Queens University West Campus Turf Field

In 2011, Queens University added a turf field as part of its West Campus to allow for additional field usage, however, a group of neighboring residences, unhappy with noise levels from activities at the turf field, moved to oppose the recent noise bylaw exemption. As a result, HGC Engineering was retained in 2014 by the University to complete a Noise Impact Assessment of activities on the West Campus Turf Field.

The assessment focused on the use of amplified sound at the field for playing the National Anthem and for player announcements as well as the use of whistles. For the purpose of the assessment, unattended sound level monitoring was conducted at four locations surrounding the West Campus and attended measurements were conducted during typical activities at the turf field.

A computer model of the area was then created in order to predict the off-site sound levels at selected nearby receptors. The results indicated that with a modified sound system, the sound level limits of the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks can be met even with prolonged usage. HGC Engineering’s recommendations were implemented and community noise complaints were reduced to one complaint in two years. In 2016, for the third consecutive year, Queen’s University received a noise bylaw exemption allowing late night games to be played at its west campus sports fields.