New noise regulations approved by Council to help keep Oakville a vibrant and inclusive community

Council asks Province to establish standardized noise regulations

Oakville Town Council approved updates to modernize the town’s noise regulations at its meeting on November 18, 2024. More than 15 years old, the existing Noise By-law 2008-098 no longer aligns with current community expectations, evolving provincial noise control guidelines or the recent changes to the Municipal Act that reduce municipal authority over noise regulation.

The new Noise By-law 2024-079 will come into effect on April 1, 2025, allowing time for Municipal Enforcement Services staff training, coordination with other town departments and a smooth implementation process. 

Updates include:

• New decibel (dB) and time limits – reducing the allowable dB level for outdoor noise, such as from music and TV sources, from 55 dBA to 50 dBA, and extending the allowable time for noise from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., to 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• New noise exemption permit fees for construction.
• Increased fines related to construction noise from $300 to $500 for a first offence. The Town of Oakville can also issue higher fines for multiple offences and a court summons for more serious offences and repeat offenders. 
• Amendments to align with updates to the Municipal Act that now restricts municipalities from regulating noise related to the delivery of goods, and allowing noise related to deliveries from a wide range of businesses.
• New allowances for businesses in the Bronte Village, Downtown Oakville and Kerr Village business improvement areas (BIAs) to play moderate levels of outdoor music on their patios until 10 p.m. daily.

Council also approved, at its meeting on May 27, 2024, a request to the provincial government to establish effective enforcement tools to limit excessive loud noise from vehicles through dB regulations, increased fines and banning the sale of modified exhausts.

View a copy of the noise by-law review staff report to Council and supporting documents.

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“The overall goal to improving our noise by-law has been to ensure that Oakville continues to be a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable community for all our residents and businesses. On behalf of Council, I want to thank staff for hearing our concerns and incorporating our feedback and those from our local businesses and residents into this updated by-law.”

– Mayor Rob Burton