In April, the Ford government used an emergency order to suspend noise bylaws and prevent the City of Toronto from limiting non-essential construction noise between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., daily.
As a direct result, residents have been dealing with constant construction noise morning and night — some experiencing sleeplessness and mental health challenges. People are spending more time at home because of the pandemic and are under greater stress; they need relief from the constant construction noise.
Toronto's pre-existing noise bylaws were created in consultation with the construction industry and residents and limited non-essential construction to between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
It is clear the current extended construction hours for non-essential projects favours developers over the rights and well-being of residents.
If passed, my motion will restore municipalities' authority to their own construction noise bylaws.
That, in the opinion of this house, the Ford Government should permit municipalities to set their own noise bylaws in connection with construction, with the exception of essential construction directly related to the healthcare sector.
Note: This motion does not apply to essential construction work supporting the healthcare sector. It remains critical we build hospitals and testing centres around the clock to help us tackle the pandemic.