Noise Regulation

The act of making, causing, producing or permitting excessive noise, which disturbs the enjoyment or comfort of others, is considered to be a nuisance and an infringement of the municipal by-law concerning noise.

Citizens are also asked to limit the use of horns and to keep the noise levels of mufflers, motors, and sound reproduction equipment in check, to reduce excessive noise.

Certain specific restrictions are listed below; to learn about all of the provisions of the by-law, consult the full text of By-law 1519 Concerning Noise.

SPECIFIC RESTRICTIONS

Leaf blowers

  • The use of gas-powered leaf blowers has been banned in Westmount since October 2023
  • Electric leaf blowers may be used only from October 1 to May 31 of the following year, Monday to Saturday (except on holidays), from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Consequently, the use of leaf blowers is prohibited from  June 1st  to September 30.
  • Contractors wishing to use leaf blowers in Westmount must first obtain a permit from the City.
  • All leaf blowers must bear a clearly visible manufacturer’s decal or label certifying that it meets the Category 1 – dBA ±65 (measured at 50 feet (15.24 m)) equipment standard set out in ANSI B175.2-2000. (In force as of June 21, 2010)

Click on the buttons below for more details on other specific restrictions

USE OF MECHANICAL
EQUIPMENT/CONSTRUCTION WORK

Includes the operation of power equipment, work in connection with the construction, reconstruction, alteration, demolition or repairing of buildings.

FROM SEPTEMBER 16
TO JUNE 24

Monday to Friday
before 7 a.m. and after 9 p.m.
Saturdays
before 8 a.m. and after 8 p.m.
Sundays
legal holidays

JUNE 25
TO SEPTEMBER 16

Monday to Friday
before 7 a.m. and after 6 p.m.
Saturdays
before 8 a.m. and after 6 p.m.
Sundays
legal holidays

DELIVERY OF MATERIALS
AND MERCHANDISE

Includes the delivery of construction materials, goods, wares, merchandise and commodities causing noise which disturbs the comfort of any person.

JANUARY 1ST
TO DECEMBER 31ST

Monday to Saturday
before 8 a.m. and after 8 p.m.
Sundays
legal holidays

USE OF HEAVY
CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT

Includes large delivery trucks, motorized excavation and loading equipment, cranes, backhoes, bulldozers, concrete ready mix trucks, pumps, generators, air compressors or other similar devices.

JANUARY 1ST
TO DECEMBER 31ST

Monday to Friday
before 7 a.m. and after 6 p.m.
Saturdays
Sundays
legal holidays

Any person who infringes any provision of the By-law 1519 is liable to a fine.

In the event of a first infraction, the minimum fine would be no less than $100 and no more than $1,000 for a natural person, and no less than $200 and no more than $2,000 for a legal person.

In the case of a second or subsequent infraction, the fine would be no less than $200 and no more than $2,000. for a natural person, and no less than $400 and no more than $4,000 for a legal person.