Montreal soundscapes during the COVID-19 pandemic: A spatial analysis of noise complaints and residents’ surveys

Abstract Public health measures during the COVID-19 pandemic provided researchers with a quasi-experimental situation to examine what happens when anthropogenic noise sources ( e.g. , traffic) are greatly reduced. This article combines noise-related calls Montreal’s 311 service (29,891 from 2014 2022) original survey data 240 residents collected in 2020 after lockdown and summer reopening. The spatial analysis of revealed that, across all phases, complaints increased population density, proportion low-income residents, greenspace. However, change distribution due is positively associated proportions residential greenspace land use. That is, areas higher use experienced greatest increase calls. that sounds traffic construction decreased both subsequent reopening, while neighborhood nature increased. downtown core also allowed for emergence heating, ventilation air conditioning systems area. We discuss these results considering interest reducing levels cities.