As a practicing Wind…

As a practicing Wind Engineer in the Province of Ontario, I feel responsible for commenting on what would be lost if Pedestrian Level Wind Studies (PLWS) were to not be required for certain (e.g. tall building) development proposals.

These studies utilize tools (wind tunnel testing and/or computer simulations) to identify areas of problematic or dangerous wind conditions before the building is built. By undertaking these studies and arriving at solutions to mitigate such conditions, these developments are built with the confidence that they will have a safe and comfortable pedestrian realm as it relates to the wind environment.

These studies are conducted in the same timeframe as other required studies (typically about a month) and for a relatively low fee (about $10,000). By eliminating these studies, it won't speed up the application process, nor will it offer an appreciable cost savings to the developers. What will happen are that buildings will get built, and unforeseen wind issues, on the building and on surroundings, will emerge when it is too late to implement simple and effective mitigation measures.