Town of Whitby

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