Pickleball noise complaints prompt Toronto city council to investigate restrictions
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Pickleballers are making too much racket, say some Toronto city councillors, who believe it’s time to look into noise restrictions at the courts.
The sport’s booming popularity has led to conflicts in some neighbourhoods, according to Coun. Ausma Malik, where local residents are complaining about the persistent, high-pitched popping sound created by the soft, hollow balls hitting the solid paddles.
“I can absolutely see the appeal,” said Malik, who has played the sport. “As one of the fastest-growing sports in Toronto we want to make sure Torontonians can enjoy the game,and we can have these facilities in all parts of the city,and it can be one that neighbours can also abide by.”
Malik drafted a motion, passed by council this week, calling on staff to investigate ways to mitigate the noise, as some other jurisdictions in Canada have done.
The sport has taken off since the COVID-19 pandemic created a surge in outdoor activities, according to Pickleball Canada. A January 2025 survey showed about 1.5 million Canadians now take part in the sport. Ontario leads the way with just under 600,000 participants, the survey shows.
But the rise in popularity has also led to rise in noise complaints, according to Malik.
She points to a letter she received earlier this year, signed by 20 households near the pickleball courts at Trinity Bellwoods Park.
“What residents have shared with me is the persistent popping sound of pickleball play is very distinct from other sports,and it’s the impact of that that is very disruptive,” she said.
B.C., Ottawa have tackled pickleball noise: councillor
Malik’s motion calls on staff to check in with other jurisdictions, in particular British Columbia and the city of Ottawa, where pickleball noise has been successfully mitigated, she said.
Ottawa councillor David Hill told CBC Toronto his city implemented new rules at the beginning of the year that limit times of play, so there’s no pickleball noise early in the morning or in the evening. as well, the city closed and moved some courts, distancing them from residences.
“The current plan is a winning plan,” he said. “The city took the time to reach out to a educated consultant, they did a fairl
Toronto Grapples with Pickleball Boom and Rising Noise Complaints
The rapidly growing popularity of pickleball in Toronto is creating a dilemma for city officials: balancing increased demand for courts with concerns about noise levels impacting nearby residents.While the city invests in expanding pickleball facilities,a recent uptick in noise complaints suggests a need for potential regulations to manage the sport’s distinctive sounds.
Pickleball’s Explosive Growth in Toronto
Pickleball, a paddle sport combining elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis, has experienced a surge in popularity across North America, and Toronto is no exception. The City of Toronto is responding to this demand by upgrading 25 pickleball courts across all wards this year and next. A new 12-court complex is also planned for Centennial Park in Etobicoke, slated to open in 2025. https://www.cbc.ca/news/toronto/pickleball-noise-complaints-toronto-1.7008999
However, this expansion hasn’t been without its challenges. City staff have reported a meaningful increase in noise complaints related to pickleball courts. Twenty complaints were received in 2024, a stark contrast to none in previous years.
The Sound of Pickleball: Why the Concern?
The distinctive “pop” of the pickleball hitting the paddle is the primary source of the noise complaints. Unlike tennis, which has a more muffled sound, the harder plastic ball and shorter court in pickleball create a sharper, more frequent sound. This can be particularly disruptive to those living near outdoor courts.
Community Solutions and Potential Regulations
despite the rising complaints, some pickleball groups report no issues with noise. John Cameron, head of the Etobicoke Pickleball Association, notes his group of approximately 2,000 members playing at 50 different courts hasn’t received a single complaint. https://www.cbc.ca/news/toronto/pickleball-noise-complaints-toronto-1.7008999 Cameron attributes this success to considerate playing habits, such as avoiding early morning or late evening play.
“We have people playing at about 50 different courts, outside here in Etobicoke, but we have not heard a single complaint. None,” Cameron stated. “One thing we do is we don’t start too early and we don’t play too late. I think that’s being kind to the neighbours you’re playing around.”
To address the growing concerns, Councillor Brad Bradford has put forward a motion requesting city staff to investigate potential regulations for pickleball courts as part of an ongoing study of all city recreational facilities. https://www.cbc.ca/news/toronto/pickleball-noise-complaints-toronto-1.7008999 The timeline for a report and potential approval of new regulations remains unclear.
key Takeaways:
* Pickleball is booming: Toronto is experiencing a significant increase in pickleball participation.
* Noise complaints are rising: the city has seen a jump in noise complaints related to pickleball courts in 2024.
* Community consideration matters: Pickleball groups that prioritize considerate playing times report no noise issues.
* Regulations are under consideration: The city is exploring potential regulations to manage pickleball noise.
The City of Toronto faces the challenge of accommodating the growing popularity of pickleball while mitigating potential disturbances to residents. Finding a balance through thoughtful planning, community engagement, and possibly, targeted regulations, will be crucial to ensuring the continued enjoyment of this increasingly popular sport for all.