Surrey City Centre 5 adds student housing

The Health and Technology District, by Lark Group and ICT Group, is partnering with Western Community College (WCC) on a unique collaborative project featuring more than 500 student and faculty residential housing units, and an expanded campus site at the District’s latest development, City Centre 5 (CC5) in Surrey.

WCC is experiencing significant growth in its hospitality and health and technology programs, which is driving its rapid expansion into the District.

Strategically located adjacent to Surrey Memorial Hospital and King George Skytrain station, the Health and Technology District includes a growing cluster of professional, health, technology and academic-based organizations focused on B.C.’s rapidly emerging health, education, skills and technology economy.

“We are blazing a trail in B.C.’s business and innovation landscape with the continuing expansion and accelerated momentum of Surrey’s Health and Technology District,” says Kirk Fisher, CEO of Lark Group. “The incredible demand for health, office, education space, and now student accommodations, as Surrey becomes B.C.’s largest City, has propelled us to accelerate the construction of our City Centre 5 building, with City Centre 6-9 already in the planning stages. Not only are we igniting Surrey’s innovation, health care and business landscapes, we’re creating access to local academic opportunities for future generations.”

The new WCC campus at City Centre 5 features 500 student and faculty residential housing space, including potential market rental space to support the needs of local health care institutions. The expanded campus space includes a café and large dining hall supported by the college’s Bachelor of Hospitality internships and practicums, resident support offices, a multipurpose room, an Indigenous focused reflection space, laundry facilities, student study, lounge and kitchen area and bike storage spaces.

Delivery agents sought for green jobs training

The Canadian government is seeking delivery agents to design programs and train workers for jobs linked to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. A call for proposals has been launched, with a focus on three fields: green buildings and retrofits; electric vehicle (EV) maintenance and charging infrastructure; and low-carbon energy and energy management.

A $99 million funding allocation is targeting six to 12 entities that can provide training at no or low cost for at least 1,500 workers in two or more provinces/territories over the course of the next four years. Private companies, not-for-profit ventures, Indigenous organizations, provincial/territorial governments and their related agencies and Crown corporations are eligible to apply.

“Ensuring that in-demand training, including green skills training in the housing and construction trades, is accessible to Canadians across the country is key to preparing our workforce for jobs in the low-carbon economy,” says Randy Boissonnault, Canada’s Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages. “These new funding opportunities recognize the essential role that Canadian organizations play in driving innovation and growth.”

Successful proponents will receive $8 million to $15 million to support training programs. Beyond knowledge of required skills and market trends in the three targeted job streams, training providers are expected to have or forge relationships with employers, unions, training institutions and other relevant stakeholders, and to have recent experience delivering programs that can lead to “certifications or career pathways”. Programs are to be offered in English or French, and the government will be aiming for broad geographic coverage of Canada in its overall selection.

Related to green buildings and retrofits, the fund is meant to train “a workforce to build and retrofit homes and buildings to reduce energy consumption and achieve low-carbon performance”. The low-carbon energy and carbon management stream could cover a range of energy production, including wind, solar, geothermal, hydrogen and other low-carbon fuels, as well skills related to carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS), while EV-related training is to emphasize repair and maintenance of vehicles and charging infrastructure.

Applications can be submitted via the Canadian government’s online portal until May 15. A related call for proposals, specifically for labour unions, is expected to be launched in June.

Shelved takeover attempt resets hotel rivals

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has shaken off a nearly year-long takeover attempt. Announcing that it does not see a path to a deal, “particularly when taking into account the Wyndham board’s obvious continuing disinterest”, Choice Hotels International has withdrawn its share purchase offer and a proposed slate of directors for Wyndham’s board.

In announcing its retreat, Choice Hotels characterized the pursuit as an attempt “to engage in good-faith negotiations with Wyndham through numerous different avenues.” However, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) terms it an effort “to seize control of its rival.”

“The FTC was closely scrutinizing Choice’s tender offer as well as its efforts to replace the Wyndham board of directors with its own hand-picked slate of nominees. Each of these actions posed serious competition questions and their abandonment is a win for consumers,” says Henry Liu, director of the FTC Bureau of Competition.

Choice Hotels boasts nearly 7,500 hotels, encompassing 630,000 rooms, located in 46 countries. Wyndham is the world’s largest hotel franchising company, with 9,200 hotels, encompassing 872,000 rooms, in 95 countries.

“The Wyndham Board is pleased that Choice has ended its hostile pursuit and proxy contest, following the expiration of its unsolicited exchange offer,” says board chair, Stephen Holmes.

Geoff Ballotti, Wyndham’s president and chief executive officer, confirms the company looks forward to executing its strategic plan “without the unnecessary distraction of this situation and disruption to our business”.

Reducing embodied carbon in capital projects

Condo owners now have the opportunity to understand the embodied carbon impacts of capital replacement work at their buildings. Embodied carbon refers to the carbon emissions produced during the life cycle of a building material and can include: raw material extraction, manufacturing, transport, installation, and end of life recycling/disposal. Think of it as the carbon that is baked into a product such as a window, rather than the operational carbon used to keep the heat and lights on.

A significant proportion of embodied carbon can be found in a building’s initial construction so it is important for buildings to be long-lasting to maximize the investment already made.

Why does it matter?

The built environment contributes a staggering 40 per cent to global CO2 emissions annually. Out of this, building operations account for 27 per cent, with embodied carbon following closely at 13 per cent and rising. For newer high-performance buildings, the embodied carbon can be as much as 4 times greater than the operational carbon.

While the operational emissions from building power usage have been the focal point for years (think lighting and HVAC retrofits), the industry is shifting focus toward the often-neglected contributor of embodied carbon.

The reason for this shift in attention is twofold. Firstly, as fuel is switched to cleaner energy sources, the relative contribution of embodied carbon to the total carbon footprint increases. Secondly, the immediacy of the emissions from building materials—released during extraction, production, and construction phases—means that they have an immediate impact on our environment (the impact is more front loaded).

Informed decisions

The costs of replacing major components of a condominium are neatly laid out in the reserve fund study report. But what are the associated carbon impacts of that work? And are there options that would be more or less beneficial to the environment?

The largest proportions of embodied carbon are typically found in the structural and building envelope components, through the production of materials such as concrete, steel and aluminum. For many corporations, these are also the two largest areas of expense in the reserve fund study (think roofing and window replacements, and garage and balcony repairs).

Strategies for carbon-conscious construction

Condo corporations can play a pivotal role in determining a project’s carbon footprint by setting goals and choosing sustainable materials and methods. Here’s what can be done according to industry experts:

Designing for extended building lifespans and future adaptability;
Using lower carbon products and materials; and
Implementing innovative construction techniques to reduce carbon intensity.

A word of caution

Refrain from choosing products solely because they appear to have low embodied carbon. For example, putting wood windows in a 30-storey tower rather than more common aluminum windows could reduce the embodied carbon of the replacement work by two times, but if those windows only last 20 years rather than 40 years, you are actually using more carbon. And if the wood windows cost more or require more maintenance, the corporation may fall into a weaker financial position in the long run.

Even if reducing carbon is a primary goal for owners, it is essential to consider all aspects of the work and to consider them over the life of the building or element. These include: cost, performance level and durability, maintenance requirements, and carbon impact.

Resources are now available for savvy owners to understand the carbon impacts of different design choices when completing building envelope capital replacement projects or upgrades. This can be another tool to support smart decisions for those looking at the long-term.

Jack Albert, P.Eng., is a Principal with RJC Engineers. Jack is a member of the Ontario Building Envelope Council, IIBEC, and is a LEED Accredited Professional. Over the past two decades, Jack has completed many projects involving building envelope repairs as well as studies and audits.

Toronto opens resource for energy and water reporting

The City of Toronto is moving forward with a new bylaw that requires owners of buildings, 50,000 square feet or larger, to report their annual energy and water usage. A reporting link has now opened for owners to input 2023 data, ahead of the July 2, 2024 deadline.

Toronto City Council approved Municipal Code 367 last December to help owners reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, save on utility costs and make their buildings more efficient.

Owners of buildings this size are already required to report the same data to the province of Ontario. To simplify the process, the city is also using Energy Star Portfolio Manager so owners can report their data to both the city and province using the same free online tool.

Tracking a building’s performance over time also helps compare it with the performance of similar buildings. The data will be used to design future city programs, policies and supports. The City’s Net Zero Existing Buildings Strategy aims to lower GHG emissions from buildings to net zero by 2040.

“This initiative is an important step in our ongoing efforts to transform Toronto so we can achieve our ambitious net zero goals,” said Councillor Dianne Saxe (University-Rosedale). “Addressing the climate emergency requires bold collective action. We are committed to partnering with residents, businesses and communities to drive meaningful change toward a more sustainable future for our city.”

Beginning in 2025, owners of buildings that are 929 square metres (10,000 square feet) or larger will also be required to report their energy and water use to the City of Toronto.

Toronto city staff began investigating energy reporting and benchmarking requirements for large buildings at the direction of the parks and environment committee back in 2014.

More information about how to report is available here.

Vancouver names Corrie Okell new GM of development

Corrie Okell has been named the new general manager of development, buildings and licensing for the City of Vancouver. She is replacing Andrea Law who will retire from this role after 34 years of service.

“Over Andrea’s extraordinary legacy of service, she has made an immeasurable contribution to the City and the incredible physical transformation of Vancouver,” said City Manager Paul Mochrie. “I have very much appreciated Andrea’s steady, thoughtful and caring leadership, and her drive to streamline our permitting and licensing processes. With Corrie taking on the General Manager role, I am confident we will continue to make significant strides in DBL’s transformational work ahead.”

Okell joined the City in 2018 and currently serves as the director, development and building permitting services within the department. In that capacity, she has played a key role in supporting the delivery of permitting services and the City’s ongoing efforts to simplify, streamline and expedite development and building approvals.

Notable developments under her leadership include the significant reduction in permitting times for low-density housing, the introduction of expedited permitting for straightforward renovations, and the implementation of expedited issuance for many sprinkler permits. Okell also serves as chair of the development permit board.

“I’m delighted to step into the General Manager role with expanded responsibility for a dedicated team who are committed to making Vancouver a vibrant, safer, healthier and more accessible city,” said Okell. “The City is doing transformational work in steering policies and services that shape and support how people build, work and live in Vancouver, and I’m excited to lead and continue to build on this.”

She takes over as GM, effective May 21, 2024.

Team selected for SkyTrain guideway and roadwork

The Government of British Columbia has selected the team of SkyLink Guideway Partners as the preferred proponent to design, build and finance the elevated guideway and associated roadworks, utilities and active transportation elements of the Surrey Langley SkyTrain.

The team selected for final contract negotiations is comprised of Dragados Canada, Inc., Ledcor Investments Inc., Ledcor Mining Ltd. and SYSTRA International Bridge Technologies Inc.

Dragados Canada, Inc. and Ledcor Investments Inc. are the proponent and Dragados will also be the design-build contractor along with Ledcor Mining Ltd. and the design contractor is SYSTRA International Bridge Technologies Inc.

The Surrey Langley SkyTrain project is a 16-kilometre extension of the Expo Line from King George Station to Langley City Centre, the first rapid transit expansion south of the Fraser River in 30 years.

The team will start some early works to prepare for major construction, including geotechnical investigations, locating utilities and clearing vegetation.

The Surrey Langley SkyTrain project is being delivered through three separate contracts. Requests for proposals (RFPs) for all three phases were issued in early 2023.

In addition to the elevated guideway and associated roadworks, utilities and active transportation elements, the province continues evaluations and discussions for the design and construction of eight new stations, including active transportation elements, such as cycling and walking paths around the new stations, as well as for the design, installation and testing of electrical systems.

Once complete, the project will provide high-quality, low-cost transportation for people in Surrey, Langley and throughout Metro Vancouver. Major construction on the Surrey Langley SkyTrain project is expected to begin this year.

Energy storage prompts a battery of precautions

In step with a projected surge in energy storage installations, fire safety advisors are actively working to help clean tech adopters understand and mitigate the risks. The U.S. based National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), a leading developer of standards that are referenced in many Canadian codes and standards, addresses many of those concerns in a dedicated standard, NFPA 855. Other general guidance for fire safety planning, emergency response, construction, operations and maintenance also comes into play.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration reports that 7.7 gigawatts (GW) of new energy storage capacity was installed in that country in the first six months of 2023, representing a 32 per cent increase over the same period in 2022. That growth trend is expected to continue with the planned flow of significant U.S. government spending into clean energy, and, to a lesser, but somewhat proportional degree, similar investment incentives are coming on line in Canada through a range of tax credits and financing options.

“A lot of the installations we see today are battery energy storage systems and particularly lithium ion,” Brian O’Connor, a senior engineer with NFPA, observed during a recent webinar. “We are seeing these installations everywhere. We are seeing more installations and, with that, we’re bound to see more incidents.”

Along with NFPA colleagues, he outlined a recommended approach for reducing that likelihood and more effectively containing events that do occur. That includes fire safety requirements for: building, configuring and equipping energy storage facilities; operational procedures; and emergency response training.

Under NFPA 855, energy storage facilities must be located at least 10 feet away from the lot lines and other structures, storage areas or vegetation on the site or, alternatively, be enclosed behind a wall that extends 5 feet beyond the energy storage system in all directions and is no less than 5 feet distant from other external exposures. Inside the facility, units are to be separated into clusters of no more than 50 kilowatt-hours (kWh), each of which must be placed at least 3 feet from other clusters and any walls.

The standard also includes directions for sprinklers, fire alarms, ventilation and explosion prevention and protection. Where lithium ion, sodium nickel chloride or flow batteries are employed, 600 kWh of energy storage is the triggering threshold for various hazard analysis, training and emergency response requirements that will need to be documented in supporting plans.

O’Connor advises facility developers/owners to begin that process with a series of ‘What if?’ questions related to potential “thermal runaway” in the storage units and the failure of the battery management system (which could cause voltage fluctuations) and any element of the fire protection system. From there, they should consider what precautions and interventions will be needed to achieve the required safety performance.

“You need to make sure that the fire is contained in that energy storage system room for two hours; that any explosion hazards are addressed; and that the products of combustion — being smoke, heat and any toxins associated with those — do not prevent the occupants from evacuating,” O’Connor reiterated.

Plans should identify key operational and emergency response procedures

Safety plan drafters will need to map out various operational and emergency response procedures, as well as the process for verifying that inspection, testing and maintenance of key systems is occurring. Plans should cover: safe shutdown and start-up of the energy storage system; communications, training and drills for on-site personnel, other building occupants and emergency responders; and key contacts, such as service contractors for critical equipment and systems. Attention should also be paid to potential repercussions for the surrounding area and wider community.

“Make sure that staff and occupants know what to do in the event of a fire, in the event they smell smoke or they smell something off with what’s going on in the battery room,” O’Connor said. “Your personnel needs to be able to figure out, not only how to notify the fire department, but when to notify the fire department.”

Likewise, arriving firefighters should know in advance that there are energy storage units on site, and be quickly directed to the mechanisms that will disconnect all electrical charges.

“Don’t be afraid to bring your local authorities in for training, to show them,” suggested Holly Burgess, one of the NFPA’s emergency planning specialists. “Make sure that they understand where to go and what the hazards are.”

Solar photovoltaic arrays can be one of those lurking hazards if that’s the power source for the energy storage. Dean Austin, a senior electrical specialist with the NFPA, explained that installed PV panels are effectively “live” whenever there is sufficient light. Thus, NFPA guidance calls for a single-switch shutoff for all solar PV arrays mounted on a building.

“It has been documented that some of the emergency lights on fire trucks, used for illumination at night, will turn on the solar panels and begin producing energy,” Austin reported. “The disconnect has to be able to isolate the energy storage system from all other wiring.”

Additionally, qualified technicians are a fire safety imperative at every stage of an energy storage facility’s life cycle from installation to decommissioning. Beyond being a licensed electrician, NFPA guidance defines this as having knowledge of and experience with specific types of equipment and systems. That includes required technical skills along with the ability to assess and mitigate hazards, which may involve getting training from the manufacturers of those products.

“I have been a master electrician for 30 years. I’ve done a lot of work myself and I can tell you that I am not qualified to go into a medium voltage application and start doing electrical work in there,” advised Corey Hannahs, another of NFPA’s senior electrical specialists. “So this qualified person requirement is a big part of knowing what the problems could be.”

A poll of webinar participants found most are still at earlier stages of the learning curve, with 51 per cent of respondents indicating that they need a lot more training before implementing an energy storage system in their facilities and just 3 per cent stating they believe they are sufficiently knowledgeable. O’Connor promotes the NFPA standard as a tool for quantifying the risks, identifying gaps and moving forward.

“Decommissioning without failure (at the end of the facility’s life cycle), that’s what we’re all hoping for, but, if there is some kind of failure, we don’t want to have to figure it out on the spot,” he submitted. “We want to make sure that we’ve thought about this earlier and we have a plan in place, so that the failure and whatever damage might be done is limited.”

Two designers celebrate 40 years at Architecture49

Interior designer Bozena Joworska and designer Alex Miedzik are celebrating 40 years with Architecture49.

Joworska left the Faculty of Architecture of the Warsaw Polytechnic for a visit to Canada over 40 years ago, the plan was to stay for only a couple of months. However, political developments in Poland led her to extend her stay. After a short adaptation she began her career with what is now A49. She works out of the Ottawa office.

Bozena’s sense of design backed by strong freehand skills quickly made her an asset during presentation and design development stages. For the next couple of years, she helped design many upscale hospitality and residential projects overseas in India, UAE, Oman, and Pakistan. Working on site with local architects and contractors, in direct contact with local cultures deepened her passion for interior design. She particularly enjoyed the opportunity to cooperate with local manufacturers in development of custom furniture and fabrics for her projects.

Miedzik began his career with Architecture49 when he came to Canada from Poland via the Middle East and USA. Throughout that time, he has had the fortune to work in sectors such as performing arts and culture, hospitality, urban design, aviation, and transportation.

Whether he is in the Middle East designing a national library, hotel resorts in Barbados or Bermuda, or airports in Thompson or Kenora, the unwavering foundation is a passion and commitment to great architecture. Miedzik said that the variety he has been afforded in his work could be called luck, an accident or maybe an opportunity but either way it has maintained his love for the job at Architecture49 all these years.

Painting the exterior of your building

With the arrival of spring often comes the desire to spruce up the outside of your building. Whether it’s landscaping, repairs, or painting, boosting curb appeal is an important part of your maintenance strategy. If your building needs some TLC, a fresh coat of paint can often improve aesthetics and camouflage some less-than-appealing aspects of your building.

While exterior painting must be done in warm weather, spring is the perfect time to start planning to paint your building, but there are some things you need to know before you get started:

The surface needs to be thoroughly cleaned before you begin, removing any dust, dirt, or uneven areas. Without this step, your paint may look messy and may not stick to the substrate. Fix any damage, at this time, too, to provide a smooth surface for your paint.
Test whether you can paint over what’s existing by checking the condition of your existing paint. This can be done by making a small cut into the surface and putting tape over the spot. When you remove the tape, if the existing paint is also removed, then the surface needs to be scraped or sanded to remove the paint before you start your painting project.
Certain types of paint perform better at specific temperatures, so look at what type of paint and finish you prefer. Extreme temperatures, high humidity, or foggy conditions can all negatively affect the adhesion and drying process, so take weather into consideration and plan your job around the appropriate weather.
Consider your safety and the well-being of staff or visitors to the building. Avoiding exposure to chemicals with a mask and eye protection, using safe practices on a ladder, and choosing a time with little traffic will help you paint safely and efficiently.
Use the best tools for the job to achieve an even, appealing finish. For example, you might choose to use a sprayer rather than a roller for large areas to save time and get an even coat. You may also want to invest in a pole to get to those hard-to-reach places.
Protect the areas around the project by covering lighting, landscaping, and decorative items to keep them shielded from any splatter.

Maintaining your property means tackling many tasks, big and small, so as soon as the weather permits, check exterior painting off your outdoor maintenance list.

VRCA inaugural women conference a success

The Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA) held its inaugural Women in Construction Conference, LEAP, on International Women’s Day, in partnership with the Canadian Construction Women (CCW).

“Over 200 women gathered to listen, engage, share their experiences, and offer encouragement. The day was dedicated to inspiring and empowering women, encouraging them to take courageous steps in their professional journeys. The energy in the room today lifted and inspired us to continue to leap forward,” said Jeannine Martin, president of VRCA.

The sold-out event showcased keynote speeches and panel discussions specifically designed to tackle the challenges and opportunities encountered by women in the construction industry. The event was designed to elevate and uplift women by providing a platform for learning, networking, and fostering community within the construction industry.

“CCW was privileged to partner with VRCA to host this conference and provide an opportunity to bring forward important discussions around the issue of supporting the advancement of women in the construction industry. All of the speakers did a great job in highlighting the theme of the conference, being one of leaping forward boldly, knowing there is a sisterhood of support in your corner,” said Seema Lal, CCW president.

Ontario’s shifting real estate landscape

As we head into Q2-2024, a significant shift in Ontario’s real estate landscape has occurred, putting the rental market front and centre amid declining home sales. For those in the rental housing sector, this represents good news—especially given that the heightened demand is expected to persist for the long term, leading to more opportunities on the horizon.

The decrease in new single-family home starts reflects a mix of challenges for both builders and buyers alike. For builders, elevated construction costs and labour shortages are directly impacting the viability of new projects. Rising prices for materials results in the potential of thinner margins or overall losses for builders. Additionally, a shortage of construction labour is slowing down the overall completion of new projects.

For buyers, surging interest rates and persistent inflation over the past two years are barriers to getting approved for a mortgage or wading into the housing market in general. Just a couple of years ago, buying a home was a more attainable dream for many Canadians. However, the increased cost of living means that what a potential buyer could qualify for then is vastly different from what they can afford today.

This has resulted in an alarming trend: buyers are becoming unable to close on their initial commitments and are having to walk away from their deposits. Not only is this harmful for the buyers, but it causes a ripple effect throughout the industry. Builders are more reluctant to initiate new projects and take on the risk if no one can afford them.

For the rental market, supply is in high demand given renting is the only viable option for many. New purpose-built rental apartments should be crafted taking millennial and Gen Z preferences into consideration. The demand for high-quality and elevated rentals is greater than ever, and emphasis should be placed on establishing sustainable, secure, and community-focused living environments. Units should reflect amenities and living experiences that resonate with young adults’ tastes.

Another contributing factor to the rise in demand for rentals is Canada’s immigration policy, which allows for a substantial number of newcomers every year. Based on new immigration targets, Canada is expected to continue to welcome 500,000 new immigrants annually, with Ontario being the most popular province for newcomers. Many turn to the rental market when arriving, as they settle into their new lives.

For builders, recent announcements from the federal government for new tax incentives for developers will help offset some of the costs that have been plaguing the industry. Since the rental market continues to be undersupplied, the growing demand will continue to increase. Purpose-built developments are not only necessary to meet immediate housing needs but also present a prudent long-term investment.

To conclude, it is clear the real estate market in Ontario is at a crossroads. The traditional pathway to homeownership is becoming increasingly unattainable for a large segment of the population. The market must pivot toward developing rental properties that cater to the needs of younger generations and new Canadians. This is not just a reactive shift to current market conditions, but a forward-looking strategy that recognizes the long-term value and stability of the rental market. As we navigate through these changing times, the focus on building quality affordable rental housing will be crucial in shaping the future of Ontario’s housing landscape.

Billy Triantafilos is the Principal & Co-Founder of TCU Development Corporation.

Burnaby wins NAIOP award for permit timing

The City of Burnaby has been awarded the NAIOP Commercial Real Estate Development Association’s Most Improved Approval Timing award in recognition of the significant strides the city made in 2023 to efficiently process development and building permit applications.

“This award is the latest milestone in our efforts to make it easier to build the projects we need in Burnaby”, said Mayor Mike Hurley. “Across the city, major projects are underway, including new housing developments, new buildings at SFU and BCIT, upgrades at Burnaby Hospital and the development of new film studios and other employment spaces. Equally as important, the improvements we’ve made will save time and money for residents working on their home or business.”

This is the second consecutive year Burnaby has received NAIOP honours, after being recognized as Metro Vancouver’s Most Business-Friendly municipality last year. Since then, Burnaby’s ongoing Development Approval Process (DAP) project has continued to improve processing times for development and building permits and create a faster, simpler and better experience for applicants.

Highlights of Burnaby’s 2023 improvements include:

a new process for residential single and two-family dwelling building permits that has reduced wait times by up to 85 per cent.
the launch of a new online application services platform, the launch of the City’s new Certified Professional (CP) program, enabling qualified private-sector professionals hired by the developer to supplement City staff’s reviews of design documents.
29 “quick wins” to streamline the approval process for multi-family developments and other complex projects.

While Burnaby’s progress has been steady, the DAP project is only getting started. Priority projects for 2024 include further technical enhancements to speed up permitting processes, additional streamlining of the application processes for both residential and commercial buildings, and the start of Burnaby’s transition to a new development permit system for major projects, which strives to reduce processing times by over 60 per cent.

Ontario ponders graduate studies at colleges

The Ontario government is considering taking applied technical studies to another level by offering graduate degree programs through the provincial community college system. Currently, several Ontario colleges grant bachelor’s degrees in various applied sciences and arts studies. An in-progress consultation process invites comments on potential master’s degree programs that would similarly be aligned with the pursuit of technical knowledge and research.

A summary of the government’s agenda, posted on Ontario’s regulatory registry, suggests this could be aimed at “key sectors with the targeted skill sets that employers are looking for” and programs that fill a different niche than graduate studies in the university stream. That could include “work-integrated learning opportunities” that would present students with new options.

As with applied baccalaureate degrees, community colleges would be required to meet certain conditions and obtain consent from the Minister of Colleges and Universities before launching graduate degree programs. The public can comment on the proposal until April 11.

The ‘Hows’ and ‘Whys’ of Building Construction

As building designs become more complicated, construction engineers play a critical role in the construction process, ensuring the physical structure is built with safety and durability in mind without compromising on the architectural vision and cost implications to the contractor. In fact, according to Evan Cambridge, Project Engineer, Construction & Specialty Engineering with RJC Engineers, today’s buildings are becoming much harder to build despite improvements in technology, tools, and methods. To facilitate a safe and successful outcome, construction engineers are there to ask the ‘hows’ and ‘whys’ that correspond with each aspect of the building project.

“Construction engineers are an important piece of the puzzle,” he explains. “We work alongside the contractor to figure out the best way to proceed using the available materials and labour in the most efficient way. As technology progresses and the demand for architecturally appealing buildings increases, it’s our job to solve the problems and safely bring the building to life.”

Cambridge says his team is typically brought on board before the contractor has even dug the hole for the project. This early perspective helps construction engineers gain a fuller understanding of what the job entails and establish the best path forward, solving inevitable issues as they arise.

“We determine the process of how to build, often using formwork and materials that the contractor is using on different jobs,” he says. “It’s a bit like a grown-up game of Tetris. We also heavily assist the contractor during construction by solving problems as they come up. Our team has a broad range of skills, so we’re able to foresee issues that others are not aware of on site.”

Common challenges at the worksite

Oftentimes, according to Cambridge, its the location of the building that proves to be the trickiest part of the construction. From nearby waterways to the proximity of the surrounding structures, project sites aren’t always easy to navigate, and construction engineers need to pay particular attention to challenges that lay ahead.

“We have been involved with projects where the wall we are building or demolishing is an inch away from an occupied shopping centre that cannot be closed down,” he says. “It’s our job to figure out how to safely manage that and fulfill the project requirements.”

The building components themselves can also create complications. Whether it’s large, cantilevered slabs or sloping columns high up on a building, these types of design features must be approached in a way that prioritizes the safety of both the workers and the public.

“We need to look at the plans and forecast how certain building components are going to be built and determine how those components may impact safety,” he says. “No matter what, safety is kept as a top priority.”

Limiting worksite hazards

That’s not to suggest engineers intend to interfere with the architectural vision. On the contrary, Cambridge says they are there to support that vision and ensure it comes to life in the safest and most cost-effective way possible.

“I believe anyone can build anything, but engineers have the skills to tell you exactly how much material is required to build it effectively, and ensure that the construction is done right,” he says. “Workers on the job should have no doubt the temporary platforms they work on, and the overall building structure, is safe.”

In other words, engineers also contribute to a safer construction site. In BC, for example, engineers are required to review temporary platforms before they can be used to support the weight of wet concrete and the workers pouring it. Typically, platforms are built quickly with the intention of being dismantled a few weeks later, so this requirement helps limit any associated hazards.

“There is a lot to look at, and it takes a trained eye to catch any missing pieces in the puzzle,” he says. “It can be like looking for a needle in a haystack.”

And then there are those issues that arise out of nowhere requiring emergency structural reviews. Two such incidents Cambridge recalls include a car that drove through the wall at a local mall, and a retaining wall that collapsed on a construction site.

“In both situations we were contacted by First Responders and city officials to give emergency reviews before anyone else, including the firefighters, entered the scene,” he says. “These situations were stressful and a lot of decisions needed to be made quickly—which happens regularly on jobsites, too.”

For more about the role of construction engineers, visit www.rjc.ca or contact Evan Cambridge directly.

Women welcomed on boards, less so in C-suites

Women are gaining more presence in the boardrooms than in the C-suites of listed Canadian real estate entities. New analysis from the credit rating agency, Morningstar DBRS, charts the changing gender split of senior leadership roles since 2010 at 11 public companies, and finds that women’s share of board of director positions grew from 6 per cent in 2010 to 36 per cent in 2022.

Demographic shifts were less pronounced at the top executive level. Looking specifically at the duo of chief executive officer (CEO) and chief financial officer (CFO), women filled 5 per cent of those positions in 2010 and 18 per cent in 2022, with the latter all clustered at CFO.

Commentary from Brenda Lum, managing director of Morningstar DBRS’ North American corporate real estate ratings, highlights women’s relative higher numbers on real estate boards versus an average of 26 per cent across all TSX-listed companies. Among the 11 real estate players, Artis Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) and Allied Properties REIT, had the highest share of female board members in 2022, at 57 per cent and 50 per cent respectively. In both cases, that’s a shift away from all-male boards 12 years earlier.

Women also increasingly carry out committee responsibilities on the real estate entities’ boards. Across the 11 entities, women filled 36 per cent of committee positions in 2022 compared to 8 per cent in 2010. Women comprised at least 50 per cent of board committees at Artis, RioCan and Allied Properties REITs, while Morguard Corporation was alone in having no women in committee roles. (That’s perhaps reflective of a smaller field of candidates to choose from since Morguard had the lowest quotient of women on its board in 2022 — at 11 per cent — among the 11 entities.)

“The disappointment lies in the lack of women holding leadership roles, defined as CEO and chair of the board positions. No woman held any of these positions in the 2010, 2020 or 2022 periods,” Lum observes.

Turning to the C-suite, women’s representation in the CEO and CFO positions actually slipped in 2022 from 20 per cent two years earlier. In 2010, First Capital REIT was alone in the group for its female CFO, while women held the CFO position at four companies — Allied Properties, Chartwell Retirement Residences, Crombie and Granite — in 2022.

The analysis also examines women’s status as of February 2024 in a slightly larger sample of real estate companies, broadened to include three more that were listed on the TSX after 2010. Women now fill 21 per cent of top executive roles across these 14 entities, primarily as CFOs, but with one CEO (Allied Properties REIT’s Cecilia Williams). As of last month, women continue to be shut out of board chair positions.

Across the entire TSX currently, women chair 7.3 per cent of boards and are CEO of 5.3 per cent of listed companies. Although trends suggest women are steadily gaining parity in total board membership, Lum concludes that the “comply or explain” approach, leveraging mandatory disclosure to open leadership up to more women and under-represented groups, does not appear to have been a catalyst for women’s advancement to CEO or board chair.

“Perhaps gender parity at the board of director level will be an instigator of change for representation of women in these key leadership positions,” she surmises.

The 11 real estate companies in the analysis include: Allied Properties REIT; Artis REIT; Chartwell Retirement Residences; Crombie REIT; First Capital REIT; Granite REIT; H&R REIT; Morguard Corporation; Primaris REIT; RioCan REIT; and SmartCentres REIT.

OAWA celebrates office opening in Edmonton

The Office to Advance Women Apprentices (OAWA) Alberta is celebrating the grand opening of its office in Edmonton on International Women’s Day.

Carpenters’ Regional Council (CRC) received $2.354 million from the Government of Canada under the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy Women in Skilled Trades Initiative for the Alberta OAWA project.

OAWA Alberta offers ongoing support to tradeswomen seeking work or already employed in the skilled construction trades. In addition to offering a suite of individualized wrap around services for applicants, the office has developed strategic industry partnerships to connect tradeswomen to employers.

The new Alberta office is located in Edmonton at #177, 15210 123 Ave. OAWA Alberta has plans to open additional offices in Fort McMurray (scheduled for summer 2024) and Calgary (scheduled for 2025).

“We’re focused on educating women about the incredible career opportunities available to them in the skilled construction trades and creating pathways for them to succeed,” said Emma Pollard, project director for OAWA Alberta. “Working in collaboration with our industry partners, we are committed to enhancing a worksite culture that supports women in a male dominated industry.”

To date, the organization has assisted with more than 2,000 employment opportunities and has provided job-related supports to more than 4,000 women across Canada.

While the International Women’s Day 2024 campaign theme is to ‘Inspire Inclusion’, women unfortunately continue to be underrepresented in the skilled construction trades. According to a 2021 Build Force survey, women accounted for seven per cent of the skilled trades workforce in Alberta.

In Canada, women comprise 47.5 per cent of the labour force, but only represent 8.6 per cent of skilled trades workers (Statistics Canada, 2022).

OAWA Alberta supports 39 key identified Red Seal construction trades. Anyone in Alberta over the age of 16 who identifies as a woman and is seeking support to either enter or advance their skilled construction trades career, or to achieve Red Seal certification, is eligible for support at no cost.

Why does it matter?

Informed decisions

Strategies for carbon-conscious construction

A word of caution

Plans should identify key operational and emergency response procedures

BOMEX 2026

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