I am a professional Engineer…

I am a professional Engineer in the microclimate field specializing in Pedestrian Level Wind studies throughout Ontario. Over my career I have witnessed a steady increase in the impacts of winds from high-rise developments throughout the province, specifically within the Greater Toronto Area. Wind testing often produces results that prove developments may cause uncomfortable and/or unsafe conditions in the pedestrian realm. If Bill 17 is passed as written, these concerns will not be identified and mitigated prior to construction, and future developments will cause hazardous and undesirable wind conditions for pedestrians, as well as damage to doors, outdoor furniture, landscaping, vegetation, and others. This would have a significant impact on the environment and the livability of our communities.

Removal of wind studies from the requirement for complete application would not make it easier nor faster to build new homes and infrastructure like transit, roads, and water and wastewater systems (as stated in Bill 17). Wind studies are typically only required for tall buildings over 6 storeys and have no impact on proposals for low-rise housing, and infrastructure like transit, roads, and water and wastewater systems. Wind studies are conducted for mid through high-rise buildings and pose a very minor cost and timeline compared to the overall cost and timeline of these projects. Wind studies do not limit construction, they simply ensure these buildings are designed and built safely and responsibly.