An example of a digital engagement platform for large scale community engagement using auralization.

Abstract

The global COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in social distance restrictions that have limited the ability for transport authorities to undertake in-person community engagement activities and consult on proposed local infrastructure developments. Potential increases in noise levels or change in acoustic environment can often be a key concern for residents living close to a proposed development. This paper documents the approach taken to engage with local stakeholders regarding a proposed new light rail metro line in Toronto, Canada, using an innovative online web-based auralization tool. The tool allows the existing trains and planned new metro trains to be compared interactively in an environmental context and with and without acoustic mitigation interventions. The paper discusses the benefits, challenges and limitations associated with the approach and provides an overview of the auralization approach of the proposed new metro line.