Noise from concerts continues to affect area residents around Rogers Stadium at North York's Downsview Park, according to Ingrid Buday, founder of the four-year-old anti-noise advocacy group No More Noise. Buday reported receiving complaints from residents as far away as Vaughan, who said they could hear Bruno Mars' first of five shows at the outdoor venue on Sunday night.
Residents Report Distant Audibility
“You have people seven and nine kilometres away that could hear the concert in Vaughan,” Buday told the Toronto Sun on Tuesday. She explained that sound travel depends on atmospheric conditions such as wind, rain, and cloud cover. “The really high frequency, the trills and the sharp noises, those actually drop off very quickly but the bass and the low frequencies can travel a long, long way.”
Bruno Mars' original opening date on Saturday was postponed due to bad weather and rescheduled for the following Sunday. His remaining Toronto shows are scheduled for Wednesday and Saturday.
Live Nation Responds
Live Nation Canada stated it continues to address sound concerns. “As with any large-scale outdoor concert venue, community feedback is expected,” a spokesperson said. “We continue to work proactively to balance the fan experience with being a responsible neighbour while operating within all compliance requirements.”
The company noted it has implemented additional mitigation measures, including new vinyl cladding behind the grandstands to reduce off-site sound transmission. However, Buday dismissed the cladding as “useless,” adding that residents report it does little to contain the sound.
Communication and Mitigation Issues
Buday called for better communication between venue operators and residents. “There were road closures that weren't communicated. They don't know when fireworks are going to happen after a show so they don't know if they need to prep their dogs. They want a hotline. They want better traffic mitigation.”
Regarding noise limits, Buday noted that allowable levels for amplified sound from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. are 55 dBA and 70 dBC, but Live Nation Canada applies for a noise exemption permit on concert nights, raising limits to 85 dBA and 105 dBC. Live Nation Canada responded that the venue operates under sound regulations approved by the city and that independent Municipal Licensing Officers monitor levels to ensure compliance.
Councillor's Suggestion Rejected
York Centre-Downsview City Councillor James Pasternak suggested building a hard-noise barrier of soil and rocks around the stadium. Buday opposed this idea, saying that low-frequency vibrations would travel through rock and ground. “You can put earplugs in for decibels. You can't do anything regarding vibration,” she said.
Buday emphasized that many noise-related issues are solvable with better communication and mitigation strategies, urging the venue to take proactive steps.
