York Centre’s James Pasternak is filing a motion with Toronto city council calling on the company to find a solution to recent noise complaints. A spokesperson for Live Nation Canada tells Billboard Canada it is committed to full compliance with all requirements and that "none of our shows this summer have exceeded sound levels allowed by the City."
Toronto’s York Centre city councillor James Pasternak is looking to Live Nation to address alleged noise issues at Rogers Stadium.
Although the Downsview Park venue — owned and operated by Live Nation — installed soundproof padding across the 50,000-capacity open-air stadium before its June 2025 opening, residents have claimed they can hear and feel the high volume of sound and music in their homes.
After last year’s Oasis reunion shows, Pasternak said that “something must be done” to reduce the venue’s sound levels after he claimed the concert could be heard from “miles away.” Following Bruno Mars' opening concerts in May and Post Malone’s concert last week, CTV News reported that residents say the sound was “excessive” and “ridiculously loud."
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Pasternak has continued to vocalize concerns about the facility, but after trying “to find a balance between supporting a thriving music industry and a tourism industry and the concertgoers and businesses,” he tells Toronto Star, his concerns haven’t evoked much change, so he’s calling on the venue operator to find a solution.
This week, Pasternak is filing a motion with Toronto city council highlighting a list of changes for Rogers Stadium. “We owe a duty to the local residents who feel that their peace and enjoyment of their home is being disturbed," he says.
Obtained by the Star, Pasternak’s motion includes a request for Live Nation to work with the city manager to source a “mutually agreeable third-party acoustics engineer firm and/or sound expert” to examine the venue’s physical layout and identify potential improvements to the sound emission outside of the space.
In addition, he’s requesting that Live Nation and city staff consider building a noise barrier on the edge of the west Allen East District and nearby property that is reportedly affected, along with seasonal “stationary noise monitoring” at areas with a history of noise complaints.
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Pasternak’s motion suggests that the potential costs — which were not disclosed — be funded by the live music company. Live Nation is already fighting a $900 fine from the city, which was issued after last year’s System of a Down show went beyond the 11 pm noise curfew.
In a statement to Billboard Canada, a spokesperson for Live Nation Canada says:
“Rogers Stadium operates under strict sound regulations, with extensive operational oversight in place at every show. We continuously monitor sound levels, and independent Municipal Licensing Officers are onsite and in surrounding communities to ensure we remain within permitted limits. None of our shows this summer have exceeded sound levels allowed by the City.
“As with any large-scale outdoor concert venue, community feedback is expected. We remain committed to being a responsible neighbour, working in collaboration with the City, and operating in full compliance with all requirements, while continuing to deliver a positive fan experience."
According to Pasternak, the motion is “an investment with a very good rate of return” for the company. “They don’t need this grief of the hundreds of complaints that come up each concert season.”
Built on the former Downsview Airport runway, Rogers Stadium has implemented changes in its second season to enhance fan experience, accessibility and transportation to and from the site.
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Rogers Stadium is set to host a range of artists in the coming months including Noah Kahan, Karol G, Foo Fighters, BTS, Chris Stapleton, AC/DC and more.
