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

  • 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)
  • The use of mechanical equipment, including the operation of electrical devices, as well as construction work such as the refurbishment, modification, demolition, or repair of buildings, is prohibited during the following hours:
  • From September 16 to June 24: Monday to Friday, work is prohibited before 7 a.m. and after 9 p.m.; Saturday, before 8 a.m. and after 8 p.m.; Sundays and public holidays, work is prohibited.
  • From June 25 to September 15: Monday to Friday, work is prohibited before 7 a.m. and after 6 p.m.; Saturday, before 8 a.m. and after 6 p.m.; Sundays and public holidays, work is prohibited.
  • The delivery of construction materials, goods, items, merchandise, or materials that disturb the tranquility, peace, rest, enjoyment, or comfort of the neighbourhood or its residents is prohibited during the following hours:
  • From January 1 to December 31: Monday to Friday, deliveries are prohibited before 8 a.m. and after 8 p.m.; weekends and public holidays, deliveries are prohibited.
  • Large delivery trucks, motorized excavation and loading equipment, cranes, backhoes, bulldozers, concrete mixers, pumps, generators, air compressors, or any other similar equipment are prohibited during the following hours:
  • From January 1 to December 31: Monday to Friday, work is prohibited before 7 a.m. and after 6 p.m.; weekends and public holidays, work is prohibited.

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.