I live in Toronto. They are loud. Traffic is usually isn't noticeable in my 22nd floor condo (unless it's those stupid tuned exhaust systems - which should be banned as well). But when the city or contractors pull out the gas leaf blowers, I hear them pretty clearly. I'm happy to have them gone to reduce the noise.
I agree from a pollution point of view there are bigger fish to fry (like ocean shipping and cruise ships).