It might be that Toronto’s new Rogers Stadium could have used its own wonder wall as complaints keep piling up from local residents concerned about the noise from massive concerts such as the recent Oasis shows.

The new 50,000-seat open-air Rogers Stadium at Downsview sparked the complaints after hosting 14 concerts, with some shows running from 5 p.m. until midnight. Residents as far as nine kilometres away reported feeling vibrations from the music.

According to a news release, those living in nearby houses and condos said the noise made it impossible to sit outside or get an early night’s sleep. Instead, they dealt with loud music, vibrating windows and doors, fireworks, and traffic congestion. One frustrated resident described the situation as “unacceptable.”

Despite the concerns, the events followed city rules. Noise exemptions allow for levels of 85 dBA and 105 dBC until 11 p.m., limits that experts say are too high for residential areas. Penalties for exceeding them are considered too small to deter violations.

“Just because it’s technically compliant that doesn’t mean that it’s acceptable to the community,” said Ward 6 City Councillor James Pasternak, who signed off on the noise permits.

Noise pollution is the second-largest urban health hazard after air pollution, according to the World Health Organization.

Citizen-led group No More Noise Toronto (NMNT) said residents reached out for help. They conducted a sound study from homes near the stadium and found that current bylaws and exemptions were not designed for venues of this size, and do not adequately protect residents’ health.

“Residents’ health must be a priority over corporate profits,” said Ingrid Buday, founder of NMNT. She added that solutions exist, including sound level limiters, reducing bass frequencies, and installing additional noise barriers around the stadium.

NMNT will present its findings and proposals during an online meeting Sept. 18, at 7 p.m.