Filing a leaf blower complaint to 311

Enforcement of noise complaints

Toronto’s Noise Bylaw allows gas-powered leaf blowers to operate:

• Weekdays: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.

• Saturdays, Sundays, and statutory holidays: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Although the bylaw sets a limit of 70 decibels, leaf blower noise is exempt from enforcement. In other words, residents can file complaints—but those complaints will not be investigated. Instead, they are logged and shelved, with the vague promise they may “inform future policy.”

This leaves neighborhoods unprotected. Homeowners and tenants are told to tolerate noise levels that would otherwise violate the city’s own standards. The result is a bylaw that protects polluting machines more than people.

If Toronto is serious about protecting health, reducing noise pollution, and meeting its climate goals, this enforcement loophole must be closed.

You can submit complaints to; MLSfeedback@toronto.ca  

The City says, the noise from Gas Powered Leaf Blowers is permitted during the day.

“The Noise Bylaw includes decibel limits and time restrictions for some types of noise. We encourage residents to exercise a reasonable degree of tolerance and to review the bylaw regulations by type of noise 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, please speak to your landlord first...”

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