Canadian homebuilders voice concerns over proposed tariffs

Homebuilders across the country voiced their concerns over the Trump administration’s now delayed plan to impose 25 per cent tariffs (besides steel and aluminum) on Canadian and Mexican goods coming into the United States.

If the tariffs are implemented at the newly proposed deadline, the move would have a destructive impact on the homebuilding industry on both sides of the border. In Canada, the tariffs are expected to hurt an already challenged industry, according to the Residential Construction Council of Ontario (RESCON).

“The move is reckless and will cause economic hardship in both the U.S. and Canada, affecting tens of billions of dollars of trade in construction materials alone,” said RESCON president Richard Lyall. “Such levies will only increase costs and lead to a further slowdown in residential construction activity which will exacerbate an already dire housing affordability crisis.”

The association predicts that builders in Canada would have to look at alternative sources, such as domestic producers or suppliers from other countries. As supply chains adjust, the disruption and increased costs could also lead to delayed or canceled projects or slowdowns in new home construction.

This could worsen the housing shortage and drive costs upwards.

“Our countries and supply chains are intertwined and dependent on each other, so nobody wins in a tariff war,” adds Lyall. “Homebuilding industries on both sides of the border will be negatively affected. Our industry relies heavily on imported materials from the U.S. A tariff war only makes imports more expensive and will add to the cost of building a home. Likewise, Americans will suffer as U.S. homebuilders rely on Canada to fully meet their lumber needs.”

According to the National Association of Home Builders, about 30 per cent of the lumber used in the U.S. is imported. More than 85 per cent of the imports come from Canada. Other essential materials come from Canada are steel and aluminium, as well as cement and gypsum.

The Canadian Home Builders’ Association said, in a statement yesterday, that the potential impact on the Canadian lumber industry is “very worrisome.” Tariffs and fewer exports could cause Canadian mills to shut down. “This could permanently reduce lumber output capacity for the Canadian market and increase costs domestically over time,” CHBA stated. “The same could be true for other Canadian construction goods. Support for Canada’s lumber industry and others will be very important for residential construction as well.”

While Canada’s countervailing tariffs weren’t applied to most construction goods, future tariffs were previously expected to target aluminum and steel, CHBA advised this would increase construction costs and further erode affordability. Canada exports more than $20 billion in steel and aluminum to the U.S. every year, but also imports abut $17 billion on steel and aluminum. Tariffs would increase costs on both sides of the border.

CHBA CEO Kevin Lee said any retaliatory tariffs should avoid construction products and materials, unless domestic or import solutions can be easily accessed. “Governments can also help offset the impact that countervailing tariffs will inevitably have on housing affordability by removing the GST (and PST/HST) on new construction, as well as lowering development taxes at the municipal level, particularly in those municipalities with extremely high development taxes,” he said.

HVACR industry concerned over impact of tariffs

HVACR systems are one of the materials affected by the U.S.-imposed tariffs.

The Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) recently shared that almost 70 per cent of its members, which include manufacturers, distributors, and contractors, expressed serious concern over the situation. The majority of members also conveyed that the impact on their businesses would be “significant,” while 18 per cent predicted devastation.

HRAI is suggesting that Canada negotiate vigorously and creatively to avert tariffs. “Like many other sectors, our industry has pushed for years to maintain healthy cross-border trade with minimal restrictions and well-aligned regulatory regimes,” the association stated. “Our industry believes this approach should be maintained to ensure the continued mutual benefits that flow from this historic relationship.”

Martin Luymes, vice-president of government and stakeholder relations at the HRAI, recently appeared on Parliament Hill to speak about the tariffs on January 31. Since then, Canada’s retaliatory measures haven’t included HVACR systems, which would have further devastated the industry.

He said more than half of members have anticipated a need to take drastic measures, including production slowdowns, canceled capital investments, and hiring freezes or staff lay-offs.

“When Canadian and American HVACR companies work together we create efficiencies that keep costs down for consumers on both sides of the border,” he said. “We develop shared standards, coordinated training programs and aligned certification processes. This integration hasn’t happened by accident, it’s the result of years of careful collaboration that has served both countries exceptionally well.”

He added most of the manufacturing in Canada involves assembling components from other parts of the world, including the U.S. “In some cases, there are companies who produce components here in Canada that are then shipped to the United States and assembled into larger components and then shipped back to Canada for final production into the finished good.” he noted.

Construction industry condemns U.S. tariffs

UPDATE: The United States government has announced a 30-day pause on its originally stated Feb. 4 launch-date for 25 per cent tariffs on in-bound products from Canada and Mexico.

Canada’s construction industry and business groups have been quick to respond and condemn the punitive tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump on Canadian goods.

Trump made tariffs a campaign promise and followed through by implementing tariffs of 25 per cent on Canadian exports and 10 per cent on oil and gas. All the tariffs are to take effect February 4, 2025, which will have significant negative impacts on the Canadian construction industry and all projects.

“These reckless tariffs are a direct attack on the hardworking businesses and tradespeople who build our communities. British Columbia’s construction industry thrives on fair trade and strong partnerships, not political posturing. BCCA stands firmly with our industry, our province, and our nation, and we will not back down in defending the jobs, businesses, and livelihoods that these tariffs put at risk,” said Chris Atchison, president, B.C. Construction Association.

For the forest industry, the tariff on all forest product exports will be devastating. The industry is already facing many challenges and has experienced mill closures and curtailments affecting thousands of jobs in the last few years. Current conditions in the sector are not only negatively impacting jobs and operations, but also government revenue, and investment in the province.

The U.S. government’s decision to impose a 25 per cent tariff on all exports including Canadian forest products threatens the competitiveness of B.C.’s forestry sector, jobs in local communities, and the affordability of essential goods for Americans.

“Forestry is a cornerstone of British Columbia’s economy, providing tens of thousands of family-supporting jobs in every region of the province. B.C.’s highly integrated forest industry delivers essential products like lumber and building materials for housing, pulp and paper, and bioenergy for heating and transportation,” said Kim Haakstad, B.C. Council of Forest Industries (COFI) president and CEO. “This tariff on all forest product exports will be devastating, potentially leading to further job losses hurting the workers and communities across the province that depend on forestry.”

The B.C. Lumber Trade Council shared similar sentiments, stressing the tariff decision will impact American families as well. American demand exceeds domestic supply and requires U.S. builders to import about 30 per cent of their lumber needs. The tariffs will disrupt the essential supply chain, increasing building material costs, at a time when affordability continues to be a major concern.

“The U.S. government’s decision to impose a 25 per cent tariff on softwood lumber and other Canadian exports is a punitive, unjustified protectionist measure that will cause economic harm in both Canada and the United States,” said Kurt Niquidet, president of the B.C. Lumber Trade Council.

Steel trade is another area that will see significant disruption and economic hardship in both countries due to the tariffs. The North American steel industry is highly integrated across the Canadian and US border with $20 billion in annual steel trade.

“In response to these new tariffs, the CSPA welcomes the Government of Canada’s decisive action through retaliation as well as through supportive approaches to help Canada’s industries. We will engage with the Government of Canada and the provinces to find support for our workers to weather this unfortunate and unnecessary challenge over the days to come,” said Catherine Cobden, president and CEO of the Canadian Steel Producers Association (CSPA).

The first phase of the Canada’s countermeasures is tariffs on $30 billion in goods imported from the U.S., effective February 4, 2025. The list includes a range of building materials along with many consumer products such as orange juice, peanut butter, wine, spirits, beer, coffee, appliances, apparel, footwear, motorcycles and cosmetics.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce senior vice president John Murphy called Trump’s tariffs unprecedented, citing they will upend supply chains and will only raise prices for American families.

“President Trump’s profoundly disturbing decision to impose tariffs will have immediate and direct consequences on Canadian and American livelihoods. Tariffs will drastically increase the cost of everything for everyone: every day these tariffs are in place hurts families, communities, and businesses,” said Candace Laing, president and CEO, Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

Retaliatory tariffs loom for buildings sector

UPDATE: The United States government has announced a 30-day pause on its originally stated Feb. 4 launch-date for 25 per cent tariffs on in-bound products from Canada and Mexico. The Canadian government will not implement any new tariffs unless the U.S. acts first.

Canada’s initial round of retaliatory tariffs on products imported from the United States would impose a 25 per cent surcharge on a range of building materials and furnishings, and equipment and products used in building operations, maintenance and housekeeping. The total package of proposed tariffs, which covers a much more expansive menu of imports, is valued at roughly CAD $30 billion worth of trade and is set to take effect Feb. 4, if the U.S. proceeds with its threatened 25 per cent tariff on Canadian imports on that day.

If it’s necessary, a second stage of Canada’s response will introduce a pricier list of big-ticket items, valued at CAD $125 billion worth of trade. These proposed tariffs are to be announced in the near future and opened for a 21-day public consultation.

“This first set of countermeasures is about protecting — and supporting — Canada’s interests, workers, and industries,” says Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc. “In the face of the unjustified U.S. tariffs against Canadian goods, we are taking action to protect our economy, our workers and our businesses.”

Phase-one tariffs will not be levied on products that are in transit from U.S. locales but have not yet arrived at Canadian destinations on the day that the measures come into effect. In addition, there will be a mechanism to allow Canadian importers to apply for exemptions due to special circumstances.

Wood construction products figure prominently in the list of retaliatory tariffs. This includes: posts and beams; lengths of lumber; plywood; fibre board; shingles and shakes; wood flooring; and engineered structural timber products. The latter covers off key components of mass timber construction, such as cross-laminated timber (CLT or X-lam), glue-laminated timber (glulam) and I-beams. There are also spinoff repercussions for concrete construction with a new tariff on imported wood forms for poured concrete.

Retaliatory tariffs on a broad range of hand tools, including saws, drills, wrenches and screwdrivers, will have implications for construction, building operations and maintenance. As well, tariffs will apply on work boots, safety belts and safety head gear purchased from the U.S..

On the building furnishings front, some of the U.S. imports to be targeted include:

light fixtures;
windows and doors;
locks and padlocks;
awnings and blinds;
carpets;
wall coverings;
metal and wood office furniture; and,
hat racks, hat pegs and brackets.

Washrooms are particularly in line for potential new costs, with retaliatory tariffs to be imposed on: sinks; toilets; urinals; wall-mounted hand dryers; liquid soap and other organic products for hand cleaning; toilet paper; and room deodorizers.

Related to grounds-keeping, phase-one retaliatory tariffs will apply on U.S. imports of snow ploughs, snow blowers and mowers, as well as automatic bird-scaring devices.

“Canada will not stand by as the U.S., our closest and most important trading partner, applies harmful and unjustified tariffs against us,” asserts Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mélanie Joly. “With these countermeasures, we are defending Canada’s interests and are doing what is best for Canadians and our economy.”

U.S. tariffs will increase housing costs, says NAHB

The National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) has responded to President Trump’s 25 per cent tariff threat on Canadian and Mexican building materials in a letter denouncing the move and urging the government to reconsider.

According to Carl Harris, NAHB Chairman, slapping additional tariffs on lumber and other essential building materials will increase the cost of construction and discourage new development; meanwhile, consumers will ultimately pay for the tariffs in the form of higher home prices.

“Our country is facing a severe housing shortage and affordability crisis, which you recognized on your first day in office by issuing an executive order that seeks to increase housing supply and affordability,” the group wrote in a letter to President Trump. “Bringing down the cost of housing will require a coordinated effort to remove obstacles to construction, be they regulatory, labor or supply-chain related. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) stands ready to work with you to accomplish these goals. However, we have serious concerns that proposed 25 proposed tariffs on Canada and Mexico will have the opposite effect, by slowing down the domestic residential construction industry.”

Since 2018, Trump’s tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber have increased costs for U.S. homebuilders significantly, adding about $9,000 to the price of a single-family home. Year-over-year, the costs have steadily increased.

“Our sector relies heavily on a diverse and cost-efficient supply chain for building materials such as lumber, steel, gypsum and aluminum,” the group wrote. “While home building is inherently domestic, builders rely on components produced abroad, with Canada and Mexico representing nearly 25 per cent of building material imports. Imposing additional tariffs on these imports will lead to higher material costs, which will ultimately be passed on to home buyers in the form of increased housing prices. Further supply chain disruptions from increased tariffs coupled with increased demand for materials could also hinder rebuilding efforts in areas affected by natural disasters, which you have pledged to help rebuild as quickly as possible.”

GVBOT launches economic growth plan

The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade (GVBOT) has launched The 3% Challenge – Agenda for Economic Growth, a call to action for government to adopt the challenge and pursue policies that will boost British Columbia’s economic growth. This campaign advocates for policies that ensure a prosperous and affordable future for all British Columbians. With the U.S. tariffs and global economic uncertainty looming, the need for decisive action here at home is now.

“Growing our economy is key to making life more affordable and building a better future for everyone in B.C.,” said Bridgitte Anderson, GVBOT president and CEO, noting the tariffs should serve as a catalyst for action in B.C. “This is the time to bring industry and government together to reduce barriers, speed up permits, get projects built, and create well-paying jobs that support communities across the province.”

The 3% Challenge seeks a commitment from the government to adopt a 3 per cent target for annual real GDP growth. Reaching this goal over the next five years would:

Improve affordability by raising GDP per capita by up to $9,000;
Generate up to $4.0 billion in additional revenue for critical social services such as healthcare, education, and public safety; and
Create tens of thousands of new jobs across the province.

“The 3% Challenge is a proactive step to bring economic growth to the heart of government decision-making,” added Anderson. “By working together—businesses, government, and workers—we can rise to meet these challenging times to create a brighter, more prosperous future.”

Achieving 3 per cent growth requires deliberate actions and solutions from the government, including streamlining regulations, growing and diversifying trade, and strategic investments in infrastructure and workforce development.

Canada’s rental development efforts

The disparity between housing demand versus available supply in combination with historically high immigration rates has created ongoing challenges for the Canadian housing market. As per Scotiabank’s 2024 housing poll, the number of Canadians between 18 and 34 who own a home has declined to 26 per cent today from 47 per cent in 2021. While the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has forecast 2.3 million new housing units by 2030, true affordability would require an additional 3.5 million homes. Currently, the most significant housing supply gaps are in Ontario and British Columbia, with Quebec and Alberta also expected to fall short.

“Complex problems are rarely solved by simple solutions,” says Kerri Byers, Associate Director, Valuation Advisory at Altus Group Altus Group and one of the analysts involved in the report. “Canada’s housing shortage is a multi-faceted issue that requires input and cooperation from all levels of governments, the public and private sectors. The cost and availability of capital, the sentiment of investors, and the cost of development also play a role in the country’s ability to meet its housing targets.”

Meanwhile, as homeownership continues to evade more and more Canadians, putting additional demand on the rental market, purpose-built rental development has become a larger focus for developers and the government. Some of the recent policies aimed at increasing the rental supply include tax incentives, construction loan programs, and grants. In April 2024 the federal government announced a $15 billion top-up to the Apartment Construction Loan Program (ACLP) along with reforms and the launch of Canada Builds, a ‘Team Canada’ approach to building affordable homes on underutilized lands across the country.

In July, CMHC also launched the Frequent Builder framework, which promised to accelerate the construction of affordable and new rental homes by expediting the application process for established housing providers who rely on the Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) or the ACLP for funding.

“These rental-focused initiatives appear to be generating momentum across the market, as purpose-built rental construction starts represented 47 per cent of all housing starts in Canada’s six largest Census Metropolitan Areas (CMAs) in 2024,” Byers notes.

In December, Ontario Liberal leader Bonnie Crombie revealed her housing plan, which includes a “phased-in” rent control measure, in addition to the promise of resources to clear the backlog of disputes waiting for review by the Landlord Tenant Board. Crombie also intends to establish an emergency-support fund for tenants to mitigate evictions by providing short-term, interest-free loans for renters facing financial emergencies.

In November, the federal government announced upcoming enhancements to the ACLP, which provides low-cost loans to support the construction of new rental housing, including affordable, senior, and student housing. The program prioritizes projects that meet specific criteria related to affordability, sustainability, and social outcomes, and offers loans ranging from a minimum of $1,000,000 up to 100 per cent of the cost of the residential component of a project. The CMHC’s Multi-Unit Mortgage Loan Insurance program (MLI Select) works in coordination with ACLP to provide mortgage loan insurance for multi-unit rental housing projects with reduced premiums and longer amortization periods based on commitments to affordability, accessibility, and sustainability.

“While ACLP provides much-needed funding that makes rental development possible, MLI Select offers mortgage loan insurance with better financing terms for the project,” Buyers says. “In simple terms, ACLP helps projects get the green light, and MLI Select helps ensure projects remain financially viable over time through insurance incentives. By leveraging both programs, developers can benefit from comprehensive support throughout the lifecycle of a rental housing project, from construction to long-term financing.”

As of September 2024, CMHC has committed $20.65 billion in loans through ACLP to support the creation of more than 53,000 purpose-built rental homes. The recent enhancements to this program are as follows:

New scoring metric: Similar to MLI Select, ACLP is now on a points system based on affordability, energy efficiency, accessibility and social outcome scoring.
Program extension: The ACLP has been extended from 2027-28 to 2031-32
Expanded eligibility: The program now includes on- and off-campus student housing and independent seniors housing
Removed minimum requirements: Minimum requirements related to accessibility and energy efficiency have been removed. Instead, applicants are encouraged to make stronger commitments to desired rental supply and social outcomes.
Enhanced appraisal requirements: Previously, applications for multi-units over 25 units did not require an appraisal. Now, appraisal reports must be produced in accordance with the applicable industry standards, contain three market valuation methods, and have an effective valuation date within 12 months from the application submission.

Essentially, by combining the low-cost CMHC loans with the insurance incentives from MLI Select, Altus Group purports that developers can significantly reduce their financing costs and improve the overall financial feasibility of their projects.

“These measures collectively help make rental housing projects more viable and attractive, ultimately contributing to an increased supply of affordable and sustainable rental housing in Canada,” says Byers. “However, they do not address the other pressures experienced by developers in the past year, including volatility in construction costs, the high cost of land for development sites, municipal fees and development charges, and increased operating costs. All of these factors combined produce a project pro forma that can ultimately make or break its feasibility. The CMHC’s financing programs, while impactful, are a single factor in the development pro forma.”

For more info on rental housing development in Canada, visit: Building Solutions – The Impact Of CMHC Loans On Canada’s Rental Development Efforts

Ontario announces $1.3 billion for new schools

Ontario is investing $1.3 billion to build 30 new schools and 15 school expansions across the province, creating more than 25,000 new student spaces.

This will also add more than 1,600 new licensed child care spaces.

The 45 projects were selected after reviewing school boards’ submissions through the 2024-25 capital priorities program, and address current and critical space needs in communities where alternative options are limited, as well as access to French-language education.

For the 2024-25 school year, the ministry of education has already allocated renewal funding of about $1.4 billion to school boards to improve existing schools.

The increased capital priorities funding is intended to address growth related to demographic changes and housing development in local communities.

“We welcome the government’s commitment to building new schools in communities across our province.,” said Kathleen Woodcock, president of the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association. “This investment will give many families greater access to modern learning environments that provide students with the best opportunity to thrive and succeed.”

Tax reprieve for investment property vendors

Recent investment property sales will deliver somewhat higher returns than Canadian vendors might have expected, thanks to a newly announced temporary reversion to a 50 per cent inclusion rate on capital gains. The reprieve from counting 66.6 per cent of earned profits toward vendors’ taxable incomes will be retroactive to June 25, 2024 and will stay in place until Jan. 1, 2026.

“Given the current context, our government felt that it was the responsible thing to do,” says Canada’s Finance Minister, Dominic LeBlanc. “The deferral of the increase to the capital gains inclusion rate will provide certainty to Canadians, whether they be individuals or business owners, as we quickly approach tax season.”

Two other tax measures related to capital gains arising from 2024 federal budget will remain in place. That includes an increase in the lifetime capital gains exemption on the sale of small businesses, farms and fishing properties, which was reset from $1,016,836 to $1.25 million as of June 25, 2024, and the introduction of a new incentive for entrepreneurs, which takes effect for the 2025 tax year. The latter gives investors in specified categories a 33.3 per cent inclusion rate on a lifetime maximum of $2 million of eligible capital gains.

Dialog projects earn International Design Awards

Dialog Design was honoured by the International Design Awards (IDA) with two awards for innovative design and excellence in architecture and interior design.

The International Design Awards is a prestigious global platform that celebrates outstanding achievements in design across a variety of disciplines. Established to recognize and promote design excellence, the IDA Awards draw entries from talented designers, architects, and firms around the world. Receiving an IDA award signifies distinction, showcasing a dedication to creativity, innovation, and sustainability in design.

This year, the IDA received thousands of submissions from more than 80 countries. Dialog was recognized across multiple categories, reflecting its dedication to creating impactful and meaningful spaces.

Centennial College A-Building Expansion
Gold Award: Cultural / Community Interior Design Educational Institutions

Completed in 2023 in collaboration with Smoke Architecture, the Centennial College A-Building Expansion celebrates the Mi’kmaq concept of “Two-Eyed Seeing,” harmonizing Indigenous wisdom and Western perspectives. The design inspires innovative thinking while allowing the building to be the primary storyteller. As Canada’s first LEED Gold, zero carbon, WELL-certified, mass timber, higher-education facility, it exemplifies an unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and social responsibility.

Toronto Western Hospital New Surgical and Patient Tower
Silver Award: Other Interior Designs / Conceptual Interior Design Projects
Honourable Mention: Other Architectural Designs / Conceptual Architectural Designs

The University Health Network (UHN) Toronto Western Hospital (TWH) New Surgical and Patient Tower is a landmark 15-storey, 380,000-square-foot project that enhances Toronto Western Hospital’s status as Ontario’s top Neurosciences Centre and a leader in complex surgeries. Featuring 82 single patient rooms, 20 cutting-edge operating rooms, and progressive facilities, the design fosters positive experiences for patients, visitors, and staff. With calming, biophilic interiors, abundant natural light, outdoor spaces, and inclusive healing environments, the project reflects UHN’s commitment to comprehensive care and wellbeing.

The benefits of equipment rental for maintenance managers

Cleaning and maintaining a building means taking on all sorts of tasks, big and small, throughout the year. You may not have the equipment necessary for every job, and need to look into investing in tools or rental equipment to get the job done. Some seasons require more equipment than others and this means that it may be difficult to commit the dollars it takes to invest in that seasonal equipment.

Here are some of the reasons that renting may be a more viable and cost-effective option for your business:

Do you have limited storage space? If so, you may not want to store equipment that only gets used once in a while, so by renting, you can reserve that storage space for equipment you need all year long.
If you have embarked on a special, one-time project, like re-sodding or landscaping, you may not require the equipment again, so it may not be worth spending the money to purchase the necessary equipment when you can rent it on a daily or hourly rate.
Renting the proper equipment can help get the job done safely, efficiently, and in a timely manner. For example, rather than setting up a ladder for an exterior job, a lift may help you accomplish the same task faster, simpler, and more safely.
Owning equipment means you need to factor maintenance and repair costs into your budgeting, but with rental equipment, you avoid those costs, along with the reduced value of equipment depreciation.
If you have multiple projects on the go or are planning a major project, meeting the demand for all the required equipment is made much simpler by renting what you need as you need it, rather than managing an inventory of expensive equipment or tools.
Ownership means that you may have outdated equipment or diagnostics, whereas rentals offer you the opportunity to access the latest technology and tools for potentially better results and more information.
Are you in the market to buy new equipment? Renting offers you a ‘try before you buy’ system, allowing you to test equipment so you can make informed decisions that work for your business.

Equipment can become a major investment as part of your maintenance plan, so consider whether it’s more feasible to manage your property and projects with rental equipment instead.

IFMA appoints Michael V. Geary as president and CEO

The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) appointed Michael V. Geary as its new president and CEO, effective February 10, 2025.

Geary will step into the position with more than thirty years of leadership in the association and non-profit sectors. Most recently, he served as the CEO of the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) and the SMPS Foundation, where he supported more than 7,400 professionals in the architecture, engineering, and construction industries.

His career also includes roles at AmericanHort, the American Institute of Architecture Students, and the National Association of Home Builders, where he enhanced global engagement and cultivated inclusive, professional networks across continents.

“Mike’s proven leadership skills and his ability to connect with members and stakeholders globally will be beneficial as we work to extend IFMA’s reach and influence in the built environment worldwide,” said Lynn Baez, chair of IFMA. “His strong association management experience and commitment to fostering an inclusive environment align well with IFMA’s values and our strategic goals.”

In his new role, Geary will leverage his extensive network within the association community and his expertise in strategic planning to enhance IFMA’s presence on the international stage.

Michael V. Geary. Photo courtesy of IFMA.

Commercial HVAC on demand response radar

Commercial HVAC controls are expected to return a sizable reduction in Ontario’s peak electricity loads for a relatively small injection of funding. A newly released breakdown of the budget and savings targets for the 2025-2027 electricity demand side management (eDSM) framework confirms that $26 million has been earmarked to roll out a new incentive, beginning next year, which is expected to deliver 230 megawatts (MW) of annual peak demand savings by 2027.

That’s on par with the peak demand reduction projected from the equivalent program for residential and small business customers, known as Peak Perks. Together, the two demand response incentive programs will cost $36 million per year by 2027 and are tapped to deliver 51 per cent of a targeted province-wide 900-MW annual cut in peak demand.

The residential component of the program was launched in 2023 and recently hit a milestone of 200,000 enrollees who have agreed to provide DSM program coordinators access to their air conditioning controls via smart thermostats. Beginning this January, it has been expanded to small business account holders (defined as companies with no more than 50 employees).

“With the success of Peak Perks on the residential side, we’re now introducing small businesses into it,” Tam Wagner, director of demand side with Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IES)), said in an interview earlier this month. “We’re exploring commercial HVAC demand response also. That’s work that’s underway around how best to be able to yield energy and peak demand savings associated with that.”

The IESO’s summary of planned eDSM programs also includes $30 million for incentives for new commercial and residential construction, which is to be made available in 2027. Otherwise, allocations in the total funding envelope of $1.8 billion will be directed to the suite of programs announced earlier this month.

Commercial, institutional and industrial electricity customers are set to receive the bulk of the available funding and, in turn, register the major share of energy savings. The new rebate for residential electricity or natural gas customers who install designated household products and equipment accounts for 10 per cent ($180 million) of program spending and slightly more than 4 per cent (194 gigawatt-hours) of targeted savings.

Up to $425 million is allotted to the bucket of commercial/institutional retrofit programs, along with $30 million for small business programs. There is also $109 million for industrial energy efficiency and $44 million for energy management programs, which could flow to beneficiaries in the commercial, institutional, multifamily or industrial sectors.

The significant block of funding for local initiatives — $366 million — is more difficult to parse out on a sectoral basis. It’s to be channelled into specialized programs in designated geographic areas where the electricity system is deemed to be under constraint.

As well, there is $90 million in a separate bucket for programs that local distribution companies (LDCs) will administer. This is further divided into $60 million to be directed to “customer engagement in support of province-wide programs” with an additional $30 million to be freed up in 2027 for programs that LDCs could design for their customers.

Commercial-institutional retrofit incentives are expected to underpin about 31 per cent (1,441 gigawatt-hours) of projected energy savings over the three years of the eDSM framework. Local initiatives are expected to be an even bigger contributor, delivering 2,084 gigawatt-hours of savings, while industrial energy efficiency programs are expected to deliver 487 gigawatt-hours of savings.

“All business and residential programs in the 2025–2027 Program Plan are expected to achieve positive cost-benefit benchmarks,” the eDSM summary advises. “Program cost-effectiveness under the plan is assessed using forecasted program participation, program delivery costs and supply-side avoided costs, which estimate the cost of supplying that same amount of energy and capacity from the current and projected electricity generation mix.”

Equinox fitness club opening at West House

Toronto’s newest luxury rental apartment, West House, is set to begin leasing this spring, bringing 370 new units to 88 Bathurst Street in the King West neighbourhood. Adding to the property’s market-leading amenities, Hines announced it has signed a 38,000-square-foot lease with Equinox in what will be the fitness brand’s third location in Toronto.

“West House will meet the demand for best-in-class rental housing in Toronto by delivering an exceptional experience for our residents,” said Syl Apps, Senior Managing Director, Head of U.S. Midwest and Canada, Hines. “Our commitment lies in developing residences that elevate the living experience while fostering a vibrant sense of community. With Equinox recognized globally as a leader in fitness and lifestyle enhancement, their partnership brings an unmatched amenity to our residents.”

Designed by world-class Danish architect 3XN, West House offers an array of amenities, including a rooftop retreat with 360-degree lake and city views; a high-resolution sports simulator; a coworking space complete with meeting rooms and focus zones; a speakeasy lounge; 24/7 lifestyle services, such as a pet concierge, private chefs, fitness training, wellness coaching, home and car cleaning and an interior design partnership with CB2. The property also offers EV charging stations, bike storage, energy efficient windows and other sustainable features.

“The opening of a third Equinox club in Toronto highlights the strong demand for high-performance luxury experiences within our Canadian community,” said Jeff Weinhaus, Chief Development Officer at Equinox. “We’re excited to partner with Hines to expand our portfolio at this exceptional location.”

For more information, visit: www.westhouse.ca

Bringing wellness to Century Gardens Youth Hub

The City of Brampton is integrating a wellness hub into its Century Gardens Youth Hub project in partnership with Peel Children’s Aid Society and the Ontario government.

The addition will bring essential services for mental health, substance use and primary care services, while combining wellness with recreation and education under one roof. Century Gardens Youth Hub is set for completion in 2026.

Local youth and service providers collaborated on the design and programs for the 12,500 square-foot building to create a vibrant and inclusive community hub that includes games and e-sports areas, creative spaces, meeting rooms and places for organizations to deliver a variety of services to youth.

Outdoor amenities will feature an amphitheatre, community gardens, a basketball court and the Atiba Hutchinson Soccer Court (now open). An Ontario-based Indigenous-identifying artist or artist group under the age of 29 years old will deliver a public art installation.

“Young people in Ontario deserve to receive the best care available and to be supported in achieving their best outcomes,” said Dr. Jo Henderson, executive director, Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario. “This can only happen if all parts of the system work together in partnership with young people to build innovative, effective solutions.

“This important collaboration provides young people in Brampton with an inclusive, welcoming space where they can access a full range of integrated mental health, substance use health, primary care, housing, employment, recreation, and other support services that meet their individual level of need.”

This is one of the 10 new hubs that the government is adding to the network of 22 hubs already opened since 2020, bringing the total to 32 across the province.

Between 2020 and 2023, Ontario established a provincial network of 22 Youth Wellness Hubs that have connected 43,000 youth and their families to mental health, substance use, and wellness services, accounting for over 168,000 visits.

North Shore Wastewater Plant ramps up

Construction activity at the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant is ramping up following Metro Vancouver’s contract execution with PCL Construction to complete the plant.

“We are pleased to be moving forward in a positive direction on the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant in partnership with PCL Construction,” said Mike Hurley, chair of the Metro Vancouver Board. “Together, we are committed to delivering a high-quality wastewater treatment facility in the most efficient and effective way possible.”

PCL was hired in 2022 for early construction works on the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant under a competitive bidding process, with the option to negotiate a contract for completing the full project. Now, work is ramping up as PCL expands its construction program and continues to mobilize staff, equipment, and materials to the site.

Within the contract with PCL, Metro Vancouver expects that around 50 per cent of the work to complete the project will be competitively bid among subcontractors, vendors, and suppliers. The total estimated contract price of $1.95 billion is within the approved budget for the program.

“With a proven track record in delivering quality water and wastewater projects in both commercial and industrial settings, PCL is well prepared for the challenges and opportunities that come with building a future-focused treatment plant for Metro Vancouver and the people of the North Shore,” said Travis Chorney, senior vice president, heavy industrial, with PCL.

The plant is being built on a 3.5-hectare piece of land and features a stacked design that allows for efficient use of space. The site was chosen to make use of limited industrial land available on the North Shore while allowing Metro Vancouver to make the most out of the expensive real estate that was available in close proximity to existing sewage infrastructure.

The new North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant will serve more than 300,000 residents and businesses in the Districts of North and West Vancouver, the City of North Vancouver, and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation). It will replace the existing Lions Gate Wastewater Treatment Plant, one of the last plants on the west coast of Canada and the United States to provide only primary level wastewater treatment.

ULI Toronto opens intake for industry mentoring

The Toronto chapter of Urban Land Institute is building the 2025 cohort of its Pathways to Inclusion program, targeting under-represented groups in commercial real estate, development and urban planning. Aspiring and entry-level professionals who live in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton area (GTHA) can qualify for one year of free membership and industry mentoring through a focused event, planned for early March, and other education and networking opportunities.

Candidates who identify as racialized, Indigenous, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, people with modest incomes and/or newcomers to Canada are invited to apply by Feb. 21, 2025. Up to 25 applicants will be chosen.

IDS Vancouver

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