Filing a 311 complaint
A gap in the City’s tracking of Leaf Blower noise.
Because 311 does not systematically record complaints about leaf-blower noise, the City has no reliable measure of the problem.
Under the current approach, daytime noise exceeding 55 dB(A) from sources such as loud air conditioners and musical instruments may be recorded and investigated. Yet noise from two-stroke gas-powered leaf blowers—typically 95–110 dB(A)—is not systematically tracked because their daytime use is not a bylaw infraction. There is no established system for collecting and reporting these complaints in a way that gives councillors meaningful ward-level information about their scale, frequency, geographic concentration, and how often residents are affected.
The difference in sound levels is substantial. 95–110 dB(A) represents approximately 1,000 to 316,000 times the prohibited sound intensity of 55 dB(A). As sound levels rise, recommended exposure times decrease dramatically, making prolonged exposure to very loud equipment a significant noise-exposure concern.
Gasbusters proposes that the City establish a simple, consistent system to record, categorize and report 311 complaints involving daytime use of gas-powered leaf blowers. This would provide Council with the data needed to determine where the problem is occurring, how frequently it occurs, and how widespread its impact is.
Education is the most effective form of enforcement.
When people understand the scientific evidence about the health, environmental, and noise impacts of gas-powered leaf blowers, many choose to switch voluntarily to quieter, energy-efficient electric equipment.
Residents can play an important role by helping to spread awareness throughout the neighbourhood.
Empower your community:
Share information with your neighbours about the health and environmental impacts of gas-powered leaf blowers.
Distribute educational postcards or flyers that explain the benefits of quieter, cleaner alternatives.
Encourage respectful conversations with landscaping contractors and property managers.
Help build neighbourhood support for cleaner, quieter landscaping practices.
Real change begins with neighbours inspiring neighbours. Every conversation and every postcard shared plants the seeds of awareness, empowers others to act, and brings us one step closer to a quieter community.
How to file a Leaf Blower noise complaint.
Record a 10-second video of the leaf blower in operation.
Take a screenshot showing video and timestamp.
Email screenshot and video
Submit written complaint to;
311@toronto.ca
OR
mlsfeedback@toronto.ca
__________________________________________________________
The current Bylaw
Leaf blower noise is exempt from enforcement during the following hours:
Weekdays: 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Saturdays, Sundays : 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
During the 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.
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.
Suggestion from the City
“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
For enquiries contact,
Mitchell Thibault <Mitchell.Thibault@toronto.ca>
Manager, Policy and Planning Services
Municipal Licensing & Standards (MLS)
City of Toronto
437-788-1181
