Turning down the volume. Ottawa Bylaw Services receives fewest noise complaints in 8 years

The sign outside City Hall in Ottawa (CTV News Ottawa)

Ottawa residents appeared to be turning down the volume last year, as Bylaw Services received the fewest noise complaints in eight years.

The Ottawa Bylaw and Regulatory Services 2024 annual report shows the city received 9,789 noise-related complaints in 2024, down from 11,039 in 2023 and 12,339 in 2020.

“The decrease in noise-related service requests can likely be attributed to residents spending more time away from home as they return to the office following the pandemic,” staff said in a report for the emergency preparedness and protective services committee.

The 9,789 noise-related complaints in 2024 are the fewest noise complaints since 2016, when 9,717 noise-related complaints were filed to Bylaw Services.

Bylaw Services officers responded to more than 55,107 service requests in 2024, including the 9,789 requests for noise.

There were 13,385 requests for animal care and control, 2,681 requests for sick/injured animals and 18,245 requests for property standards and zoning enforcement.

The report says there were 496 service requests in relation to vacant properties last year, with 55 charges issued for various infractions.

“Their work resulted in the issuance of 247 permits, representing over 500 addresses, including subdivisions slated for future development,” staff said in the report.

“Over 55 charges were issued under various applicable regulations and more than 80 enforcement actions were taken, including Court Summonses, Notices of Violation, Property Standards Orders and contracting out of required work.

Illegal dumping

Bylaw Services responded to 576 service requests for illegal dumping, up 43 per cent over 2023.

“This increase is likely attributed to ongoing city-wide public education and the creation of a new online reporting mechanism arising from Council approval and subsequent implementation of Public Works’ Curbside Waste Diversion Policy, including the three-item limit which took effect in Fall 2024,” staff said in the report.

“Bylaw and Regulatory Services will continue to monitor the annual service requests related to illegal dumping and monitor year over year trends.”