1. INTRODUCTION - Richview Square...Toronto, Ontario M8X 2A9 Canada Dear Mr. Cameron: Re:...

127 Walgreen Road, Ottawa, Ontario K0A 1L0 Canada

(613) 836‐0934 www.gradientwind.com

April 24, 2018 Montrin Richview GP Inc. c/o Trinity Development Group Inc. Attn: Aaron Cameron, Development Manager 3250 Bloor Street West, Suite 1000 Toronto, Ontario M8X 2A9 Canada Dear Mr. Cameron:

Re: Qualitative Pedestrian Level Wind Assessment Richview Square 4620 Eglinton Avenue West, Toronto GWE File No.: 16‐134‐DTPLW‐2018

1. INTRODUCTION

Gradient Wind Engineering Inc. (GWE) was retained by Montrin Richview GP Inc. to undertake a

qualitative pedestrian level wind assessment in support of a Zoning By‐law Amendment (ZBA) application

and subsequent Site Plan Approval (SPA) application for the proposed Richview Square development

located at 4620 Eglinton Avenue West and 250 Wincott Drive in Toronto, Ontario. Our work is based on

architectural drawings provided by Core Architects in March 2018, consideration of existing and approved

future surrounding buildings, and statistical knowledge of the Toronto wind climate, as well as experience

with similar projects in Toronto and surrounding areas.

In the early stages of design development, a qualitative wind assessment is useful to identify any

significant massing features or design elements which may adversely impact pedestrian activities within

the study area, and to provide initial recommendations for mitigation strategies, as may be required.

Montrin Richview GP Inc.

Richview Square, Toronto: Qualitative Pedestrian Level Wind Assessment 2

2. TERMS OF REFERENCE

The focus of this qualitative wind analysis is the proposed mixed‐use, multi‐building development located

at 4620 Eglinton Avenue West and 250 Wincott Drive within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA, Etobicoke),

situated on a parcel of land bounded by Eglinton Avenue West to the south, Kipling Avenue to the west,

Widdicombe Hill and Hunting Ridge to the north, and Wincott Drive to the east.

The proposed fully‐developed site includes four buildings, identified as buildings ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’, and ‘D’. The

development includes the renovation of an existing retail building D north on the site at 250 Wincott

Drive, which will reduce the existing building planform to accommodate building A, which rises 16 storeys

above grade to the southwest of building D. The existing 11‐storey building at 25 Widdicombe Hill is

located to the west of building A. Buildings B and C rise 22‐storeys above grade and are separated by

surface parking extending from Eglinton Avenue West to building D. The planforms for buildings B and C

are near‐mirror images and longer than that of building A. Building planforms are rectangular or near‐

rectangular; the short axis of buildings A, B, and C and the long axis of Building D are oriented parallel to

Eglinton Avenue West. The development includes two levels of below‐grade parking with access provided

from the north elevation of building A, and the west elevations of buildings B and C.

Regarding wind exposures, the near‐field surroundings of the development (defined as an area falling

within a 200‐metre (m) radius from the subject site) consist of the existing shopping plaza and surface

parking, the noted existing building at 25 Widdicombe Hill, a 9‐storey retirement home complex currently

under construction to the immediate southwest of the site (Parkland Eglinton, 4650 Eglinton Avenue

West), and the eastern boundary of Widdicombe Hill Park to the northwest of the site. The remainder of

the near field is characterized by low‐rise suburban residential developments.

The far‐field surroundings (defined as the area beyond the near‐field and within a 2‐kilometre (km)

radius), are characterized by suburban low‐rise residential developments, interspersed with green spaces

in all directions, with the exception of several medium‐rise buildings located along Eglington Avenue West

to the west. The far‐field is bounded by Highway 427 to the west and Highway 401 to the northwest.

The ground floor and roof plans are illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, respectively, and include letter tags that

identify wind sensitive pedestrian locations considered in this assessment.



3. METHODOLOGY

The main aspects of a qualitative pedestrian level wind assessment include: (i) consideration of the

statistical properties of the local wind climate; (ii) knowledge of wind flow behaviour in typical urban,

suburban, and open environments; and (iii) an understanding of how common wind conditions relate to

typical pedestrian activity types.

3.1. Toronto Wind Climate

A statistical model for winds in Toronto was developed from approximately 40‐years of hourly

meteorological wind data recorded at Pearson International Airport. Wind speed and direction data were

analyzed for each month of the year in order to: (i) determine the statistically prominent wind directions

and corresponding wind speeds; and (ii) characterize similarities between monthly weather patterns.

Based on this portion of the analysis, the four seasons are represented by grouping data from consecutive

months based on similarity of weather patterns, not according to the traditional calendar method.

The statistical model of the Toronto wind climate, which indicates the directional character of local winds

on a seasonal basis, is illustrated on the following page. The plots illustrate seasonal distribution of

measured wind speeds and directions in kilometres per hour (km/h). Probabilities of occurrence of

different wind speeds are represented as stacked polar bars in sixteen azimuth divisions. The radial

direction represents the percentage of time for various wind speed ranges per wind direction during a 40‐

year measurement period. Prominent wind speeds and directions can be identified by the longer length

of the bars. For Toronto, the most common winds concerning pedestrian comfort occur from the

southwest clockwise to the north, as well as those from the east. The directional preference and relative

magnitude of the wind speed varies somewhat from season to season, with the summer months

displaying the calmest winds relative to the remaining seasonal periods.



SEASONAL DISTRIBUTION OF WINDS FOR VARIOUS PROBABILITIES PEARSON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, TORONTO

Notes:

1. Radial distances indicate percentage of time of wind events. 2. Mean hourly wind speeds measured at 10 m above the ground.



3.2. Massing vs. Climate – Geometric Effects

The physical features of a development site that are most influential to the local wind conditions include

the massing and relative spacing of surrounding buildings, the geometry and orientation of the study

building, and the alignment of the study building with respect to statistically prominent wind directions.

Wind flow characteristics which combine to determine how conditions will develop include phenomena

known as downwash, channelling coupled with acceleration, and shielding, as illustrated in the image

below. Downwash ① relates to the effect of winds against a tall building, whereby much of the impinging

flow on the windward side of the building, nominally below two‐thirds of the total height, is directed to

lower levels. Taller buildings with smooth façades and no podiums produce the strongest downwash

effects at grade, while the presence of protruding balconies and a tower setback from the podium edge

mitigates downwash effects at the ground level. Channelling ② refers to acceleration of wind through

gaps between buildings, while acceleration of wind ③ occurs around building corners. Shielding ④

relates to calm zones on the leeward side of buildings, protected from prevailing winds.

①

②

③

③

④



3.3. Pedestrian Wind Comfort Guidelines

The pedestrian wind comfort guidelines used by GWE, which correspond to industry‐accepted standards,

are based on the correlation between a variety of pedestrian activity types and acceptable wind speed

ranges for those activities. More specifically:

Wind conditions are considered to be comfortable for sitting when gust wind speeds no greater

than 14 km/h occur at least 70% of the time;

Wind conditions are considered to be comfortable for standing when gust wind speeds no greater

than 22 km/h occur at least 80% of the time; and

Wind conditions are considered to be comfortable for walking when gust wind speeds no greater

than 30 km/h occur at least 80% of the time.

The GWE guidelines are based on gust wind speeds, since people are most sensitive to wind gusts rather

than to constant wind speeds. The guidelines are applied to the intended use of an outdoor area. For

example, an entrance to a building should be suitable for standing but need not be suitable for sitting,

while a public sidewalk need only be suitable for walking in most circumstances.

4. ANTICIPATED PEDESTRIAN COMFORT

Based on consideration of the proposed subject site, surrounding building massing, and the relationship

to the local wind climate, the following statements summarize our opinion of how these influences will

affect pedestrian comfort at key areas.

Sidewalk Areas along North, East, and South Sides of Building A; Parking Lot along South Side of Building

D; Building A Access to Below‐Grade Parking; Lobby and Retail Entrances + Drop‐Off Area along East

Elevation; Sidewalk Areas along North and West Sides of Building B (Figure 1, Tags A‐C): The sidewalk

areas along the north side of building A, as well as along the north and west sides of building B,

represented by Tag ‘A’ in Figure 1, will be protected from west winds by the adjacent residential building

but will be exposed to north winds. However, for higher level winds the building set‐back from the podium

will minimize downwash effects experienced at grade. For winds from the east the sidewalk areas may

experience channeled wind flows between the podium and building D, however, vehicle entrance to

below‐grade parking, represented by Tag ‘B’ in Figure 1, is expected to be sheltered from these effects.

Overall, wind conditions are expected to be suitable for sitting during the summer season, standing during



late spring and early autumn, becoming suitable for walking during the remaining colder months of the

year. The noted conditions are acceptable for the intended uses of the spaces.

The building access points along the east elevation of building A, represented by Tag ‘C’ in Figure 1, are

protected from west winds by the building itself, as well as by the existing 11‐storey residential building

located to the northwest. Although building B will also provide partial wind shading for east winds, the

northern portion of the building elevation will be exposed. For higher‐level winds approaching from the

east, the set‐back of the building on the podium will reduce potential downwash effects at grade. For

north winds, building D to the north will provide some grade level wind shade. As a result, wind conditions

in the vicinity of the residential lobby and retail entrances are expected to be suitable for sitting during

the summer and autumn seasons, becoming suitable for standing during the remaining colder seasons.

The noted conditions are considered acceptable for building access points.

The sidewalk area along the south side of building A, represented by Tag ‘D’ in Figure 1, will be well

protected from north and west winds by both the building itself and the adjacent residential buildings,

while building B will provide partial wind shading for east winds. The stepped podia serving building A also

acts to increase wind comfort levels at grade. Overall, wind conditions along the walkway close to the

building are expected to be suitable for sitting during the summer months, becoming suitable for standing

during the spring, autumn, and winter seasons. The noted conditions are considered acceptable for the

intended uses of the spaces.

Sidewalk Area along South Sides of Buildings B and C + Retail Entrances; P.O.P.S.; Parking Lot between

Buildings B and C; Building Access Points along East Side of Building B and West Side of Building C (Figure

1, Tags E‐K): The sidewalk areas and retail entrances along the south sides of buildings B and C,

respectively represented by Tags ‘E’ and ‘F’ in Figure 1, are exposed to prominent east, southwest, and

west winds with minimal upwind resistance. Wind conditions along the sidewalk areas adjacent to the

buildings are expected to be suitable for standing during the summer season, becoming suitable for

walking, or better, during the remaining three colder seasons. The noted conditions are acceptable for

sidewalk areas.

Conditions closer to the buildings will be somewhat calmer and acceptable for standing during the

summer season and shoulder months of spring and autumn, becoming suitable for walking, or better,

during the remaining colder months of the year. However, wind conditions in close proximity to the retail

entrances are expected to be suitable for standing for the majority of the time throughout the year.



The sidewalk area and P.O.P.S. between buildings B and C, represented by Tag ‘G’ in Figure 1, may

experience channeled wind flow for multiple wind directions. As such, the areas are expected to be

suitable for standing during the summer season, becoming suitable for walking, or better, during the

remaining colder seasons. If conditions suitable for sitting are required within the P.O.P.S. during the

typical use period of late spring to early autumn, mitigation in the form of landscaping and architectural

barriers may be necessary depending on the selected location of the seating areas, which will be

coordinated with the landscape and building architects prior to SPA application and confirmed by wind

tunnel testing.

The parking lot between buildings B and C is represented by Tags G and H in Figure 1. The south portion

of the parking area will experience conditions as noted above for the P.O.P.S. The remaining surface

parking area is expected to be somewhat calmer and suitable for standing from late spring to early

autumn, and for walking, or better, during the remaining colder months of the year. The noted conditions

are acceptable for parking lots.

The various access points along the west side of building C, represented by Tag ‘I’ in Figure 1, will be

impacted by accelerated horizontal wind flow as a result of the development massing and relative

orientation between development buildings. However, conditions are expected to be suitable for standing

throughout the year in close proximity to the noted access points. The only exception concerns the west‐

facing entrance at the southwest corner of building C, represented by Tag ‘J’ in Figure 1, which is expected

to occasionally be impacted by strong winds that tend to pull on the access doors. In terms of wind

comfort, conditions will likely be similar to those anticipated for the neighbouring access points

throughout the year.

Wind conditions along the east side of building B, represented by Tag ‘K’ in Figure 1, will be calmer than

those that will interact with the west side of building C, as noted above. More specifically, conditions close

to the east elevation of building B are expected to be suitable for sitting during the summer and autumn

seasons, becoming suitable for standing, or better, during the spring and winter seasons. The noted

conditions are acceptable for building access points and pedestrian walkways.

Sidewalk Area along North Side of Building C; East Side of Building D Parking Lot (Figure 1, Tag L): The

sidewalk area along the north side of building C, represented by Tag ‘L’ in Figure 1, will be mostly protected

from prominent winds by the development massing. Overall, wind conditions along the sidewalk and

parking lot areas are expected to be suitable for sitting during the summer and autumn seasons, becoming



suitable for standing during the spring and winter seasons. The noted conditions are considered

acceptable for the intended uses of the spaces.

Sidewalk Area along East Sides of Buildings C and D (Figure 1, Tag M): The sidewalk area along the east

sides of buildings C and D, represented by Tag ‘M’ in Figure 1, will be exposed to prominent east winds

with minimal upwind resistance from surrounding existing massing. As such, wind conditions are expected

to be suitable for sitting during the summer season, standing during the autumn season, and walking

during the remaining colder seasons of spring and winter. Since sidewalks need only be suitable for

walking according the comfort guidelines, the noted conditions are considered acceptable.

Private and Parking Areas North of Building D (Figure 1, Tag N): The areas north of building D,

represented by Tag ‘N’ in Figure 1, will experience acceptable wind conditions suitable for sitting during

the summer season, standing during the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn, and for walking, or

better, during the remaining colder seasons.

Building A ‐ Outdoor Amenity Area on Level 4 (Figure 2, Tag O): The amenity area is expected to be

suitable for sitting during the typical use period of late spring to early autumn, becoming suitable for

standing during the remaining colder months, on account of shielding from the existing 11‐storey

development to the west and the future 9‐storey building to the southwest. The noted conditions are

considered acceptable for common amenity areas.

Buildings B and C ‐ Outdoor Amenity Area on Level 3 and Dog Park on Level 12 (Figure 2, Tags P and Q):

The amenity areas serving buildings B and C on Level 3, represented by Tag ‘P’ in Figure 2, are expected

to be suitable for sitting during the summer season, becoming suitable for standing during the remaining

colder seasons. Wind conditions within the dog parks on Level 12 will experience a mix of wind conditions

between sitting and standing during the summer and autumn seasons, becoming windier and mostly

suitable for walking, or better, during the colder seasons of spring and winter. The strongest winds are

expected to target the centre of the noted taller roofs.

The desired pedestrian comfort class within elevated common areas is sitting during the typical use period

when demand is assumed to be greatest. Therefore, in order to achieve this target, the height of the

perimeter guards may need to be increased to 1.8 m or greater above the walking surfaces of the roof

areas, while also implementing wind barriers (e.g., solid barriers, dense coniferous plantings, or a

combination of the two strategies) around local areas of the spaces where seating is intended to provide



the necessary calming measures. These measures may be sufficient to create sitting conditions during the

typical use period, while also increasing comfort levels during the remaining colder months. Mitigation

strategies will be coordinated with the landscape and building architects prior to SPA application and

confirmed by wind tunnel testing, if required.

Influence of the Proposed Development on Existing Wind Conditions near the Study Site: The

introduction of the proposed development is not expected to significantly influence pedestrian wind

comfort over neighbouring areas at grade. In particular, although modest changes to wind speeds may

occur beyond the study site upon introduction of the proposed development, nearby building entrances,

sidewalks, and other pedestrian‐sensitive areas are expected to continue to experience wind conditions

similar to those that presently exist without the proposed buildings in place.

Applicability of Predictions: The forgoing statements and conclusions apply to common weather systems,

during which no dangerous or consistently strong wind conditions are expected anywhere over the study

site. During extreme weather events (i.e., thunderstorms, tornadoes, and downbursts), wind comfort is

influenced by specific local meteorological conditions and building geometries that cannot be predicted

through a qualitative analysis. These events are generally short‐lived and infrequent, however, and there

is often sufficient warning for pedestrians to take appropriate cover.



5. SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Based on a qualitative assessment of architectural drawings, surrounding building massing, and the

Toronto wind climate, the following general statements summarize our prediction of future wind

conditions for the proposed mixed‐use, multi building development located at 4620 Eglinton Avenue West

and 250 Wincott Drive in Etobicoke, Ontario.

1. Wind comfort at all grade‐level pedestrian‐sensitive locations across the study site is expected to be

suitable for the anticipated uses without the need for mitigation. The only exception concerns the

sidewalk area and corresponding P.O.P.S. between buildings B and C, adjacent to Eglinton Avenue

West, where conditions are expected to be suitable for standing during the summer season, becoming

suitable for walking, or better, during the remaining colder seasons. If conditions suitable for sitting

are required within the P.O.P.S. during the typical use period of late spring to early autumn, mitigation

in the form of landscaping and architectural barriers may be necessary depending on the selected

location of the seating areas.

2. The amenity area serving building A on Level 4 is expected to be suitable for sitting during the typical

use period with standard height perimeter guards, becoming suitable for standing during the

remaining colder months. The noted wind conditions are considered acceptable.

3. Buildings B and C are served by amenity areas on Level 3, as well as dog parks on Level 12. Wind

conditions within the Level 3 areas are expected to be suitable for sitting during the summer season,

becoming suitable for standing during the remaining colder seasons. Wind conditions within the dog

parks will likely experience a mix of wind conditions between sitting and standing during the summer

and autumn seasons, becoming windier and mostly suitable for walking, or better, during the colder

seasons of spring and winter. The strongest winds are expected to target the centre of the noted taller

roof areas. In order to achieve sitting conditions during the typical use period, the height of the

perimeter guards may need to be increased to 1.8 m or greater above the walking surfaces of the roof

areas, while also implementing wind barriers (e.g., solid barriers, dense coniferous plantings, or a

combination of the two strategies) around local areas of the spaces where seating is intended to

provide the necessary calming measures. These measures may be sufficient to create sitting

conditions during the typical use period, while also increasing comfort levels during the remaining

colder months.

1. INTRODUCTION - Richview Square...Toronto, Ontario M8X 2A9 Canada Dear Mr. Cameron: Re:...

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