December 16, 2020.
Mayor Tory and Members of City Council
12th floor, West Tower, City Hall
100 Queen Street West
Toronto, ON M5H 2N2
Attn: Marilyn Toft
RE: MM27. 17 Municipal Muffler: Better Tools for Vehicular Noise Enforcement
Dear Mayor Tory and Members of City Council,
The Federation of North Toronto Residents Associations (FoNTRA) represents over 30 associations in the area bounded by Bloor, Sheppard, Bathurst and the Don Valley.
Our members agree that loud vehicular emissions continue to be a major problem on many arterials and freeways around the City, as well as locations like plaza parking lots. We understand that enforcement is difficult. The use of occasional Police check points to catch offenders cannot be effective. The City of Toronto should be taking a proactive approach to reducing excessive noise, which is not just annoying, it is a health issue. Emerging technologies and equipment can offer more effective ways to enforce the noise by-laws.
FoNTRA therefore urges City Council to support the motion by Councillor John Filion, seconded by Councillor Shelley Carroll, that recommends that:
- City Council direct the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards to report back to the Economic and Community Development Committee as part of the upcoming Noise By-law review on:
- a) emerging technologies for automated noise enforcement and opportunities to test and implement them in Toronto; and
- b) strategies to prohibit the installation or modification of any automotive device that would have the purpose of amplifying vehicular noise in commercial locations licensed by the City.
Geoff Kettel
Co-Chair, FoNTRA
Cathie Macdonald
Co-Chair, FoNTRA
c.c. Dr Eileen de Villa, MOH
Carlton Grant, Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards
Barbara Gray, General Manager, Transportation Services Division