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COMPANY PROFILE: PEOPLE
HGC Engineering is a consulting engineering firm
specializing in environmental and industrial noise control, vibration
and architectural acoustics.
Since 1994 we have applied our extensive experience
to solving problems for clients locally and internationally. We
have grown steadily to become the largest acoustical consulting
firm in Canada with a staff of professional engineers, many of which have advanced
engineering degrees.
Our specialties include noise and vibration control
in industrial facilities, transportation noise, vibration isolation
of buildings, acoustical design assistance for product development,
land development and construction and expert witness and peer review
services.
We maintain a strong focus on measurement, testing,
analysis, advanced modeling and design and provide services to a
wide range of industries and business sectors.
A truly unique consulting firm that offers
a comprehensive approach to product development, regulatory compliance,
and engineering.
Introducing the Management Team
and Their Individual Specializations:
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Brian Howe, President
BASc, MEng, MBA, PEng
As President of HGC Engineering, Brian combines a wealth of engineering experience with a keen business understanding.
In addition to his role as president, he is active in the field with a particular emphasis on mechanical, structural, and ground borne vibration.
Brian is a leader in the assessment of noise from wind power projects.
He speaks frequently at Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) Symposiums, as well as other major international conferences.
Brian is an ongoing contributor to knowledge in the field having prepared a "best practices" guide for CanWEA in 2007 and provided input on the assessment methods contained in the Ontario Green Energy and Green Economy Act (2009).
Brian is the Chairman of the CSA Technical Subcommittee on Acoustic Noise Measurements of Wind Turbines.
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Bill Gastmeier, Principal Engineer
BSc, MASc, PEng
After obtaining degrees in Physics and Electrical Engineering
from the University of Waterloo, Bill has spent over 30 years
practicing in acoustics noise and vibration. He is an adjunct
professor in the School of Architecture at the University
of Waterloo, lectures at Dalhousie University in Halifax,
and has often provided expert witness testimony. |
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Dr. Brian Chapnik, Principal Engineer
BASc, MASc, PhD, PEng
Brian obtained a Master's degree in Systems Design Engineering
from the University of Waterloo and a Doctorate in Mechanical
Engineering from the University of Toronto for work in structural
acoustic coupling with applications for active noise control
in piping systems. He maintains strong skills in analysis
and modeling. |
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Rob Stevens, Principal Engineer
BASc, MASc, PEng
Rob is a graduate of Mechanical Engineering from the University
of Waterloo. He has conducted research into low frequency
noise control, has developed applications for acoustical numerical
methods to solve a variety of noise problems and is expert
in the use of sound intensity measurements to accurately determine
radiated sound power. |
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Alex Lorimer, Senior Engineer
MEng, PEng
Alex Lorimer received his undergraduate
degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Technical University
of Nova Scotia (now Dalhousie University’s Dal-Tech)
and Master’s degree in engineering from the Faculty
of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Carleton University
in Ottawa. His master’s degree focused on the
acoustics of mufflers. Mr. Lorimer has extensive experience
in the areas of product sound quality, machinery noise and
vibration, construction vibration assessments, building services noise, vibration, and acoustics,
as well as environmental noise impact assessments, including
the development of relevant noise controls. |
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Nick McCabe, Senior Engineer
BASc, MESc, PEng
Nick McCabe received a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Waterloo, and his Master’s degree from the University of Western Ontario. Mr. McCabe is a Senior Engineer and Associate of HGC Engineering, and has extensive experience in the analysis and modeling of environmental noise for wind turbines and industrial/commercial facilities, building acoustics, structural vibration, machinery noise and vibration, and construction vibration assessments. |
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Sheeba Paul, Senior Engineer
MEng, PEng
Sheeba obtained both her Bachelor's and
Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering from the
University of Guelph. Ms. Paul is a Senior Engineer and Associate of HGC Engineering focusing on the impact of noise and vibration on land use planning. Her expertise lies in assessing noise from transportation sources inclulding railway, roadway, and air traffic, as well as noise from stationary sources.
She also frequently monitors vibration from trains, light rail transit (LRT), and street cars. Her project experience includes addressing environmental noise and vibration issues for residential subdivisions, high and low-rise towers, and commercial developments throughout Southern Ontario.
In addition to measurement and analysis, Sheeba has also designed noise barriers to reduce the impact of transportation and stationary noise sources on residential and commercial development.
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Corey Kinart, Senior Engineer
BASc, PEng
Corey is an Associate of HGC Engineering and specializes in the use of sound intensity equipment and techniques to address industrial noise. He has conducted feasibility studies, acoustic assessments and audits for government approvals, and noise complaint investigation for dozens of facilities across Ontario and abroad. His experience is highlighted by pits, quarries, mines, hot mix facilities, ready mix plants, natural gas power plants / distribution and transmission facilities, transformer stations, and other industrial facilities.
Corey provides advice on environmental noise to a number of industry associations. He currently sits on the environmental committees of the Ontario Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (OSSGA), the Ontario Hot Mix Producers Association (OHMPA), and the Ready Mixed Concrete Association of Ontario (RMCAO). |
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Ian Bonsma, Intermediate Engineer
BASc, PEng
Ian is an Associate of HGC Engineering and has broad experience in structural vibration, environmental and industrial noise, and architectural acoustics. He has conducted acoustic measurements and analysis for a wide range of facilities throughout North America. Ian has also addressed the impact of building vibration on sensitive equipment for medical and industrial applications.
More recently, Ian’s work has focused on renewable energy including applying Ontario’s new Renewable Energy Act. He has conducted Acoustic Assessments, Acoustic Audits, and complaint investigations for solar and wind power generating facilities. Ian has co-authored a paper on the role of ambient noise monitoring in the assessment of wind farms which was presented at the 2009 Canadian Acoustical Association Conference. |
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Johanne Anstey,
Office Administrator
Johanne is an Associate of HGC Engineering, and is responsible for the firm's accounting department. She ensures accurate and timely billing, prepares detailed monthly financial records for client and internal reporting, and liaises frequently with clients to address concerns.
Johanne also manages a number of key internal business functions. In addition to ensuring the smooth operation of the HGC Engineering Office, she also oversees human resources and acts as the point person for the company's employee benefits program including employee registration, information, and participation for these programs. |
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