One Roxborough West comes to Summerhill

One Roxborough West is a 12-storey condo in Toronto that recently launched in the Summerhill community. Developer North Drive worked with Reflect Architecture to imagine a design that blends the convenience of a condo, the services of a hotel and the privacy of a Rosedale home.

“Working closely with Reflect Architecture, we ensured that every detail, from the building concept to the brick coursing, was meticulously crafted to fit effortlessly into the neighbourhood’s context,” Jordan Morassutti, co-founder and partner at North Drive, said in a statement. “The result is a building that not only extends the spirit of Yonge Street but also feels like a natural extension of the Summerhill neighbourhood.”

Inside, a collection of 27 units range from 2,116 to 5,328 square feet with various floor plans: four units on floors 3 and 4, three units on floors 5 to 8, two units on floors 9 to 12.

Each layout offers a custom home feel with unobstructed skyline views. A wood-clad portal wall and ceiling guides residents into the experience of their homes. Upon entering the suites, residents are immediately visually connected to a den or library space with an inviting view.

The kitchen is a spotlight feature with a cladded stone island and a CEA faucet, placed against the glazing to allow for maximum light. An integrated walk-in pantry creates more space to store all countertop appliances, ensuring counters remain tidy to maintain a refined aesthetic.

Reflect Architecture founder Trevor Wallace designed a building that transitions into a porous vertical green field as it extends from Yonge to Roxborough West.

“The two-tone language of the building, as well as the respective detailing and thoughtful integration of features, create a visual narrative that speaks to the unique conditions of existing between the high street and the neighbourhood,” he said. “There is an intentional massing effect, where each component of the building responds to an important site condition.

“From the retail spaces on the ground floor to the intimate café or restaurant, to the loggias that serve as urban oases, every element works to add depth and sincerity to the building’s presence.”

IDC awards top Canadian interior designers

The Interior Designers of Canada (IDC) celebrated 11 projects at this year’s Value of Design Awards (VODA).

These awards, which launched in 2018, shine a spotlight on Canadian interior designers by providing a forum to showcase the benefits of design thinking: an empathetic, inventive, and iterative process focused on the human experience within interior spaces.

Projects from B.C. and Alberta were honoured in each of the three categories.

Excellence – Innovation in Workplace Design
Lordco Head Office, Port Coquitlam, B.C.
Michelle Biggar / Office of mcfarlane biggar architects + designers (OMB)

OMB was commissioned by Lordco Auto Parts to provide full scale interior design services for their new 46,000sf Head Office space. The tenant improvement spans three floors and is located in a new 377,000sf purpose-built distribution centre. A central atrium and feature stair that spans three floors was introduced to encourage connectivity and collaboration.

The interior space planning was informed by the goal to provide clarity of the company’s organization and function. Training rooms, collaborative work spaces and flex areas were strategically located to maximize function and a full fitness area was included to support staff’s wellbeing. The central and generous lunch room provided opportunity for staff to congregate and a separate executive suite with a private lunch room on the top floor provided the option for uninterrupted workflow for executives

Merit – Innovation in Hospitality Design
CheckMate Winery, Oliver, B.C.
Jenn Lembke / McKinley Architecture Inc.

CheckMate Winery revitalizes an existing winemaking facility, refining the processing areas and adding new tasting rooms with layered views of surrounding vineyards and the Okanagan Valley beyond.

Honourable Mention – Innovation in Workplace Design
Maurice Law, Calgary, AB
Jenn Lembke / McKinley Architecture Inc.

McKinley Studios was asked to design an office for Maurice Law that reflected their indigenous identity, while also representing them as a leader in Canadian law. The challenge was to connect two physically separate floors, cohesively and functionally, encouraging connection and movement. The design approach taken for this project was deeply contextual, drawing inspiration from a rich culture and adapting it subtly to the challenging space. By making cultural identity a primary driver of the design, McKinley Studios achieved a result that not only reflected the client’s values and function but also celebrated and enriched their cultural identity.

The full list of winners can be found at IDC.

New Burnaby housing for women and children

Construction has begun on new housing for women and children in Burnaby, which will include 56 affordable long-term homes and 37 new child care spaces.

Cindy Beedie Place will be a four-storey building with 41 two-bedroom and 15 three-bedroom homes, each with a bathroom, kitchen and dining area. Eleven of the homes will be adaptable and accessible. The building will have heat pumps to ensure adequate heating and cooling. It will include an amenity room, a kitchen for communal gatherings, a residential courtyard and a children’s play area.

In addition, Cindy Beedie Place will have an attached early learning and child care facility, which has been partially funded through the Beedie Foundation and an anonymous donor. The child care facility will receive additional funds through ChildCareBC’s New Spaces Fund. The YWCA, which will operate the child care facility, will apply for the Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative to be able to offer affordable child care rates. Families may be eligible to receive additional financial support through the Province’s Affordable Child Care Benefit.

The project is a partnership between the province, through BC Housing, the Beedie Foundation, the City of Burnaby and YWCA Metro Vancouver. The province is providing approximately $40.2 million through the Building BC: Women’s Transition Housing Fund for the project.

“We are bringing together a vision I have had for many years of a place where vulnerable women and their children can live in safety in a home offering the deepest levels of affordability,” said Cindy Beedie, executive director, Beedie Foundation. “Together we hope to give mothers in need the chance to change the trajectory of their lives by empowering them with affordable housing and child care. We also hope this project inspires leaders in other cities to build similar projects in their own communities. My sincere gratitude to our partners and donors whose tremendous support helped make this project a reality.”

Regional mall fundamentals receive high marks

Regional mall fundamentals suggest that recent years of lacklustre returns could be reversing for the owners of Canada’s largest enclosed shopping centres. The credit rating service, DBRS Morningstar, has issued a strong endorsement of the sector’s prospects, citing surging population growth, densification trends and minimal new competition for incumbents among the pluses.

Newly released commentary from the agency’s corporate real estate analysts projects there is “significant opportunity for growth” for asset managers reinvesting in and upgrading their properties. It notes the steady improvement in sales volume and occupancy rates since the grips of the COVID-19 pandemic and charts a continuing climb in the rental rates top-tier malls command.

The rising conversion ratio, which measures the correlation of foot traffic to sales volume, offers evidence of what’s seen to be a stabilizing equilibrium of e-commerce and bricks-and-mortar venues. Analysts conclude that physical stores serve as anchor space for the many retailers now operating in both channels, while, in turn, shoppers are going to malls with “greater purpose” and intent to purchase.

Although Canada-wide foot traffic to malls still trailed pre-pandemic levels in 2022, the vast majority of top-earning malls surpassed their 2019 thresholds for sales per square foot (psf). The most productive mall, Yorkdale Shopping Centre in Toronto, posted a 13 per cent gain in 2022 compared to 2019 with sales rising from $1,964 psf pre-pandemic to $2,226 psf last year.

“High sales productivity is more pronounced at top-tier malls, which enjoy a more affluent customer base and are in desirable areas for retailers to build and maintain their brand image. Product mix has an effect on sales psf with a number of the top malls providing an extensive luxury goods offerings,” DBRS Morningstar analysts observe.

Only three of 2022’s top earners recorded a slip in sales per square foot compared to 2019. All three — CF Pacific Centre, CF Toronto Eaton Centre and CF Rideau Centre — are downtown shopping centres that have historically drawn a significant share of business from the nearby office workforce.

The widening gap between the population growth rate and the addition of new retail inventory is seen as another favourable factor for regional malls. Canada lags well behind the retail space per capita in the United States and few new enclosed malls have been constructed in the 21st century. Analysts tally a number of impediments to new supply largely related to the high cost of land, capital and construction, while noting that owners of existing shopping centres are well placed to draw from an expanding pool of consumers.

“Investors seem to be focused more on industrial and multifamily properties in the post-pandemic era, and construction of enclosed malls has taken a backseat,” they observe. “The overall stock of enclosed malls is aging. Most malls are now 50-plus years old, opening possibilities for repurposing of old properties.”

Some of the pension plan real estate entities DBRS Morningstar rates are highlighted for current redevelopment activities or future plans to densify and introduce new land uses at prominent regional malls in prime urban locations. Projects slated for Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver will collectively bring about 87,000 new residential units to mall property footprints along with other new commercial, community and green spaces.

“Some of these top-tier malls have seen millions in investments over the past few years and this commitment is expected to continue while shopping centres become even more entrenched as community activity hubs,” the analysts state. “Top-tier mall owner/operators across Canada are well capitalized and thus have an advantage over their lower-tier Class B/C mall owner/operator peers in their ability to continually reinvest in their properties.”

While high interest rates, slowing economic momentum and a potential pullback in consumer spending are acknowledged downside risks for the sector, the credit outlook is deemed stable in the near to medium term. The analysis notes that regional mall owners/operators generally lean to conservatism with lower leverage on their properties than other asset type REITs.

Preparing your facility for winter storms

Storms happen in all seasons, of course, but winter storms bring their own unique challenges to your building maintenance. Gusty winds, ice and snow, and freeze/thaw cycles mean that your building is at risk during the winter months. Get ahead of the weather and mitigate your risks with a robust maintenance plan that will have you prepared long before winter arrives.

Take time in the fall to create a maintenance plan that will carry you right into the spring, with these steps to avoid winter storm damage:

Conduct a risk assessment to determine what needs to be done to get your building ready. Look for trees near your windows or hydro lines, a roof that needs repair, structures like sheds that could be carried away during a storm, and more.
Check your equipment storage to make sure that in case of a flood, critical equipment is being stored off the ground to avoid damage and risk of failure.
Once the temperatures drop and storms start, you may need to address the risk of freezing pipes. Insulate exposed pipes or pipes located in cold areas like warehouses or bays to protect your building from leaks, loss of heat and water of your pipes freeze.
Prepare for winter storms or natural disasters with a plan and procedures in place to mitigate damage and keep your staff safe.
Ensure that you have contracts with vendors for things like fuel, so that if the power goes out during a storm, you have a backup plan.
Confirm contracts with snow removal companies or ensure that you have the supplies and equipment needed should a large volume of snow fall.
Check on backup systems like generators and emergency lighting to confirm that they are operational if needed.
Protecting your building is crucial, but so are your teams. Put procedures in place to keep staff home or limit driving during unsafe conditions. Stay on top of governmental warnings and local weather so you can plan ahead for a smaller staff on site or take safety precautions.
Landscaping can also take a beating during a winter storm, so use shrub wrap to protect bushes and small trees from strong winds and damage from salt if they are close to the road.
If you need to work outside, be sure that your teams are dressed appropriately, rotate shifts to limit time outside, and be aware of risks and safety practices.

Winter storms are inevitable, but being prepared, putting a plan in place, and executing proactive maintenance can protect you from the damage that can come with winter storms.

Canada ranks high in global remote work index

Canada outpaces the United States in a newly released survey detailing the top countries for remote work.

In its Global Remote Work Index, cybersecurity company NordLayer evaluated 108 countries and found Europe dominates. The top five countries are: Denmark, Netherlands, Germany, Spain and Sweden. Canada ranks at 14 as the best country globally and two places lower compared to last year’s data.

This index measures four main dimensions: cybersecurity, economics, infrastructure, and, since this year, a new addition—social safety criteria—to ensure the quality of remote work. The index serves as way of improving a work model of which many people are advocates.

“Even though some of the big tech companies recently brought their employees back to the office or introduced a hybrid work model, remote work is here to stay,” says Donatas Tamelis, managing director at NordLayer. “It’s not just a trend — it is a fundamental shift in how we approach productivity and work-life balance. Embracing remote work empowers our teams to harness their full potential, regardless of geographical boundaries.”

Where does Canada stand?

Canada ranked third for economic safety (cost of living, etc.) and performs well in digital and physical infrastructure at spot 15.

The country also ranks 21 for social safety. Looking at social and physical security aspects of working and living remotely, this criteria combines the components of overall safety from crimes within a country with metrics evaluating equity and access to human rights.

Overall, Canada is ranking relatively well across the board, with the majority of its rankings falling between 10 and 20 places. The only significant negative exceptions are the cost of living (83), internet affordability (49), and overall safety (50).

However, for cybersecurity, while Canada’s overall ranking falls short (32), it ranks very well in terms of cybersecurity infrastructure (5). Both legislation-wise (18) and response capacity-wise (12) the country is faring relatively well. Work continues on the legislative side, with last year’s passing of Bill C-26, which is expected to enact an extensive framework of cybersecurity regulation to cope with the new challenges.

Both Canada and the U.S. are performing similarly in terms of cyber safety (32 and 33, respectively) and economic safety (3 and 2), however, the U.S. (6) is doing slightly better than Canada (15) with digital and physical infrastructure. This is predominantly due to a major difference in terms of internet affordability. The only area in Canada that slightly dominates is e-infrastructure.

Remote work exposes security risks

Tamelis recommends practicing several cybersecurity practices with remote work in mind:

Always use a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN encrypts your internet connection and helps protect your personal information from prying eyes. It is especially crucial when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks.
Also, ensure that all your devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops, have the latest software updates installed. These updates often include security patches that can help protect against known vulnerabilities.
Be cautious with public Wi-Fi and avoid accessing sensitive information such as online banking or entering passwords on public Wi-Fi networks unless you are using a VPN. Hackers can easily intercept data on unsecured networks.
Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible for your email accounts, social media profiles, and other online services you use while traveling. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification during login.
Use strong and unique passwords. Create strong passwords for each of your online accounts and avoid using the same password across multiple platforms. Consider using a password manager like NordPass to securely store and generate complex passwords.

To see the full list of rankings, The Global Remote Work Index can be accessed here.

Helping to build a barrier-free Canada

More than six million Canadians live with a disability¹. In everyday life, they may have fewer options when accessing transportation services, communicating with others, or maximizing mobility in indoor spaces. Accessibility is generally recognized as an important element of architectural design practice², and incorporating accessibility principles helps ensure that people with disabilities can have the same experience as any other person, whether in a public venue or at home.

Over the past two decades, municipalities, provinces, and territories across the country have developed various policies aimed at improving accessibility in public buildings and spaces, as well as for dwellings. CSA Group standards solutions support these efforts, helping Canada reach its goal of becoming a barrier-free country by 2040.

Standards help improve access to public and private spaces

The first CSA Group accessibility standard CSA B651 was published in 1990 under the title Barrier-free design (now published as CSA/ASC B651, Accessible design for the built environment). It brought requirements that were considered extraordinary at the time. Features such as ramps at main entrances, wider doors, handrail extensions, and expanded washroom stalls help improve overall access to public and private spaces for people with disabilities.

Since its first edition, the standard has evolved significantly. For example, subsequent updates added enhanced guidance on elements serving mobility, reaching, manipulation, hearing, visual, and other spatial needs for people with a range of physical, sensory, or cognitive disabilities.

People with lived experience bring their perspectives to the table

Many of the requirements and recommendations of the CSA B651 standard resulted from consultations with people living with disabilities, to incorporate their perspectives and experiences. Their input was included in the 2023 edition of the standard, developed in collaboration with Accessibility Standards Canada (ASC).

The 2023 edition of the standard also embraced the latest anthropometric research, providing more details on the anthropometrics of mobility aid users, including reach ranges for a person in a wheeled mobility device, walkway width for people using crutches, walkers, or being accompanied by a service animal, as well as detection space for people using a long white cane.

Other updates relate to luminance (colour) contrast for general surfaces, glossy or shiny surfaces such as brushed stainless steel, and functional and cognitive barriers. The standard recommends designing spaces with simple, logical layouts and consistent features. For example, washrooms should be located in the same area on each floor.

Designers should also consider measures to improve lighting inside and outside of the buildings, implementing features to reduce noise interferences.

A new standard addresses the accessible design of dwellings

People living with disabilities have specific needs for the places where they live, including easy access to basic human needs such as food, hygiene, and rest areas. However, most Canadian dwellings were never designed with accessibility in mind. Current design and construction guidelines and codes for accessible dwellings vary across the country, and their requirements tend to be limited.

The new CSA Group standard CSA/ASC B652:23, Accessible dwellings, aims to address this challenge. It provides requirements and recommendations for the design, construction, and alteration of dwellings so they can better accommodate the needs of their occupants. The standard can be applied to a variety of dwellings, including detached houses and duplexes, townhouses, row houses, apartments, and condominiums. Its provisions are also suitable for short-term and visitable dwellings, such as hotels, dormitories, and care facilities.

The first edition of the Standard leans on industry experts and people with lived experiences for evidence-informed guidance and best practices on how to design various elements of accessible dwellings. This includes area allowances to accommodate a person using an assistive mobility device, position operability, functionality of handles, locks, light switches, and other home operating controls, access ramps, parking, garages, landscaping, and other exterior elements.

The standard also provides requirements for floors and ground surfaces, with additional considerations for people with different disabilities. For example, people with limited vision, environmental intolerances, or those using assistive mobility devices.

An interactive tool helps designers and builders apply the standard for accessible dwellings

To help home builders, contractors, and accessibility consultants apply the requirements and recommendations of the standard CSA/ASC B652:23, CSA Group, with support from Accessibility Standards Canada, has developed a new interactive pdf tool.

This tool helps assess the needs of individuals with physical, sensory, or cognitive disabilities and optimizes the design of private dwellings, whether building a new house or renovating and retrofitting an existing one. Users can select a specific area of the dwelling and get a quick summary of requirements, recommendations, and considerations that may impact and improve its accessibility.

Research identifies areas where standards can help improve accessibility

Accessibility standards will continue to play an important and necessary role in building a barrier-free Canada. CSA Group research A Canadian Roadmap for Accessibility Standards reviewed the current standardization landscape and identified areas where new standards and harmonization of accessibility provisions across Canada would help remove existing barriers to accessibility.

Recommendations include the development of a comprehensive national standard for accessible indoor and outdoor recreational and green spaces, addressing the physical, sensory, and cognitive needs of their users, along with standards for wayfinding and navigation systems, especially in complex environments within transportation facilities, health care settings, and public pedestrian spaces.

To learn more about CSA Group’s standards and research for building a barrier-free Canada, visit our website at csagroup.org/StandardsForAccessibility.

¹ Canadian Survey on Disability Report, Statistics Canada, 2018

² Zallio, M., Clarkson, P.J., Inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility in the built environment: A study of architectural design practice, Building and Environment, Vol.206, 2021

CSA Group always strives to provide up-to-date and accurate information. However, no representation or warranty, expressed or implied, is made that this information meets your specific needs, and any reliance on this information is at your own risk. Please contact CSA Group for more information about our services.

UCalgary launches new Bachelor of Design

The School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape (SAPL) at the University of Calgary has launched a new Bachelor of Design in City Innovation (BDCI) degree.

Representing a groundbreaking initiative in the world of undergraduate design education in Canada, the BDCI program has been crafted to provide students with a comprehensive introduction to design thinking for cities. Courses in visualization, technology, global citizenship, urbanism, sustainability, data science and entrepreneurship augment the core studio-based curriculum.

“The world’s greatest challenges, such as climate change and social injustice, are grounded in the built environment,” says SAPL Dean John Brown. “This program is educating students to work across disciplines and understand the relationships between people and places — buildings, landscapes and cities.”

Designed for the 21st century, the BDCI program focuses on developing students’ creativity, problem-solving and critical thinking abilities, and technical skills — using the city itself as a laboratory.

“Cities are re-emerging as the crucial site for the mediation of society,” says Alberto de Salvatierra, associate dean (undergraduate) and associate professor of urbanism and data in architecture. “Cities must therefore be the fulcrum upon which bold solutions are found.”

Graduates of this program will be well equipped to address the complex challenges of the ever-changing world through the lens of design at a range of scales. The program also prepares students for admission into professional degree programs, such as the Master of Architecture (MArch), the Master of Planning (MPlan) and the Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA).

The curriculum of the BDCI program is a blend of theory and practical experience. Students have the opportunity to engage in cross-cultural hands-on projects, collaborate with industry professionals and municipalities through work-integrated learning studios, and gain a deep understanding of transdisciplinary design strategies for the built environment.

CIBC’s Global HQ achieves WELL Certification first

CIBC’s new global headquarters became the largest workplace to achieve WELL Certification at the Platinum level across all sectors in Canada and in the financial sector, globally.

Some of the performance features that contributed to this award include: dedicated spaces designed to enhance employee wellness including wellbeing rooms; reflection rooms, rejuvenation corners and a lactation suite; sit-stand workstations located along windows so all employees have access to natural light; healthy nourishment options available to all employees in their workspaces; annual monitoring and testing of air, water and thermal quality standards; and accessibility and universal design elements that exceed standards.

CIBC’s workspace at CIBC SQUARE is also LEED Platinum Certified.

“We are very proud to be recognized for our incredible new workplace at CIBC SQUARE,” said Veni Iozzo, executive vice-president, enterprise real estate and workplace transformation. “Much attention to detail went into designing our space with a commitment to providing our employees with the best health and wellbeing amenities and standards.”

The standard from the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) focuses on enhancing people’s health and well-being through the built environment. The Platinum level represents the highest pinnacle of health achievement across WELL’s 10 core concepts: air, water, nourishment, light, movement, thermal comfort, sound, materials, mind and community.

Well Certification has played a key role in financial sector operations and sector leaders prioritize healthy workspaces. Last year, the TD Centre, at 4.3 million square feet, become the largest office complex in Canada to attain WELL certification.

Home sales in Greater Montreal reach near record low

October home sales in the Greater Montreal Area reached the second lowest level of activity in 23 years.

Residential sales totalled 2,675 last month, a two per cent decrease from October 2022, according to new data from the Quebec Professional Association of Real Estate Brokers.

“While there are fewer active buyers in the market, there continues to be latent interest in buying a property,” said Charles Brant, QPAREB’s market analysis director. “The combination of various negative factors has fuelled a sense of caution and led to a deferment of purchasing plans.”

He noted, in a statement releases today, that the Bank of Canada’s decision to not increase the key rate had no effect on demand like that seen during the last pause.

“The result is an increase in the number of properties on the market to a level not seen since the start of the pandemic,” he added. “This situation is conducive to a market rebalancing and a plateauing or decline in prices. It also provides more choice in the market for experienced buyers with enough equity to avoid the need for significant mortgage financing.”

Price and property highlights for October

The Island of Montreal and South Shore of Montreal stood out with sales increases of 7 per cent and 8 per cent compared to the same period last year. Declines were experienced across The North Shore of Montreal (12 per cent), Laval (17 per cent) Vaudreuil-Soulanges (19 per cent) and Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu (30 per cent).

Condo sales remained stable, reaching 1,018 transactions, while single-family homes dipped six per cent to 1,347 sales. Overall, active listings rose up 12 per cent from a year ago to reach 17,518.

All median prices are growing when compared to those in effect in October 2022. Single-family homes stood at $545,000, up by 7 per cent. Plexes sold for $735,000, a jump of 5 per cent compared to last year. Condominiums saw an increase of 3 per cent for the period at $390,000.

The main metropolitan areas of the South Shore of Montreal, the North Shore of Montreal and Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu stand out with more pronounced median price increases compared to a year ago.

New option proposed for Ontario’s ICI program

Large electricity customers in Ontario could have a new option for reducing the peak demand factors that determine their share of the bucket of electricity system costs known as the global adjustment. A proposed tweak to the Industrial Conservation Initiative (ICI) program would allow enrollees to use clean energy power purchase agreements (PPAs) to offset their electricity consumption during the five hours of annual highest system-wide demand.

The proposal, which is posted on Ontario’s regulatory registry for public comment until December 17, likens the measure to virtual net metering. Contracted electricity supply from a qualifying clean energy producer would be treated as if it was behind-the-meter (on-site) generation for the purposes of calculating GA costs. It’s suggested that PPAs with wind, solar, small hydroelectric with less than 10 megawatts (MW) of capacity, biofuel or battery storage generating facilities would be eligible.

“These proposed amendments aim to support the growth of new clean generation in the province,” states the regulatory summary. The opportunity to “enhance industrial competitiveness” is also cited.

Under the ICI program, commercial account holders with an average monthly demand of at least 1 megawatt and manufacturers with average monthly demand of at least 500 kilowatts are designated Class A consumers. The factor for apportioning their share of total GA costs is derived from their energy use during the five hours of highest system-wide demand in the 12 months from May 1 to April 30 — and affords the opportunity to lock in a favourable factor for the subsequent 12 months from July 1 to June 30 for those that can curb electricity consumption during the five peak hours.

Meanwhile, Class B consumers, including all commercial account holders with average monthly demand less than 1 MW, collectively pay the remainder of GA costs after the Class A allotment has been subtracted. This is apportioned on a straightforward per kilowatt-hour basis.

Ministry officials will consider written feedback from the public consultation and other stakeholder insight before the regulation is finalized, but it is proposed to go into effect on May 1, 2024. That would be in sync with the beginning of the new base period — May 1, 2024 to April 30, 2025 — which will determine Class A consumers’ peak demand factors for the 12 months from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026.

Energy management specialists predict interest and uptake among Class A consumers, particularly as a growing number of companies set targets to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The promise of fewer complications for reducing peak demand could support the net-zero business case.

“It would be a way to offset demand peaks with zero-emissions off-site power and transfer the burden — time, risk, cost — of predicting peaks and adjusting operational processes,” observes Michael Lithgow, manager of energy and climate action at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. “I would say that would be very valuable to Class A customers.”

On the flipside, it could offload still more GA costs to Class B consumers. “This will not offer help to Class B. This will have a negative impact because Class B will need to pay more as Class A saves,” projects Scott Rouse, managing partner of the consulting firm, Energy@Work.

B.C. celebrates Apprenticeship Recognition month

The B.C. government is celebrating Apprenticeship Recognition month as a record number of people have registered as apprentices.

So far this year, 15,075 people in British Columbia have registered for apprenticeships, a 20 per cent increase over last year.

“Tradespeople build the infrastructure and provide the services that British Columbians rely on every day,” said Selina Robinson, minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. “B.C.’s apprentices are skilled, certified and are critical to building a stronger B.C. Our government continues to take action to make sure that more people can access the skills training and supports they need to prosper in a rewarding career in the trades.”

The B.C. government has proclaimed November as Apprenticeship Recognition Month for the fifth year in a row. During this time, the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills and SkilledTradesBC celebrate and acknowledge the contributions of apprentices, employer sponsors, youth-program participants and trades-program training providers throughout B.C., and raise awareness about the benefits of a career and certification in the skilled trades.

“An apprenticeship in a skilled trade is a valuable entry point to a long-lasting, good-paying career that is helping to build B.C.,” said Andrew Mercier, minister of State of Workforce Development. “With more than 83,000 skilled-trades jobs expected over the next decade, this is the time to begin your career in skilled trades.”

Technical training is available in more than 65 trades and offered at 15 public post-secondary institutions and non-public training providers. SkilledTradesBC funds more than 26,000 apprenticeship and foundation training seats to train the next generation of skilled trade workers in B.C.

Over the past year, SkilledTradesBC began implementing skilled-trades certification, starting with seven trades in the electrical and mechanical sectors. Uncertified trade workers in those trades will be required to register as an apprentice or pass a certification exam before Dec. 1, 2023.

“During Apprenticeship Recognition Month, we celebrate the dedication and remarkable accomplishments of our apprentices,” said Shelley Gray, CEO, SkilledTradesBC. “It has been an extraordinary year with a record-breaking number of people entering the skilled trades in B.C. to pursue fulfilling, lifelong careers. In addition, our introduction of skilled-trades certification represents a significant step towards standardizing training at a high level, emphasizing our commitment to providing our apprentices the best opportunities to succeed.”

A new approach to mid-rise living in Etobicoke

A new spin on the stacked townhome concept is promised to boost missing middle housing typologies in the Greater Toronto Area. Minto Communities is currently building its Westshore community in South Etobicoke for homeowners who desire something different than high-rise living, but more affordable than a single-family dwelling.

Vince Santino, vice president of development at Minto Group, says the 9.8-acre site in the Long Branch neighbourhood will bring 509 units in total. There will be a mix of traditional and stacked townhomes, similar to the developer’s Longbranch community adjacent to the west, but other more accessible options.

A collection of hybrid multi-unit townhomes will rise during the project’s first phase. Each one features five storeys: a two-storey lower unit with a garden patio at grade, a middle one-storey flat with a balcony, and a two-storey stacked townhome on top with a rooftop terrace.

A range of one to three bedrooms, between 472 and 1,282 square feet, bring condo-style amenities without the height.

“Not everyone wants to live in a 20- to 30-storey concrete building up in the sky,” says Santino. “What makes these urban stacks a little different is we have elevators that service that third floor of the stack. The elevator continues onto the fifth floor of the unit above.”

Other condo-like features include underground parking and a common internal corridor. They were designed alongside architecture firm BDP Quadrangle.

Richard Witt, principal at BDP Quadrangle, stated in an earlier press release, that the units are based off a shared grid size, which allows for a degree of versatility in unit combinations. “A central corridor at alternating floors, served by a central elevator core, provides access to the units, essentially giving us more space to dedicate towards units, keeping the homeowner at the forefront of our design,” he said.

The specific combination of ground units, elevators and choice is unique to the townhome market and fitting for seniors who wish to age in place, especially as Ontario’s older demographic is projected to almost double, from 2.5 million in 2019 to 4.6 million by 2046.

Families are also looking for ground-oriented homes with a neighbourhood feel, for which there exists a shortfall in the GTA. The Westshore community is helping to fill the gap as the provincial government continues its pursuit to build 1.5 million homes by 2032.

“A big part of achieving that is the industry providing more options with a lot more density,” says Santino. “It is becoming very difficult to find single-family low-rise greenfield land to purchase and build on. As an industry we’ve had to adjust.”

Blending density into the surrounding area is also top of mind. A park that was created for Minto’s Longbranch community will extend outwards into Westshore with access to splash pads, BBQ areas, the TTC, Long Branch storefronts and lakefront trails.

“Being on Lakeshore, we’re certainly seeing a lot of gentrification in the area and a lot of people who have grown up in Long Branch want to stay there,” says Santino. “The neighbourhood itself has always catered to families, and people who may want to downsize and retire and continue to live there. It has a lot going for it.”

With future projects in mind, Minto is looking for opportunities where it can continue to apply the same type of townhome concept or similar ideas. A key goal overall is to create complete communities, and by doing so, attracting all types of buyers and demographics.

Clean air is an amenity at Lawrence Park mid-rise

The Winslow is a mid-rise condominium in Toronto. The nine-storey residential building is a venture from Devron Developments and located in Lawrence Park, near the Blythwood Park Ravine and Alexander Muir Gardens,

Rafael + Bigauskas Architects and ERA Architects designed the building with a gentle density approach that caters to a variety of lifestyles. There are 60 residential condos and 28 rental replacement suites, including 8th-floor penthouses. The suites in the building start at 1,100 square feet. The penthouses on the 8th floor range from 2,000 to 2,600 square feet, with 400 to 1,351-square-foot terraces.

Amenities focus on livability. A few features include high-quality sound insulation that reduces noise transmission by more than 50 per cent compared to industry standards, thick, high-performance windows that offer optimal thermal performance and built-in humidifiers to maintain a comfortable humidity level and provide cleaner air.

The condo was designed with individuals and down-sizers in mind. A social room expansive kitchen, a lounge, an outdoor barbecue and kitchenette, a fitness room, and a ground-floor pet wash, are a few other amenities.

Revolutionizing Building Management with RFID Tags and Wireless Sensors

The invisible network of tanks, pipes, valves, and fittings in a building’s plumbing system are vital components of a property. When there is a failure, every second counts. Not reacting quickly means costly repairs and inconvenience. Yet, it’s not just leaks that are a problem; pressure, temperature, and velocity are also key factors in a plumbing system and all require consistent monitoring. That’s where Tagteka steps in, offering a groundbreaking, patent-pending solution to ensure your condo management remains hassle-free.

Meet Tagteka, an innovative application that harnesses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags and wireless sensors to record the mechanical details of plumbing systems and promptly transmit vital information during plumbing emergencies. These custom-made RFID tags are resilient, capable of withstanding UV light, high temperatures, and, most importantly, they’re encoded with a unique sequence tailored to your condominium corporation.

The idea was first conceived by Bob Maslanka, President & High-Rise Plumbing Specialist of New Line Plumbing, and inventor of the Tagteka system. As a plumbing contractor for high-rise condominiums, he was all too familiar with the disorganization plaguing many buildings, often lacking accurate valve charts and plumbing blueprints. “When I get a new building, we check the valve charts and most of the time, information is inaccurate,” Maslanka says. “It is critical for the building to know this information so that if there is an emergency, it can be shut down. I came up with an idea of how we can improve this situation.”

Putting himself in the shoes of property managers and board of directors, Maslanka delved into what was needed to make lives easier for those who manage buildings. The outcome of that effort is the Tagteka system.

Collaborating seamlessly with a scanning device and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags installed on the requisite assets, Tagteka’s mobile app logs all the essential details of a building’s components into five categories: Plumbing, HVAC, Fire, Electrical and Common. This data serves as the foundation for a user-friendly application that exhibits comprehensive details about each building asset, complete with images, part numbers and a service history.

Recording images and part numbers are essential to proper maintenance because as Maslanka states, “In a building’s blueprints, mechanical engineers specify model numbers for devices. However, builders don’t always adhere to these recommendations, and that may remain undetected until a problem arises. With our system, we take a picture of the device that was installed, creating a comprehensive history. If the contractor during installation deviated from the engineer’s recommendations, you have a record.” Moreover, this meticulous documentation not only ensures effective future maintenance but also provides crucial protection for the building’s integrity during warranty claims.

Service history is logged to provide a unique countdown feature. Property managers have access to a progress bar for each asset, indicating when maintenance is due, preventing potential problems. Anything overdue goes red, and this is critical because as Alex Rajak, Vice President of Operations at Tagteka Inc. states, “If you don’t exercise each valve once or twice a year, the mechanical component inside seizes and can be difficult to shut off. If you can’t isolate the valve, you must shut down the whole building and drain all the water to perform the repair.”

Once the application indicates the need for asset maintenance, property managers have the convenience of directly requesting servicing for that specific asset directly from the app. Tagteka software sends instant notifications to authorized personnel allowing speedy action to be taken. Time spent waiting for quotes is reduced using this digital system. According to Rajak, “The contractor gets a text or an email listing all the details pertaining to that asset, so they don’t need to come to the building first to get a quote on the materials.”

When contractors arrive at a building for planned maintenance or in response to plumbing emergencies, locating valves can sometimes pose a challenge when their whereabouts are unknown. However, Tagteka’s scanning device comes to the rescue in such instances, uncovering valves concealed behind ceiling tiles and in other challenging-to-access areas. “A unique feature that we’ve implemented is a reverse locate tool,” says Rajak. “As you approach the asset of interest, an indicator bar within the app shifts from yellow (indicating a greater distance) to red (signifying close proximity), accompanied by a more pronounced sound cue, effectively alerting you that the asset is right in front of you. In emergency situations, it is a game changer.”

But that’s not all. Tagteka’s app also offers a secure platform for property managers to store documentation. Rajak notes, “You can upload photos, warranty documents, servicing manuals, or any necessary information. If you need to share a riser diagram with your plumbing company, everything is readily accessible.” And all this information remains with the building during shifts in management. Data is securely retained within the building corporation’s account, guaranteeing a smooth transition in the event of a change in property management. For a new property manager, the process is facilitated by generating a new login to that building’s account.

Along with RFID technology, Tagteka Inc. also provides real-time monitoring using state-of-the-art wireless sensors. These temperature, pressure, flow and flood sensors alert building managers via text message and email when there is an issue, allowing for quick action to be taken. “There’s a difference between a five-minute notification and a 45-minute notification,” explains Rajak. “If there are any anomalies, you’ll get notified. For instance, at the first contact of water, it takes our sensors under a minute before a text message is sent.”

Continuously monitoring temperature, pressure, flow and flooding are essential to preventing potential issues in a plumbing system. According to Maslanka, “We introduced wireless temperature sensors because excessively hot water can be a scalding risk, especially to children. Without wireless temperature sensors, you’re not going to know that the temperature is too high.”

Moreover, Maslanka notes that high-rise condominiums using plastic piping over copper are running into issues when inexperienced plumbers come to the building and tweak parameters, causing stress within the internal components of the piping. “A year down the road, you start having micro fractures in the integrity of the piping, causing bursts and flooding,” he says. Therefore, having Tagteka sensors that measure the pressure and speed at which water travels through the piping helps to protect the building from costly repairs.

Maslanka goes on to describe fan coil units as ‘insidious culprits’ of water leaks. For maximum protection, he recommends installing flood sensors in each unit.

Tagteka’s RFID tags and network of wireless sensors offer a comprehensive solution to current challenges that most building’s face. “We’ve created a system that will arm property managers and unit owners with all the information they need to act as quickly as possible, ultimately saving the condominium corporation time and money.”

To learn more about the technology driving Tagteka and its infinite possibilities, visit www.tagteka.com

Dynamic approach to pest management in condominiums

In the world of pest control, no two buildings are the same. Every condominium is home to unique communities, living spaces, common areas, and environmental factors that require tailored and sustainable solutions.

Paolo Bossio of Advantage Pest Control has been working with condominium managers and Boards of Directors for years to create and execute bespoke pest management strategies. Ahead, he shares insights into what it takes to keep pests at bay.

First, what makes pest control in condominiums such a unique challenge?

One of the biggest reasons multi-residential properties pose a unique challenge for us is the fact that there are so many shared walls and vents, which makes it easy for roaches, bedbugs, and all manner of crawling insects to move from one unit to the next.

In fact, we’ll often find that the unit we’ve been called in to tackle isn’t even “Ground Zero” for the infestation and that they are actually getting invaded by pests who have traveled from neighbours who are units down the hall.

That’s another factor, too: Infestations in a multi-residential condominium building may originate in units with people who either don’t know they have an issue, have a cognitive disability and can’t express their issue, or are maybe too embarrassed to say something. Some of the worst infestations we have seen have been from units that have zero history of complaints.

And that’s the crux of the challenge; the fact that condominium suites are home to different people living right next to each other, each with their own unique factors that need to be considered. This is why we will start by doing block treatments and inspections to assess each issue in a more comprehensive manner and hone in on everything that may be contributing to the infestation.

Was the pandemic a factor in multi-residential infestations?

Due to the pandemic, many restaurants, plazas, bakeries, and food providers shut down and transferred solely to delivery through services like Uber Eats or Skip the Dishes. The increase in delivery traffic played a part in relocating roaches, mice, and rats from commercial buildings to residential properties. People were also working from home and eating more inside their units, which caused a huge rise in pest control-related issues in multi-residential condominium properties.

What is a “dynamic, integrated approach” to pest management, and why is it more effective for condominiums?

A dynamic approach simply means that it takes all factors into consideration and that you need a tailored and ongoing strategy based on the building’s specific issues, requirements, and populations. It is an approach that recognizes the fact that insects and people are very dynamic. Because of this, a dynamic integrated pest management technique is best practice for multi-residential condos; we know this to be true through experience. For example, we can’t treat a unit where the owner is bedridden the same way we would treat a unit that has a newborn baby.

Take us through a typical multi-residential condominium engagement.

We always like to start with an inspection and generate well-documented notes on problematic units. By doing this, we can design and conduct the appropriate remediation strategy, as well as follow up as necessary. Again, the idea is to do that upfront assessment and legwork to figure out exactly what’s going on and how we can stop it using our integrated services and technologies.

What are common questions/concerns clients typically have during this process?

There are always questions, and that’s part of the process. Property managers, Boards of Directors, and owners alike will naturally want to know the extent of their issue, what we’re doing in terms of remediation, and how it will impact the building.

That’s why communication is key with building staff, boards, owners, and tenants. It’s also why we always provide reports and preparation documents so that there are no surprises and everyone has confidence in what we’re doing. With pest control, proper preparation is 80% of the program.

How does Advantage Pest Control help clients prepare for the winter?

We self-audit at Advantage Pest Control. We hire a specific technician to visit all our accounts in the fall to make sure that stations are being placed correctly and filled properly, as well as check for structural issues on the properties to ensure points of entry are addressed before insects and rodents look for access.

If you’re concerned about pests in your building and want to know how to keep them at bay, please contact our office at 416-297-8010 or via email to [email protected] to book a consultation. Visit our website at www.advantagepestcontrol.co.

Paolo Bossio is the President and CEO of Advantage Pest Control Inc., a family-owned and operated business specializing in Dynamic Integrated Pest Management programs.

Is there a downside to AI in maintenance management?

Emerging technology and AI can help maintenance managers streamline their processes, access critical facility data, predict behaviour, and save money, but is there a downside? While technology continues to evolve and helps managers become more efficient, it’s important to consider any possible negative effects on your business.

Energy use

As we move collectively closer toward our sustainability goals, finding greener cleaning and maintenance practices and products that lower our carbon footprint, using AI may actually offset these environmental efforts. Studies show that data centres use about one to 1.5 per cent of the energy used globally, but that could increase up to ten times by 2030. While data-driven technology allows facility maintenance managers to better manage their maintenance, it may well cancel out efforts being made to lower energy use and increase greener initiatives.

Security risks

With more and more information online, with mobile apps and server storage, technological failure, hacking, and cybersecurity become a real threat. Until we get a handle on all the ins and outs of AI, we have to trust that it will not harm our business, performing “for good.” Because one of its features includes getting to our maintenance protocols, predicting issues, and protecting us from failure, it gives the technology unrestricted access to critical business data.

Along with refining AI and its limitations, relying so much on technology could open businesses up to hackers and security breaches. Cyberterrorism is on the rise, and can result in financial repercussions, data loss, stopped work, damage to your reputation, and more. Protect your data with security measures that makes sense for your business.

Predictive maintenance

While predictive maintenance allows technology to assess equipment and processes and determine potential risks, essentially allowing repairs to be complete before failure occurs, it can be unreliable and slow moving. This type of technology relies on the assumption that the data is accurate, failing to make allowances for things like disconnected sensors, failed batteries, full storage, ad more. Furthermore, the process of gathering enough data for the technology to be able to recognize patterns and accurately predict failure can be lengthy, taking years to show a return on your investment.

As technology continues to evolve, it’s important to recognize its value in helping to improve maintenance, along with the potential challenges it poses. Technology is not infallible, often relying on humans to monitor and update. Staying on top of the trends will allow you to make the best decisions for your maintenance plan and for your business.

² Zallio, M., Clarkson, P.J., Inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility in the built environment: A study of architectural design practice, Building and Environment, Vol.206, 2021

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