Project Overview:

SSWA was retained to assess noise impacts for a proposed residential development located adjacent to the Queen Elizabeth Way. The proximity to high traffic volumes required a comprehensive review to support the introduction of sensitive land uses in a challenging noise environment. 

Challenges

The site is located immediately adjacent to a major highway corridor, resulting in consistently elevated noise levels across the development. The configuration of the site and building introduced varying exposure conditions, particularly at façades and outdoor amenity areas. In addition, on-site mechanical systems required careful consideration to ensure they did not contribute to the overall noise environment or impact nearby sensitive uses.

Approach



SSWA undertook a comprehensive assessment to define the noise environment and identify mitigation requirements. Our work included predicting future sound levels from the QEW, ramps, and surrounding road network, assessing building façades and outdoor amenity areas, and determining window glazing requirements to support indoor noise controls. The study also involved coordinating with the design team to integrate mitigation into the site and building design.

Key Findings

The assessment identified elevated sound levels across the site due to proximity and direct exposure to the highway, as well as contributions from on-site mechanical equipment. Sound levels at outdoor amenity areas and building façades required mitigation to meet applicable criteria. 

Outcome

A coordinated set of mitigation measures was developed to address noise across the site. These included building envelope and ventilation requirements, guidance on mechanical equipment siting and noise control.

With these measures, the development was demonstrated to achieve compliance with MECP criteria, supporting residential use in proximity to a major highway corridor.