Some days, an urban area can quickly turn into an insufferable cacophony. Construction crews are at work. One of your neighbours is finally tackling a project that requires power tools, while another is using a motorized device to do yard work. Add a motorcyclist revving up for no reason or an incessant horn honker, and the situation is not particularly enjoyable—especially for those who are lucky enough to work from home.

Our latest look at noise in Canada shows that the situation is not improving. More than three in five Canadians (63 per cent, up nine points since our previous survey in 2023) say their city or town has become noisier over the past year. Those aged 18-34 are slightly more likely to believe that peace and quiet in their city or town has been harder to attain (67 per cent) than their counterparts aged 35-54 (63 per cent) or aged 55 and over (59 per cent).

More than two-thirds of British Columbians and Ontarians (68 per cent and 67 per cent, respectively) say their city or town is noisier than a year ago. The proportions are lower in Alberta (64 per cent), Atlantic Canada (61 per cent), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (also 61 per cent), and Quebec (56 per cent).

Almost half of Canadians (46 per cent, up three points) say their street has become noisier in the........

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