Sound Off

Starting a New Job in a Pandemic

Posted by Ibbtida Khan /

Finding Creative Ways to Train and Integrate New Team Members While Working Apart. As the end of my Mechanical Engineering program came, I eagerly awaited the “Iron Ring” ceremony, a ritual which is the calling of the engineer. My big day came on March 7th and was followed by several big parties. But one week later, the province was locked down.

Read More

You’re Building a Condo, WHERE?

Posted by Nicholas Sylvestre-Williams /

As the density in cities increase, so does the demand for housing. But developers need a suitable piece of land to build. Suitable or good land means it is away from industrial areas and noisy transportation. For years, parking lots in the city’s core were ideal. But they have become increasingly scarce and developers are having to be creative to make do with the land available.

Read More

Top 5 Things You Should Know Before Building a Mass Timber Project

Posted by Tim Preager /

Mass timber has been used widely for more than two decades in Europe but it wasn’t until 2012 when mass timber construction made its debut in North America. Since the first construction, interest and adoption has been swift. And now thanks to changes to the National Building Code (NBC), construction is likely to accelerate with the height restrictions set to double in the New Year.

Read More

Setting the Standards for Wind Turbine Noise Worldwide

Posted by Payam Ashtiani /

It’s clean, affordable, and endlessly renewable. It’s no surprise that wind power is one of the fastest growing methods of electrical generation in the world. But whether it’s here in Canada or abroad, the topic of wind energy can be divisive. But it may not be the turbine’s fault. If a wind project is not designed or tuned properly, turbines can be a noisy neighbour.

Read More
Pitch Perspectives

Getting Your Acoustics Pitch Perfect in a Performance Venue

Posted by Payam Ashtiani /

Whether you’re going to see a play or a concert in a performance venue, listening to a lecture or attending a service in a place of worship, acoustics play a critical role in determining your enjoyment of the experience. To understand acoustics, we need to understand our ears. This is the first post in our technical blog series: Pitch Perspectives! Where we’ll explore the various elements and parameters required to ensure good interior room acoustics of various types of facilities to provide positive acoustic experiences.

Read More
lobby of mixed-use residential building condo

Changing the Shape of Mixed-Use Residential Projects

Posted by Nicholas Sylvestre-Williams /

Mixed-use residential units offer city dwellers the luxury of being able to grab a bite for lunch, go to the gym, drop their dog off at daycare and enjoy live jazz without getting in their car. In many cities where space is a premium, mixed-use residential buildings are becoming increasingly common. Developers combine retail, residential, and commercial uses into one vibrant location. But convenient amenities shouldn’t be a burden. Read more about challenges that need to be addressed before construction and what to consider when building mixed-use residential spaces.

Read More

Get it Right the First Time: The Transition from OMB to LPAT

Posted by Nicholas Sylvestre-Williams /

For decades, Ontario residents with concerns about proposed developments went through the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB), the province’s independent, quasi-judicial administrative tribunal that handled decisions on land use planning issues and other matters. Last April, the OMB was replaced with the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT). Learn how the new LPAT has changed the appeal process and the significantly impact to whether your project is approved or rejected.

Read More