• Setting the Standards for Wind Turbine Noise Worldwide

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    Aercoustics Hosting International Wind Turbine Experts in Toronto 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. Accurately Measuring Wind Turbine Noise Wind farms are unique installations and present different challenges when it comes to noise. Because the noise is dependent on the wind conditions, measurement of wind turbine noise at neighboring residents can be a complicated affair. Over the years, many different measurement techniques have been applied with the goal of quantifying wind turbine noise far away from the turbines. Many have been unsuccessful, but a few have honed the craft of measuring […]

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  • Audio Simulation Studio: Experience the Sound. Feel the Silence.

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    Aercoustics brings Canada’s only acoustic and visual simulation room online Our engineers have had the great honour of working on some amazing projects including the Aga Khan Museum, Orpheum and Queen Elizabeth Theatre to name just a few. But we are particularly proud of one of our most recent projects because it is our own. Earlier this year we finished a state-of-the-art room to be part of our new Aercoustics environment. We call it The Bridge and it is the first of its kind in Canada. So what is The Bridge? This remarkable room allows our clients to experience audio and visual simulation of their spaces before they ever break ground. Now owners, architects, engineers and contractors can test their acoustical design and make sure it achieves its goal. Acoustic simulation techniques Depending on the facility, sound quality might be a critical component. If it is a performance venue or […]

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  • Don’t Sweat It: How to Control Gym Noise

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    Fitness centres and gyms are constantly popping up around the city. From office buildings to the grocery store to condominiums, having a fitness facility in close proximity to other amenities and residential housing makes it easier for people to use their memberships. But gyms tend to be noisy places. The bass pumping beats may get everyone going but it is a little annoying if you live above it. Combined with the sound of weights hitting the floor and people coming and going, the noise generated from a fitness centre can result in complaints from neighbours. Gym members may also find noise inside the space overwhelming depending on how it is designed. Unfortunately, most of our calls about gyms come from clients who have already signed a lease. But there are ways to mitigate potential noise issues so you are not driven out of your space by noise complaints: 1. Soundproof […]

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  • Aercoustics Engineering - Toronto Noise Bylaw City Cranes

    Construction in the City: How Changes to Toronto’s Noise Bylaw Impact Jobsites

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    The City of Toronto is sitting up and paying attention to noise—and updating the noise bylaw that is in place. New condos and office towers have re-energized the downtown core but with more people living in the area, construction noise is becoming more of an issue. Recent changes to the City of Toronto’s noise bylaw will have a big impact on how and when certain aspects of construction are done in the city. The City has removed current construction exemptions from the noise bylaw and now restricts builders from pouring concrete or using heavy cranes for work late into the night. The Biggest Change to City of Toronto’s Noise Bylaw The most significant change is the ability to pour or finish concrete. Anyone in the construction industry will tell you that once you start pouring concrete, you can’t stop and come back to it. It’s a chemical process that takes […]

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  • Pitch Perspectives

    Preach It! How Acoustics Can Inspire Prayer in Sacred Spaces

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    Regardless of your faith, worship services tend to bring people together through a combination of speech and song. Acoustics are important to both. We often associate acoustics with performance venues and theatres but sound is just as critical in worship spaces and should not be overlooked. While services will vary from one religion to another, all sacred spaces share similar acoustical requirements; they just need them to varying degrees. The right architectural design and acoustical treatments can create an environment that ensures every member of the congregation is part of the service. Acoustical Challenges of Worship Spaces Constructing a place of worship breaks all bounds of creativity. From intricately designed spaces that are generally grandiose and filled with light to others that have geometric patterns or natural elements. Everything from the high ceilings to circular rooms or domes have a significant impact on acoustics. It can be challenging to modify […]

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  • Reaching a Global Talent Pool with Your Recruiting Program

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    Hiring new members of your team is a time-consuming process. We invest time and resources in to ensure we find the right fit. We also find you need to be creative and expand your borders when it comes to a talent search. Our industry is a niche business and finding good recruits can be a challenge even when the job market is not so competitive. When we need experienced people, we use all avenues available to us and often source people through direct referrals and partnerships.

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  • What it’s REALLY Like Immigrating to the Great White North

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    I will never forget the date March 12, 2018. It was the day I finally immigrated to Canada. Just one day after celebrating my birthday with my family in India, I landed on Canadian soil for the very first time and was welcomed with open arms by customs officials who wished me a happy birthday before sending me on my way to make my Canadian dream a reality.

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  • Pitch Perspectives

    Getting Your Acoustics Pitch Perfect in a Performance Venue

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    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.

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  • lobby of mixed-use residential building condo

    Changing the Shape of Mixed-Use Residential Projects

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    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.

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

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    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.

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