A Growing Concern: Is Your Neighborhood Too Noisy?

A recent survey has uncovered a startling trend: nearly 60% of Ontarians feel their neighborhoods are becoming increasingly loud. This online survey, conducted by Research Co., gathered insights from 1,000 Canadian adults between May 19-21.

The noise complaints have surged, with 63% of participants reporting that their town or city has gotten noisier over the past year—a noticeable increase from 54% in a similar poll conducted in 2023. According to the findings, it seems that a third of Canadians say their homes are noisier now compared to last year, with over 40% expressing the same sentiment about their streets.

What's Causing All the Noise?

The primary culprits behind the clamor? Residents frequently cite loud vehicles, particularly revving motorcycles and cars, as major disruptors of their peace. Barking dogs and construction noise—including heavy machinery and roofing—are also high on the list of complaints.

Additionally, more than one in five respondents pointed to disturbances from loud conversations outside homes, car alarms, and booming music as significant irritants.

How Are Residents Coping?

In response to the rising din, 16% of Canadians have resorted to using earplugs, while 11% prefer noise-canceling headphones to shield against the chaos. Interestingly, the number of Canadians taking steps to combat indoor noise has decreased, with only 67% reporting no action taken to address the racket—down from 74% in 2022.

Young adults aged 18 to 34 are more inclined to invest in earplugs and specialized equipment to minimize sound.

We Want to Hear from You!

Are you among those affected by the noise in the Greater Toronto Area? Do you find yourself relying on earplugs or other strategies to manage the commotion? Have you ever considered moving because of noise issues? CTV News Toronto is eager to hear your experiences!