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Quiet Hours & Noise Rules in Ottawa, Ontario
Confirm quiet hours, decibel limits, construction schedules, and reporting steps so you can keep the peace in your neighbourhood.
Last verified on
Need a quick answer?
Default quiet hours: 23:00-07:00 (sound reproduction devices that disturb)
Weekends/holidays: 23:00-07:00 (plus: no disturbing use before 09:00 Sat / 12:00 Sun & statutory holidays)
Construction weekdays: 07:00-22:00 (general); Infill housing 07:00-20:00 (Mon-Fri)
Construction weekends: Sunday/holidays 09:00-22:00 (general); Infill 09:00-19:00
Ottawa prohibits disturbing use of sound reproduction devices after 23:00 and sets daytime decibel limits (55 dBA outdoors; 45 dBA inside an adjacent unit). Construction is generally 07:00-22:00 (9:00-22:00 Sundays/holidays). See By-law 2017-255.
Residential quiet hours
23:00-07:00 (sound reproduction devices that disturb)
Weekends & holidays: 23:00-07:00 (plus: no disturbing use before 09:00 Sat / 12:00 Sun & statutory holidays)
Decibel limits
55 dBA daytime
Measured inside receiving residence.
Construction hours
07:00-22:00 (general); Infill housing 07:00-20:00 (Mon-Fri)
Weekends: Sunday/holidays 09:00-22:00 (general); Infill 09:00-19:00
Lawn equipment
Not specified
Includes gas-powered blowers, mowers, trimmers.
Party & music rules
Disturbing amplified sound prohibited after 23:00; weekend mornings stricter (before 09:00 Sat / 12:00 Sun/hol).
Typical fines
Minimum ~ $500 first offense noted by City; up to $10,000 per day for continuing offences
First offense: ~$500 (varies by case)
Noise enforcement & reporting
Call or report via 3-1-1 (ServiceOttawa) for non-emergency noise. Provide dates, times, and source details so dispatchers can prioritise the call. Anonymous complaints are accepted but detailed contact information helps with follow-up.
- Document the issue (record short clips, note times, and track duration for at least two nights if possible).
- Share a polite note with the neighbour or property manager. See the message templates below.
- Submit a complaint via https://www.ottawa.ca/311 or call 3-1-1 (ServiceOttawa) for non-emergency noise. Ask for the incident number for reference.
- If the noise continues, follow up with enforcement referencing the incident number. Keep your documentation for any tribunal or landlord board filings.
Ready-to-send messages
Neighbour note
Hi - Ottawa restricts disturbing amplified sound after 11 p.m., with stricter weekend mornings. Could you keep volumes down overnight? Thanks!
Landlord / property manager
Hello - We're experiencing noise that appears to violate Ottawa's Noise By-law (post-23:00). Please address with the tenant/contractor; I can provide my 3-1-1 details.
Always confirm with the latest official notices or municipal postings before making plans.
Official bylaw source
Source: City of Ottawa Noise By-law No. 2017-255
This summary reflects updates verified on . Always confirm with the latest municipal notices before acting.
Tips for quieter living
- For multi-unit buildings, measure inside your unit and note if clearly audible in another dwelling.
- Flag if construction is 'infill housing' (stricter hours).
- On Nov 11, note the downtown ceremony zone blackout (10:00-12:00) for construction.
Frequently asked questions
Answers are summarized from the city bylaw for quick reference. For the full context, follow the official links below.