D’Arcy Heights Residential Development, Alberta

HGC Noise Vibration Acoustics was retained to conduct a noise feasibility study for D’Arcy Heights, a proposed multi-family residential development in Okotoks, Alberta. D’Arcy Heights will consist of two four-storey high residential buildings. A common outdoor leisure space is planned in the middle of the development as well as walk out rear deck patios on the main floor level at both Building 1 and 2.

Noise Feasibility Study Required by the Municipality for Development

The surrounding lands around the proposed site are primarily existing residential uses or lands in transition to residential and commercial uses. The noise feasibility study was required by the Town of Okotoks as part of their planning and approvals process.

The primary noise sources impacting the site are future road traffic on Highway 2A (locally referred to as Northridge Drive) which is immediately east of the proposed site. Road traffic count data was obtained from the Government of Alberta and was used to predict future traffic sound levels at the outdoor leisure locations at the proposed residential dwelling units.

City of Calgary Traffic Noise Policies

The Town of Okotoks planning department indicated that they have adopted the traffic noise policies established by the City of Calgary. As a result, predicted sound levels were compared to the sound level limits set in the Surface Transportation Noise Policy TP003, implemented by the City of Calgary.

The sound level predictions indicated that future road traffic sound levels in 2043 (a 20-year forecast) at the outdoor leisure areas for Building 1 along the east and south façade could exceed the Design Noise Level limit outlined in the Surface Transportation Noise Policy.

Sound attenuation, in the form of acoustical barriers were recommended and incorporated into the design. The exact feasibility, selection and implementation of the noise mitigation were expected to be determined in consultation with the Town of Okotoks

Acoustical consulting services delivered include:

• Conducted a detailed road traffic noise study in accordance with sound level limits set in the Surface Transportation Noise Policy TP003, implemented by the City of Calgary.
• Predictive Traffic Noise Model