Filing a leaf blower complaint to 311
Noise Complaints
“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...” City of Toronto
Leaf Blower Noise and Enforcement
Leaf blower noise is exempt from enforcement during the following hours:
Weekdays: 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Saturdays, Sundays, and statutory holidays: 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
During these daytime hours, complaints about leaf blower noise are not acted upon. Investigations only occur if the equipment is used outside the permitted bylaw hours. Even then, enforcement generally depends on repeated or ongoing noise, not the intensity of a single incident.
After a complaint is filed, it may take seven to ten days for a bylaw enforcement officer to respond.
To complain residents are directed to contact 311@toronto.ca, They are advised to photograph the contractor’s truck and, if possible, record a video of the incident. This places the burden of enforcement on residents rather than the City. The result is that neighbourhoods are left unprotected
Homeowners and tenants are told to tolerate noise levels during the day that would otherwise violate the City’s own health-based noise standards.
In practice, Toronto’s bylaw shields polluting, high-noise machines more than it protects people.
If Toronto is serious about protecting public health, reducing noise pollution, and meeting its climate commitments, this enforcement loophole must be closed.
Submit written complaints to; mlsfeedback@toronto.ca
