Toronto’s Noise Complaints Reached All-Time High in 2022

Toronto’s residents can no longer cope with the city’s nightlife sound, as noise complaints reached a new record high. In 2022, the Canadian city received nearly 10,000 complaints about amplified sound, including reports of noise at nightlife venues like bars, nightclubs and concert venues. 

According to new data, there were 9,890 complaints about amplified sound last year. Amplified sound is defined as noise that resonates from “any electronic device or a group of connected electronic devices incorporating one or more speakers.” 

In a city constantly building like Toronto, the number of complaints about nightlife sound doubled the ones for construction noise. Compared to previous years, there has been a slight increase in noise complaints from 2021 but a jump of 30.56% from 2020. 

Toronto’s nightlife scene is currently under review by the city administration to modernize venue licensing and zoning. The aim is to revise existing definitions and regulations for nightlife establishments while promoting “culturally vibrant activities” beyond the downtown. 

Despite those efforts, some residents have raised concerns over high noise levels from those venues. Nightclubs and restaurants are key targets, as they reportedly transform into a hotbed for loud noise late at night. 

Toronto resident Dawn Bourque told CTV News that one major problem is allowing nightlife venues on residential buildings’ first floor.

“You live on King Street you expect it to be noisy, but not nightclub noisy. It is impossible for people living on the second and third floors to get any sleep.”