The effects of construction noise when regulating the industry

      Whether you live in Waterloo or some other city, you’ve probably noticed the amount of new construction—especially in-fill—that is going on. Much of this construction is dramatically disruptive to the existing residents of the neighbourhoods—particularly vibration and noise. Studies show that these are bad for our mental health, yet governments (local, provincial, federal) don’t seem to care about this side effect. “That’s progress” or “Suck it up” seem to be the implied (and sometimes explicit) response. The current Ontario government has changed the noise bylaws to allow construction to start at 6:00am and continue until 10:00pm, seven days a week. Should governments consider the effects of construction noise when regulating the industry? What are the practical and ethical considerations, both for and against, such considerations?