Shoppers Drug Mart at 2500 Hurontario St.
Location: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Developer: Embee Properties Limited
Architects: PDA Architects
HGC Engineering was retained to investigate the potential environmental noise impact of a proposed Shoppers Drug Mart to be constructed at 2500 Hurontario Street, in Mississauga, Ontario. It would replace an existing store located in a plaza next store to the site. Shoppers Drug Mart is Canada’s largest pharmacy chain.
The analysis included an assessment of the noise impact of the anticipated rooftop mechanical equipment and activities of the proposed Shopper’s Drug Mart at the closest existing residences to the west and southwest, in accordance with Ministry of the Environment (MOE) guidelines. The study is required by the City of Mississauga as part of the planning approvals process.
The analysis was based on a review of the proposed site plan, building elevations, roof mechanical plan, truck delivery information, rooftop unit specifications, sound data, aerial photos and a site visits.
As proposed, the new Shoppers Drug Mart building would have 6 mechanical HVAC units on the roof of the building, along with 7 compressor/condenser units and an exhaust fan.
Acoustic screens were proposed for the HVAC unit, compressor/condenser units and truck loading bay closest to residences. Detailed information regarding the type of rooftop units was known at the time of the study. Manufacturer’s sound power data was used in the analysis to predict sound levels associated with the building on the adjacent residences.
Noise Study Results and Recommendations
Our analysis, assuming typical worst-case equipment and operating scenarios indicated that the noise impact of the Shoppers Drug Mart building would comply with MOE criteria at the nearest façades of the residential buildings with some mitigation measures. The mitigation measures recommended included rooftop barriers/screens for the eight pieces of mechanical equipment, along with the inclusion of a 5.0 m high wing wall at the loading area
- Conducted detailed noise studies in accordance with Ontario Ministry of the Environment procedures
- Specified noise controls
- Developed noise control plan
