Building Code

building conversions

From office to residential

Office-to-residential building conversions have been gaining momentum in some Canadian cities, but how viable are they as a long-term housing solution?
tornado First Onsite

In the event of a tornado

Important steps and precautions for residential property managers in the build-up and aftermath of a tornado.
private balconies

Private balconies are in demand

In the wake of COVID-19, multifamily housing developers are emphasizing outdoor amenity spaces more than ever with private balconies now at the top of many tenants' wish lists.
structural safety

Collapsed high-rise spotlights structural safety

The recent collapse of a Florida residential building is an unimaginable tragedy that underscores the importance of structural safety and the consequences that could result from a failure.
multi-unit housing starts

A closer look at infill development

As affordable rental housing continues to be a pressing need in the GTA, some housing experts believe infill development is the solution we've been looking for.
proposed code changes

Sights and sounds of proposed code changes

A package of proposed changes to Canada's National Building Code aims to improve navigability and safety in large buildings for people with mobility, vision and/or hearing constraints.
Colliers

Windows and doors in the net-zero frame

A wider selection of high-performance windows and doors is expected to hit the market as Canada's National Energy Code continues to push the envelope toward net-zero-energy-ready development.
outdoor air

IAQ standards dissect freshness of outdoor air

Guidance related to natural ventilation, particulate filtration and compartmentalization of multi-residential HVAC systems are prominent in the list of identified "significant changes" compared to the incumbent 2016 version of the standards.
electrical work

Keeping up with Ontario’s Electrical Safety Code

Insights from the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) on the new Ontario Electrical Safety Code and how it affects residential property owners.
unpaid building code advisors

Ontario spurns unpaid building code advisors

The 2019 Ontario budget lists the Building Code Conservation Advisory Council among 10 provincial agencies deemed to be unnecessary or imprudent expenditures.
Toronto community housing

A new dawn for Toronto Community Housing

Toronto’s crumbling community housing stock is receiving some much-needed financial support to the tune of 1.3 billion, making it the largest federal housing investment in the city's history.
AIBC building envelopes

London fatal fire sparks high-rise safety concerns

The fatal fire that ripped through a 24-storey apartment tower in London, England, on Wednesday, June 14th, has left the city traumatized. Deemed one of the deadliest of its kind in the recent history, the blaze in the 120-unit Grenfell Tower council housing block has resulted in 30 confirmed deaths and dozens of lives still unaccounted for.
elevator repairs

MPP proposes time limits for elevator repairs

Han Dong, the Liberal MPP for Trinity-Spadina, is proposing to set time limits for elevator repairs with a private member's bill.
fire safety in buildings

Tragedy accentuates fire safety in buildings

Following the recent tragic fire in Oakland, California, fire safety and legal experts are reflecting on the confluence of deliberate and inadvertent omissions that underlie most calamities.

ASHRAE 90.1 adds multi-res lighting proviso

Developers of multi-residential buildings can expect more pointed direction on their lighting choices as North American jurisdictions update their building regulations.

Spate of condo blazes sparks safety campaign

A spate of condo blazes in Alberta has reignited conversations about the perennial fire safety risk posed by cigarettes in multi-residential buildings.
rental rates

Foreseeable safety hazards spell liability

Beyond the occupier's duty of care — a responsibility that property owners bear toward inhabitants, visitors and trespassers — landlords are also employers subject to health and safety regulations.