AANViS 2024 AGM - Off-site at the National Music Centre

 

Alberta Acoustics, Noise and Vibration Society (AANViS) will be taking to the road for the 2024 AGM. Meeting will be held on March 5^th, 2024 at the National Music Centre (850 and 851 - 4th Street SE, Calgary) from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM. There will be a guided tour throughout the museum once the meeting has been held. In person attendance will be limited so keep a close eye out for future information on this exciting event.  

For those who prefer to attend remotely, a Zoom connection is being set up, and the details will be shown on the AANViS website once available.

The agenda for the meeting is:

•         Introduction of the current board members
•           Approval of the minutes from the previous general meeting
•           Approval of the annual financial report
•         Discussion of plans for the upcoming two-day conference this October.
•           Discussion of future plans for the Society’s activities.
•           This includes plans for social events in Calgary and Edmonton
•           Election of members of the board 
•           Adjournment

 

Richard Patching

Past President

Alberta Acoustics Holiday Social

Link for RSVP: https://www.linkedin.com/events/aanvis-albertaacousticsholidays7133336862533844993/comments/

Details:

As we approach the close of 2023, it's time to come together and celebrate at the grand finale of the Alberta Acoustics, Noise & Vibration Society (AANViS) social events! Join us for an evening of camaraderie at Last Best Brewing & Distilling.

📅 Date & Time: Monday, December 11, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm
🎟️ Entry: Free
🍽️ Food: Provided

Let's reflect on the year gone by and look ahead to exciting prospects in the field of acoustics. It's not just an event; it's a chance to connect, share experiences, and toast to the accomplishments of the year.
Save the date and make this final AANViS gathering of the year a memorable one. See you there!

Calgary Takes a Sound Leap: A Promising Future with New Noise Policy Initiatives

In a resounding victory for the well-being of its residents, the City of Calgary (the City) has embarked on a pioneering journey to establish a comprehensive noise policy, demonstrating a commitment to safeguarding public health and enhancing the quality of life for Calgarians. On September 12, 2023, the Council unanimously moved the Motion for a Noise Policy to Protect the Health and Quality of Life of Calgarians.

Recognizing the pervasive impact of environmental noise on human health, the City is set to undertake a thorough review of existing bylaws, implement city-wide noise mapping, and introduce innovative measures for noise mitigation. This progressive initiative aligns with global best practices and is a significant step toward creating more liveable and harmonious urban spaces.

Joel Laforest sought assistance from our president Dan Clayton for putting forward a Motion to improve the noise exposure for Calgarians after hearing his keynote speech at the AANViS fall conference last year. Noise complaints have been increasing over the past few years and Joel was compelled to do something and received backing from Councillor Walcott, Councillor Spencer, and Councillor Wong to put a case to Council for a Motion.

Scientific evidence overwhelmingly supports the idea that exposure to environmental noise has far-reaching consequences on human health. From cardiovascular effects to cognitive impacts, sleep disturbances, mental health issues, and pulmonary effects, the detrimental effects are wide-ranging. This move by the City underscores the importance of addressing noise-related concerns as part of a broader public health strategy.

Acknowledging the need for effective noise management, numerous jurisdictions worldwide have implemented policies and action plans to mitigate the adverse effects of environmental noise. Some have even established urban noise observatories, drawing on the best practices outlined by international health authorities. The City's decision to follow suit exemplifies a commitment to learning from successful initiatives elsewhere and tailoring them to the local context.

Beyond addressing negative impacts, the noise policy envisions a city where positive and desirable sounds are integral to urban planning and public space design. This forward-thinking perspective recognizes the role of sounds in creating engaging and liveable environments, fostering a sense of community and well-being.

The City's resolution to direct the administration to return with a draft noise policy vision, a review of existing bylaws, and a comprehensive work plan for city-wide noise mapping and mitigation is a significant milestone. The proposed pilot project, engaging Calgarians in soundscape assessment, demonstrates a commitment to community involvement and reflects the city's dedication to inclusive decision-making.

This decision to embark on this journey towards a comprehensive noise policy is a cause for celebration. As the city prioritizes the health and well-being of its residents, it sets an example for others to follow. With a visionary noise policy, the City of Calgary is not just addressing a crucial public health concern but is also shaping a future where urban spaces are designed to promote positive sounds, community engagement, and an overall higher quality of life.

AANViS will keep you updated as this progresses, but this is a big win for improving noise policy in Alberta and an exciting time for our industry.

AANViS would like to thank Joel and the City of Calgary for striving for improvement in this key area.

AANViS Gears Up to Shape Alberta's Noise Regulations

Municipalities across Alberta are grappling with the complexities of managing noise pollution, often facing challenges in decision-making for regulatory approvals. Simultaneously, the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) is in the process of amending Rule 012. Despite multiple iterations and a dedicated meeting, the proposed amendments are yet to reach an optimal state.

Recognizing the need for a comprehensive and effective approach, AANViS believes that its members and board are uniquely positioned to contribute valuable insights to enhance noise and vibration regulations in Alberta. We are reaching out to our members to gather input and expressions of interest on the following critical matters:

1.       Proposing a Unified Alberta Noise and Vibration Policy:

AANViS aims to present to the province a consolidated noise and vibration policy that transcends operations and sources, offering an improved and streamlined version of existing regulations.

2.       Interim Measures: Comments on AUC Rule 012 Amendments:

As an interim measure, AANViS is actively seeking comments and input on the proposed amendments to AUC Rule 012. Your perspectives will play a pivotal role in refining the regulations.

3.       Sharing Best Practices:

AANViS invites members to share any successful or innovative practices they've implemented in the absence of local bylaws or municipal policies. Your experiences could pave the way for effective solutions.

Get Involved - Your Input Matters:

If you are an active AANViS member passionate about shaping Alberta's acoustics, noise, and vibration landscape, we encourage you to get involved. Your insights and expertise can resonate throughout the industry, shaping a future where Alberta thrives in the right way.

Contact Us:

To express your interest, share your input, or get involved, please reach out to us at albertaanvis@gmail.com

Recreational noise puts residents in a pickle

 

As one of the fastest growing sports in Canada, pickleball is taking the country by storm - and the heartbeat of the game is making waves too. Invented in 1965 by an American congressman in Washington State, the upswing in pickleball contenders is reaching new heights, for more than one reason. With a striking resemblance to tennis, elements of ping-pong, and components of badminton, pickleball has captured the hearts and minds of 18-34 year olds, the fastest growing population in Canada for the sport. Traditionally a senior-dominated game, the rise of pickleball in popular culture is creating a wave of “firsts,” with more than one million people in Canada picking up rackets in 2022.

The spread of pickleball’s newfound contagion can be attributed to the game being inclusive for all skill levels, but allowing for players to choose their own adventure when it comes to the level of seriousness they wish to exude when hitting the courts. But while this 58 year old sport might be the greatest cheap thrill we’ve all been searching for - it isn’t being met with the same level of enthusiasm off the court. With an explosion of players, Canadian cities aren’t equipped with the courts required to meet demand. But this isn’t the main issue plaguing the picklers; the noise generated by the rackets is serving up some much bigger challenges.

Played with a racket or paddle sport, pickling the ball consists of two or four players hitting a perforated, hollow plastic ball over a 34-inch net, until one side is unable to return the ball or commits an infraction. Classified as an impulsive sound, the impact of a hard plastic ball on the paddles generates a jarring noise - comparable to the “grunts” you’d hear from renowned tennis champion Rafael Nadal while defending his reigning champ title at a Wimbledon tournament - just not as endearing. Near the most sensitive frequency range of human hearing, pickleball generates significant acoustic impacts on those living near the courts. Peak sound pressure levels from the courts at a distance of approximately 75 feet exceed 80 decibels. This is akin to heavy vehicle traffic or a noisy restaurant. 

According to acoustics experts, a pickleball paddle impacts easily penetrate the interior of a home or condominium and will prevent the quiet enjoyment of the residents' use of their living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, balconies, patios, and other spaces. Experts have also noted that constant exposure to high-decibel sound can seriously impact a person’s quality of life and mental state.

With no signs of slowing down, the rise of pickleball has created a divide between players and residents living in close proximity to the courts. As a result, complaints have materialised into court cases, fines and even bans. Most recently, a couple from Chilliwack, British Columbia have threatened to go on a hunger strike as a plea to the City to shut down the court located outside of their home. The husband likened the sound of the pickleball whap to Chinese water torture techniques used during high profile interogations.

Unlike the drop of a human tear, which makes no audible sound detectable by anything except for terriers and some brands of Pekingese dogs, pickleball will continue as a maddening hindrance to resident’s ear drums until court supply increases and proper sound barriers are implemented.

Until then, we hope avid picklers and residents can come to a place of compromise so that players can continue tickling their pickles, and neighbouring residents can live in peace, free of noise dill-emmas.

Edits by Chelsea Smyth

Eugene Bolstad turns 100

 

Eugene Bolstad turns 100

 

Eugene Bolstad was among the first, if not the first, consulting acoustic engineer in the province of Alberta.  He turns 100 years of age on September 18^th of this year.

Eugene started his career in the field of Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) as a “mechanical draftsman”, and soon found that there were few others locally looking into the acoustic aspects of this area.  He was a member of the American Society covering HVAC issues (which became the American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineering, aka ASHRAE).  He was a strong member and supporter of the Consulting Engineers of Alberta (CEA) as well as the Canadian Acoustical Association (CAA), helping host its annual conference three times.  He founded Bolstad Engineering operating from Edmonton and mentored many who subsequently found a niche in the fields of acoustics and noise control.

Eugene made to Corjan Buma many years ago about his motivation to get into acoustics and noise control which was “I designed all these noisy monsters [mechanical systems], so I figured I’d better DO something about that”. 

Eugene was also instrumental in expanding acoustical practices in Alberta.  He constructed the first ASHRAE-compliant acoustical testing lab in western Canada, which in the 1980’s was sold to the University of Alberta and operated as the Mechanical Engineering Acoustics and Noise Unit, providing acoustical testing services to academia and industry.  Several individuals made use of the Lab’s facilities to attain advanced degrees.  He participated in the early versions of the Noise Directive regulating energy-related noise in Alberta, which, to this day, is a frequently-referenced document well beyond Alberta’s borders.

Among other novel projects to his credit, Eugene designed a silencer to reduce the noise emissions from the blower on an asphalt mixing drum, and produced a simplified model for predicting the noise emissions from small compressor stations.  He assisted with introduction of noise walls along Edmonton roadways and with the control of noise propagation around Edmonton International Airport.

During the conferences of the Alberta Acoustics and Noise Association (“AANA”; the pre-cursor to AANViS), student scholarships were given for student presentations, and named in honour of Eugene.

We wish Eugene continuing good health and prosperity.

President's Message

As the newly elected president of the Alberta Acoustics and Vibration Society (AANViS), I am honoured to write to you and express my thanks to our former president, Richard Patching, for his service and dedication to our society.  Richard remains an active part of the society as Past President. Please reach out to him directly to thank him if you get the chance.

 

One of the core goals of AANViS is to create and nurture an acoustics community that promotes collaboration and knowledge exchange in the industry. Collaboration is the catalyst for progress, and by fostering an inclusive environment, we can enhance the synergy within our society. I encourage all members to actively engage in discussions, share expertise, and collaborate on projects, thus enabling us to collectively advance the field of acoustics in Alberta and Canada as a whole. Perhaps we'll see you at one of our social events in the future.

 

Accreditation and recognition of practitioners play a vital role in establishing professional standards. AANViS are exploring the possibility of introducing accreditation for practitioners. Such initiatives will not only provide professionals with well-deserved recognition but also enhance public trust and confidence in the expertise of our members.

 

Furthermore, it is incumbent upon us, as members of AANViS and CAA, to educate the public, regulators, and the federal government about the importance of considering sound and vibration in decision-making processes. By raising awareness of the impact of acoustics, we can influence policy and decision-makers to prioritize acoustic considerations and mitigate potential adverse effects. Our expertise should be sought after, and we should actively engage with stakeholders to ensure that sound and vibration are adequately addressed in various domains. We will be looking to host learning and discussion sessions for the public and those that are interested in acoustics in the near future. If you have any ideas, please send them to us.

 

The assessment, management, and regulation of sound, regardless of its source or activity, including construction, is of paramount importance to our society. AANViS, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, will be looking to advocate for comprehensive and effective sound management practices. By providing guidance, expertise, and best practices, we can ensure that sound-related activities are conducted in a manner that minimizes adverse effects on individuals and communities while facilitating sustainable development.

 

AANViS will be looking to position itself as an advisory and consulted body, providing expert opinions and influencing good practices in policy and regulation. By engaging with governments and decision-makers at various levels, we can advocate for evidence-based approaches, promote the adoption of best practices, and contribute to the development of policies and regulations that align with the needs and aspirations of our acoustics community. We will be looking for help and input from our members in this matter and encourage any of those interested to reach out and let us know.

 

To secure the future of acoustics in Canada, it is imperative to establish more representation of undergraduate and higher education degree programs in acoustics. By collaborating with educational institutions, AANViS can encourage the development of comprehensive curricula that provide aspiring acousticians with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in their careers. By supporting and promoting these educational programs, we can help shape the next generation of acoustics professionals.

 

Acoustics is integral in creating healthy and sustainable environments, it really matters. By aligning our efforts with a government policy, we can ensure that the importance of acoustics is acknowledged and incorporated into decision-making processes at the highest level and that it makes sense!

 

As we move forward, let us unite as a vibrant acoustics community, dedicated to collaboration, recognition, education, and advocacy. Together, we can shape the future of acoustics in Alberta and contribute to the well-being of individuals, communities, and the built environment.

 

Thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to working with each and every one of you in the pursuit of our shared goals.

Dan Clayton, President AANVIS

MetaWrx Acoustic Floor at the South Health Campus

How MetaWrx Helped to Achieve 'Healthy' Noise Levels

Alberta Health Services (AHS) is part of Canada’s first and largest provincewide, fully integrated health system. Every year, more than 4.4 million people come to AHS in search of care.

Part of the AHS South Health Campus is designated as a weight room and fitness space, used by staff to exercise and unwind, with a second, and larger contingency comprised of patients taking part in the various available rehabilitation programs. While the exercise equipment offerings are ideal, the location of the workout room within the multi-story building was anything but—situated on the second floor, the YMCA fitness facility sits squarely between a patient area on the first floor, and physician offices on the third.

When COVID restrictions necessitated that the workout room be shut down, building occupants enjoyed a brief respite from noise created from foot traffic, dropped weights and more, common to regular use of the space. Management acknowledged that, prior to gym’s reopening, the noise issue had to be addressed.

With a desire to reduce both airborne and structure-borne noise, while also adding a running track and treadmills to the space, AHS enlisted the help of Merlin Noise Control to aid in the retrofit project.

Weighing in on the Situation 

To simulate a real-world scenario and noise problem, Merlin Noise Control performed drop tests from 16 test locations. Each entailed releasing a 40-pound dumbbell from chest height onto a 4’x4’ square of 2.25” plywood, built up from three .75” layer sheets. The variable was the floor underlayment. Floor types included: bare floor, 1” rubber flooring, an existing and ineffective three-inch thick dimpled gym mat and a 4’x4’ MetaWrx test assembly.

During the tests, nurses were stationed in multiple spots on multiple floors: two on the 1st floor, two on the 2nd floor near the facility, two on the 3rd floor, and one on the 4th floor. Each individual involved in the testing held a two-way radio and noise monitor and recorded the reading of each drop at their designated location. In addition, each nurse also recorded their own perception of the results to pair qualitative data with the quantitative.

Notably, all of the nurses believed that MetaWrx provided the most noticeable noise difference and was the best option—and the quantitative data supported this conclusion. Not only did MetaWrx show a considerable difference in the sound and vibratory levels experienced on the floors above and below the workout space, everyone stationed on the gym floor during testing noted that minimal vibrations were felt in their feet when weights were dropped on MetaWrx test assembly.

MetaWrx Works

MetaWrx is a new class of isolator designed by HyperDamping, Inc. and offered exclusively by Kinetics in a forward-thinking collaboration. Offering superior shock, vibration attenuation and repeatable performance, MetaWrx is a perfect addition to fitness facilities, dance studios, performing spaces, and other facilities using lightweight low-profile floor build-ups. It is easy to install and meets and exceeds building code criteria while maintaining desired floor and ceiling height.

With a successful installation at Alberta Health Services South Health Campus, Kinetics continues its tradition of innovation, to the delight of the many patients and staff members of AHS.

Update on Banff Train Whistle Cessation Plans

 

As was reported earlier, there has been a campaign by residents of the Town of Banff to have the CP trains cease using the locomotive’s whistles while passing the town.  There are a number of residences, including a seniors’ home, within 50-metres of the mainline tracks.  CP has reported that there are 20 trains per day, on average, using this primary rail-line.  This line is on of the primary rail shipping routes through Canada and has been so since the 1870’s.

CP has expressed serious concern about people crossing the tracks illegally on this section of track, despite numerous signs and other indications of the safety concerns.  There are warning bells at the at-grade road crossings 2.3 km apart, but these are a good distance away from the areas under consideration and it would be unlikely that those warnings would be heard in the middle of the section.  The train whistle is needed to warn people, and animals, crossing the tracks between the residential and industrial areas of the town.

CP’s preferred solation is for a pedestrian overpass, which would cost several millions of dollars.  There is a cheaper option of a signalized at-grade crossing in the area.  As of the meting of November 22 of last year, the Town Council is currently unwilling to commit this level of funding and has stated that they will hold off until further information, including a safety audit and clarity from CP and Parks Canada, are available.  At the March 27^th meeting, the Council directed the Administration to ‘engage Parks Canada and CP Rail on potential improvements to existing alternative routes for pedestrians and cyclists to the Industrial Compound’, and to ‘return to the 2024 Service Review process with the costs and operational feasibility of increasing year-round Roam Public Transit service to the Industrial Compound starting in 2024’.  They had further closed meeting discussions which were not revealed at this time.

It may be noted that the Town of Canmore had a policy for many years restricting residential development within 90 metres of the CP rail-line, but this has been relaxed since the addition of continuous fencing along the tracks to prevent trespass.

In their document ‘Road and Rail Noise: Effects of Housing’, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) showed methods to protect the interior of houses from exterior noise from these sources.  For buildings this close to a major rail-line, these treatments can be expensive, and it would have been wiser to discourage such construction, given the track has been a pre-existing apart of this environment.  However, given the limited available space in Banff, it is perhaps understandable.

It appears that, at this time, there is no further update.

Richard Patching, P. Eng, M. Eng

Meet the AANViS President

 

AANViS Conference Summary

by Dan Clayton, SLR Consulting Ltd.

Over 80 acoustics practitioners came together for the 2022 Fall AANViS conference, Sounding Alarms, Solving Problems.

It was great to see so many faces at the conference. There was so much buzz and energy in the rooms before the conference started. The coffee was at the ready and there was a sense of anticipation for the first time the industry had met up en masse since the pandemic.

The day kicked off with lots of people arriving in time for registration, buffet breakfast, and networking before the opening speech from Richard Patching, AANViS President.

Opening Plenary. Richard’s speech first acknowledged the many First Nations, Métis, and Inuit who cared for the traditional territories and lands which were being used for the conference that day. This acknowledgement was made as an act of reconciliation and gratitude to those whose territory we reside on or are visiting.

The conference sponsors were key to keeping the costs for attendees down. Richard thanked all the sponsors, including our Platinum sponsors, Motion Canada and Wallworks, Gold Sponsors, RWDI and SLR Consulting, and Silver Sponsors, AP dynamics, Behrens & Associates Environmental Noise Control, Merlin Integrated Services, NTi Audio, Patching Associates Acoustical Engineering and X-Scala.

Richard reflected on the challenging decision to postpone the original date of this conference from 2020 due to COVID. It was the right decision to make. The timing felt right to hold it in the fall of 2022, and the crowd of people there really showed support for wanting to get back together and get things moving again.

Richard closed off by welcoming everyone to the first of many AANViS conferences, with a hint at a longer duration one in the future (looking at spring 2024, watch this space).

The morning sessions had the conference split into two spaces: one a half-day workshop and the other a series of expert panels at the mercy of a keen audience to ask questions on an array of topics.

Introduction to Acoustics. Steve Bilawchuk provided his insightful “Introduction to Acoustics Workshop” to an eager audience of keen “students.” Steve walked the audience through the concepts of acoustics, with all sorts of sounds being played to demonstrate the points. The seminar helped to develop and enhance the participants’ knowledge of concepts and principles in Acoustics, providing an opportunity to apply theory to practical situations about sound sources and their control.

Why consultants cost so much…or do they? Dan Clayton of SLR Consulting Ltd., James Farquharson of FDI Acoustics Inc., and Jonathan Chui of Stantec were on the panel of experts. This was an interesting Q&A session with some honest and thought-provoking answers. A few highlights were a discussion around equipment charges to clients, what the panel has seen as changes in technology over the years, how to manage scope creep, and field measurements and analysis processes.

Defining the problem. Ian Bonsma of HGC Engineering, Jessie Roy of RWDI, and Pascal Everton of Soft dB gave opinions and answered questions on “Defining the Problem (RFP Requirements).” This session was targeted at individuals who develop RFPs and the challenges consultants face when trying to respond to them. There were some interesting points made about how difficult it often is for consultants to interpret RFPs for what the client needs and the inefficiencies around this process while being balanced with seeking a competitive bidding process, especially where public money is involved. There was also some discussion about the general RFP culture that is now integral to many procurement processes and how it can seem to be cost-advantageous but is becoming more of a competition of who can write the lowest bid with the tightest scope (having lots of caveats), knowing that soon enough scope change will be inevitable. Things wrapped up with some thoughts and suggestions around RFP issuers seeking support from the acoustics industry on how to relay the problem to be solved/scope clearly and posed the idea of having an interview stage in the selection process.

What didn’t work and why?  Andy Strasser of Merlin Integrated Solutions, Cliff Faszer of FFA Consultants in Acoustics and Noise Control, and Richard Patching, AANViS President, were on the panel to reflect on the ineffective choices in the design and construction of solutions for sound and vibration issues, along with solutions that worked. There were many historical projects shared by the panel and some fantastic questions to get to some real nitty-gritty details on what went wrong. A masterclass from the experts with some great insight in the session.

Lunchtime keynote. Prior to his move to Canada, Dan Clayton completed an undergraduate degree and worked for eleven years in the UK. This recent experience with the profession of acoustics in two countries gives Dan a unique perspective on the similarities and differences in the way the profession is practised, regulated and supported. Click here for a more complete description of Dan’s observations on the differences, how the UK developed its approach and some ideas that could improve the industry here in Canada.

Dan’s talk got everyone talking in the networking space about what they could do next to help with the big tasks ahead and the challenges they are facing. It was great to see everyone so passionate about what could be done.

The afternoon sessions split into two rooms again.

Noise regulations. Five key personnel formed part of the panels of this half-day session talking about upcoming changes to and expectations around assessment approaches. There was representation from four major decision-makers and stakeholders in Alberta. These were the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC), Alberta Energy Regulator (AER), Alberta Infrastructure, and City of Calgary Transportation Planning.

First off, Joan You (AUC) and Jason Cao (AER) went through some expectations for Noise Impact Assessments (NIAs) submitted to each regulator. After this, the floor opened to questions from the audience.

The requirement for NIAs to be stamped by professional engineers came up. On this, the AUC said this wasn’t a requirement but the AER said it was. There was some confusion in the room around this, especially for practitioners without this classification and how it may be seen as an overly bureaucratic requirement, especially where it may not reflect on competency for completing a technically satisfactory NIA.

They were asked if there was any in-person consultation planned for the upcoming updates to the regulations. The AER stated that they understood that their attendance at this conference would suffice as consultation, which surprised the room. A comment regarding the mix of wind farm assessment in AUC Rule 012 with the rest seems inappropriate and should be split into a separate document, with reference made to the IoA good practice guide. The AUC said that this may not be a bad idea and would consider this going forward.

The next panelists were Heather Leonhardt and Vedran Vavan from the City of Calgary Transportation Planning. The first thing mentioned was how the department now had an acoustics specialist, Vedran, to help with the more technical side of sound in transportation planning. There were lots of questions about the general plan for managing sound from transportation and especially in the general reduction strategy for the city. There were discussions around the benefit of a city-wide noise map.

Finally, Phillip Wloka presented some key elements that form part of the requirements for design under Alberta Infrastructure, with a focus on building design. Phillip gave a great introduction to the requirements and stated some general rules of thumb on their expectations. A notable mention was that Alberta Infrastructure is exploring IIC requirements for future iterations of its Technical Design Requirements (TDR). He also noted that if an acoustics consultant is onboard, he is generally happy and trusts their judgment. He also reflected on what it was like going from working in the private acoustics industry to working for Alberta Infrastructure, which was very insightful.

How to become a good consultant. Corjan Buma, MEANU at the University of Alberta, Justin Caskey of Patching Associates, and Teresa Drew of RWDI provided great insight and experiences on how to excel in this challenging industry, not from just a technical perspective but developing internal projects and resources to help deliver the best possible product to clients while managing the concerns and challenges of running a company.

Paper presentations. The technical part of the day closed off with a variety of technical presentations from the old pros and their new techniques and innovations. These presentations ranged from localizing low-frequency sound sources, temporary acoustic barriers, and innovative approaches to acoustical design and relaying the process to clients or end users through simulation.

Book launch & reception. The final part of the conference was the reception over a few light snacks and the launch of Dr. Marcia Jenneth Epstein's book, Sound and Noise: A Listener's Guide to Everyday Life. It’s a fantastic read if you haven’t had a chance to read it. All the copies brought to the conference were sold to the crowd of attendees.

AANViS would like to thank all attendees of the Sounding Alarms Solving Problems conference in November 2022. We couldn’t have done it without your support and participation.

Keep your eyes peeled for news about the 2024 conference soon.