Tired of the noise? Tell the City of Pickering

The City of Pickering is updating its Noise Control By-law and is asking the public to review and provide feedback on the proposed changes.

It has initiated an online survey, the deadline for which is May 20.

Last September, the council directed staff to undertake a review of the existing Noise Control By-law to provide clarity around the regulations and ensure the By-law remains responsive to the needs of those who live, work, and spend their time in Pickering.

The City’s Noise Control By-law provides time restrictions and sound level limits for various types of noise. This applies to construction, outdoor equipment/machinery, music, and more, to help address unreasonable and persistent noise that affects quality of life.

Proposed changes include:

• The addition of a vehicle alarm, siren, or security system which is being activated without a valid reason, for a period of time that exceeds the normal operating standard or that is not functioning as designed.
• Operation of construction equipment is prohibited from 7 pm to 7 am the following day, Monday to Friday, and from 7 pm on Friday until 9 am on Saturday, and from 6 pm on Saturday to 7 am on Monday. Construction noise is prohibited on statutory holidays.
• Outdoor equipment or machinery used for yard maintenance to be changed to include: battery or rechargeable energy equipment or machinery for yard maintenance.

Exemptions

• The sounding of bells or horns for traffic control. Including as a traffic signal or associated with the operation of a railroad.
• The sounding of bells, chimes, clocks, or other announcements in relation to a property operated as a church, synagogue, temple, mosque, monastery, or other place of worship between the hours of 7 am and 9 pm, or any property owned or operated by the city.
• Noise which results from commonplace household or workplace activities such as sound from furniture being moved, children playing indoors, people engaged in normal conversation, or walking/moving within a household unit.

A report summarizing the community engagement findings and recommendations will be presented to Council on October 3.

Visit LetsTalkPickering.ca/NoiseBylaw to learn more, view the proposed changes, and complete the survey.

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