Overview

The City of St. Catharines has a noise by-law to address issues such as persistent noise created by construction, combustible motors, barking dogs, whining or calling of domestic animals, music and yelling.

Process

Noise

All noise complaints, with the exception of barking dogs, are referred to Legal and Clerks Services, Legal Services, which deals directly with each complaint as it is received. If your complaint relates to barking dogs please see Persistent Barking section below.

A written complaint letter is required before the complaint can be processed by Legal Services.  The complaint letter must contain the following information:

• Name, address, phone number and signature of the complainant
• Address of the property that is the subject of the complaint
• Name of owner(s) and/or tenant(s) the property, if known
• Specific details of the complaint, such as the type of noise, when it is occurring and the duration

Letters should be mailed to the attention of Legal Services, or delivered in person to Legal and Clerks Services, third floor, City Hall.  If you have any questions please contact Legal Services at 905-688-5601 ext. 1521.

The person(s) creating the disturbance are formally contacted by written notice and may be subject to prosecution in the event of continuing non-compliance.

Complaints may also be made to the Niagara Regional Police Service to be dealt with appropriately.

Persistent Barking

Noise complaints relating to dog barking and/or whining or calling of domestic animals should be referred to Niagara Region Animal Services Inc.

Penalty

In the event of a prosecution, a conviction for this type of offence can result in a fine of up to $5,000.

A ticket issued by a Niagara Regional Police Officer and/or Animal Control Officer can result in a fine of up to $365.

By-law(s)

View Original Noise By-law 95-198

View Amendments to Original Noise By-law (New By-law 2015-60)