Assessing Noise Pollution from the Construction of Dalhousie’s Oulton-Stanish Ice Rink and its Impact on Student's Well-Being

Abstract

Noise pollution—defined as unwanted noise that causes health problems for people and wildlife—near residential areas has many negative effects including impaired sleep, reduced performance, and decreased health and well-being. In the long term, sleep deprivation has significant impacts on physical and academic performance in university students. This study is focused on the noise pollution caused by on-campus construction on Dalhousie University’s Studley campus, located in Halifax, NS; specifically, noise pollution from the establishment of the Oulton-Stanish Centre, beginning in 2022, and its impact on the well-being of students living in LeMarchant Place residence (LMP). This new ice sports facility is located directly behind LMP and includes a shared atrium with the LMP lobby, meaning construction is both outside and inside the building of residence. To evaluate the effects of this noise pollution on students’ well-being, we conducted a survey with 22 questions, including Likert-scale and open-ended questions. This survey was circulated throughout campus via flyers and was directed at anyone that had lived in LMP for a period between September 2022 and March 2025; a total of 55 responses were received. Of respondents, 87% reported that they have heard construction noise from the Oulton-Stanish Centre in their room. Participants were asked to rate the level of noise heard in their room from 1-5 and their perception of noise level was then taken and compared to the level of disruption this noise caused to their sleep schedule, sleep quality, and academic routine. Kruskal-Wallis analysis was run for each of these factors, and the results showed that there was significant disruption to sleep quality (p = 5.28e-5), sleep schedule (p = 1.39e-04), and academic routine (p = 1.85e-04) relative to the noise levels perceived in their room. Based on these findings, we reject the null hypothesis that there is no difference in students reported disruption levels based on the level of noise heard in their room. For the open-ended questions, a thematic analysis was conducted with results showing 67% of students reported impacted sleep and 33% reported impacted studying. When asked what Dalhousie could do differently, repeated suggestions included warning students prior to their move-in, compensation by discounting room prices, and scheduling the construction at less disruptive hours. Our findings reveal that noise pollution significantly affects students’ sleep patterns, daily routines, and academic productivity; thus, decreasing well-being. Given these results, it is recommended that Dalhousie's administration consider implementing noise reduction strategies during construction projects and increase awareness of the adverse effects of noise pollution. Keywords: Noise pollution, construction, well-being, sleep schedule, sleep quality, academic success, student, university campus, residence