Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Developer: Ripley Entertainment Inc
Architects: B+H Architects

As a precaution, Ripley asked HGC Engineering to undertake a study that included investigating and identifying the threshold sound or vibration levels that might adversely affect these species in terms of their health, behaviour and reproductive capabilities. We first conducted a review of relevant scientific publications that helped us establish the likely thresholds on sharks and “bony fish” of characteristic locomotive sounds (low-frequency rumbles). We then performed additional calculations, based on this data, to estimate the amount of sound/vibration energy likely to be transmitted from nearby rail traffic, to the floors of the facility and into the water tanks for comparative purposes. As a result of our study and analysis, vibration isolation systems were designed and introduced below the tanks to limit any potential low frequency noise intrusions from train pass-bys.
Acoustical Engineering Services Delivered Included:
- Building Acoustical Review (Sea Life Viewing Galleries, Discovery Centre, Lobby and Gift Shop, Classrooms, Offices)
- Life Support and Building Services Noise and Vibration Control (HVAC Systems, Pumps, Compactors, Generators, etc)
- Rail Induced Ground-Borne Noise and Vibration Assessment and Mitigation
- Vibration Isolation of Aquarium Tanks