Between May 1 and May 4, 2020 members of the MHPS and Bylaw Enforcement Section have attended to twenty-seven (27) noise complaints within the City of Medicine Hat. The majority of these noise complaints were in relation to outdoor activities with loud music.

The MHPS would like to remind the community of the community noise bylaw #4353. The objective or purpose of the noise bylaw is to encourage good neighbor behavior while establishing the communities’ expectation regarding noise within the City of Medicine Hat.

Some very important definitions guide efforts to determine reasonable noise. Daytime is the hours between 7 am and 10 pm during the week and 9 am to 10 pm during the weekends or holidays. Nighttime is the hours between 10 pm to 7 am during the week and 10 pm to 9 am on weekends or holidays.

The tolerance for noise is lower during the nighttime hours as the acceptable level of noise does drop from 65 decibels for daytime noise to 50 decibels. An objective approach can be used by noise level measurements if required.

As a general rule, the City of Medicine Hat takes a subjective approach to noise as noise at any time that disturbs the peace of another, can be an offence. Many factors will come into consideration such as but not limited to:

• • Type of noise, duration, purpose
  • Time and day of week
  • Nature and use of surrounding area
  • Sound level if measured
  • Any other relevant factor

If have questions or concerns contact the MHPS non-emergency line at 403-529-8481.

Media Contact:

Heather Trail

Supervisor of Municipal Enforcement

Medicine Hat Police Service

Ph: 403-529-8436