TAS appoints new Chief Financial Officer

TAS has announced the appointment of Priyanka Taneja, CPA, as the company’s new Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately. Taneja is an experienced real estate professional who joins TAS after a successful tenure as the CFO of Irish Residential Properties REIT and as Senior Vice President of Finance at CAPREIT.

“We are thrilled to welcome Priyanka as our new CFO and Partner. Her deep financial experience, focus on business transformation for sustainable growth, and extensive track record in engaging with diverse stakeholders will continue to strengthen our team”, said Mazyar Mortazavi, President and CEO of TAS. “Most importantly, Priyanka’s leadership aligns deeply with TAS’s vision and values and, our commitment to deliver profit and purpose across our platform.”

TAS has an active pipeline, and a portfolio totaling over 7 million square feet across 22 properties throughout the Greater Toronto and Hamilton area. TAS’s goal is to continue to demonstrate the ability to leverage real estate as a tool to drive meaningful change in cities by imbedding affordability, sustainability and social impact.

“I’m honoured to join TAS’s leadership team that views every project with a lens of driving profit while making a measurable environmental and social impact,” Taneja said. “I look forward to working with the team, board, partners and investors to advance TAS’s forward-thinking vision.”

Taneja’s full bio can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/priyanka-taneja-cpa/

Keeping your building air and watertight for the winter

Winter brings extreme weather, cold temperatures, and a freeze-thaw cycle that can negatively affect your building, its occupants, and your workflow, so keeping your facility watertight is critical. From your doors and windows to your roof, get ahead of the season with some preventative measures to keep air and water out of your building this winter.

Doors and windows

Making sure that the cold air stays out of your building means that windows and doors need to be properly sealed. As part of your fall maintenance plan, assess the seals on the outside and inside of your building to see whether you need to address any issues before temperatures drop. Check the caulking to see whether it is cracked or missing, and when it starts to get colder outside, check between panes for condensation. You can also check the window sills after a storm to see whether there is water there, and the gaskets (where the glass meets the metal frame) for water entry points.

For your doors, check doorframes to see whether light can be seen around the door. If you find points of entry, you may need to re-seal those points, install weather stripping, replace thresholds, or add door sweeps to create a reliable watertight seal.

Roof

You may not visit your roof regularly, but you do need to go up there seasonally and check on things. Removing overhanging branches, disposing of debris, and clearing out drains and eavestroughs will help make sure that your roof will properly dispose of any water properly during the winter and spring thaw. If your drains are blocked, water ponds on your roof, which will freeze and thaw during the winter, damaging your roof’s membrane. Checking for capped stacks, missing sealant, or any other punctures in your roof will also help save you from roof leaks. Seeing anything you think could be an issue should result in calling your contractor and having the issue addressed before the snow flies.

Avoid air and water entering your building envelope by assessing your property this fall, identifying any areas of concern, and addressing any issues before winter arrives. By taking care of these maintenance issues early, you can save yourself the headache and expense of higher heating costs, overworked HVAC systems, or water damage in your building.

Influencers urge respectful exchange of views

Prominent players in the commercial real estate industry have joined more than 70 influential Canadian voices underscoring the importance of a respectful exchange of views on the current strife in Israel and Gaza. The group has submitted an open letter to all levels of government urging them to take a firm stance against hate and to enhance security for potentially threatened people and properties.

“The fog of war in the Middle East is manifesting in hate and extremism on our streets here in Canada,” states the letter, which was released publicly on October 28. “We must clearly condemn those who are calling for violence against Jews, Muslims and others, condoning murder and kidnapping, intimidating customers at Jewish-owned businesses and defacing mosques, synagogues or community buildings.”

Signatories include: Michael Evans, founder of Atlas Development Corp.; David Forbes, co-founder of Enright Capital; Andrew Hoffman, chief executive officer of CentreCourt Developments; Scott Hutcheson, executive chair of Aspen Properties; Karim Kanji, president and chief executive officer of Sutter Hill Properties; Sam Kolias, chief executive officer of Boardwalk; Jon Love, founder and chief executive officer of KingSett Capital; Bernie McCaffery, president of CEB Investments; Andrew Moor, chief executive officer of Equitable Bank; Paul Morassutti, chairman of CBRE Canada; Jim Peplinski, chair of Property Investment Company; Bud Perves, chief executive officer of Sorbara Group of Companies, Adrian Rocca, chief executive officer of Fitzrovia; Stephen Smith, chief executive officer of First National Financial Corp.; and Guy Turcotte, founder of Stone Creek Resorts, along with 59 other leaders in Canadian business, academic, cultural, legal and non-governmental organizations.

The letter endorses priority actions for governments, beginning with the enforcement of laws that prohibit incitement of hate and violence. They are also urged to improve monitoring and threat assessment of infrastructure, to support security guards for targets of hate and to task the House of Commons’ standing committee on public safety and national security to review strategies for countering ideologically motivated violent extremism.

The authors decry rising anti-Semitism and Islamophobia rippling from the Middle East conflict, and stress that Canada’s diverse population has the right to feel safe and free from discrimination. “Every Jew, Muslim, Israeli, Palestinian and every individual living in Canada deserves unwavering assurance that our leaders and institutions will protect them from bigotry and violence,” they assert.

Maya Lin to design Glenbow rooftop terrace

Internationally recognized artist Maya Lin as been chosen to design the rooftop terrace at Glenbow Museum. This will be her first project in Canada.

She will design the 13,000-square-foot terrace on the fifth-floor rooftop of the building, which has been renamed the JR Shaw Centre for Arts & Culture. The space overlooks downtown Calgary, with western views of Stephen Avenue and iconic surrounding buildings like the Calgary Tower, TELUS Sky and The Bow.

The terrace will include an all-season pavilion, event spaces, sculpture and gardens, along with a skylight and oculus to filter natural light into the museum. As a leader across these fields, Lin is uniquely qualified to plan this space.

“We are transforming a 50-year-old roof at the museum into a community-oriented place where you can come up out of downtown and find refuge and respite to celebrate the arts surrounded by Glenbow’s program and collections,” said Nicholas R. Bell, president and CEO of Glenbow. “We are so excited that Maya Lin is the visionary who will shape this experience for our visitors.”

Lin’s design emphasizes natural elements drawn from the prairie landscape as a way to soften the space and invite community. Of the design, Lin says, “The space will afford a welcoming place that will invite visitors to connect to art, landscape and the city of Calgary.”

Lin cites adaptive reuse as a key reason she was attracted to the project. “This idea that we are recycling a building in the centre of downtown Calgary and making something new out of it while utilizing as much of the old building was a huge draw for me,” she says. “If we can use an existing building in a better way, it is a lot more energy efficient, it is a lot more material efficient, and it sends a very different message about resource consumption and directly counters attitudes about a throwaway culture.”

The overall design of the reimagined Glenbow is led by Calgary’s Dialog. The downtown museum closed in 2021 to accommodate major renovations and is scheduled to open in early 2026.

Raising the bar on construction safety

Decades of learning from mistakes and leveraging new technology, tools and reporting means construction workers are safer now than ever before.

But accidents and fatalities still happen. We all remember where we were the last time a team member was involved in an incident. That dreaded phone call you never want to make or receive.

There’s always more work to be done when it comes to keeping our people safe. It’s not just about making sure everyone is in the right PPE or ensuring hazardous zones are clear. It’s also thinking about employees’ mental health, creating a safe environment that empowers someone to speak up when they notice a potential hazard. It’s a shift from seeing safety as another box to tick to one where your company is invested and committed to protecting the wellbeing of workers and maintaining a culture of safety on jobsites.

So if it’s real change you’re looking for – it needs to come from the leadership team and standardization of your operation’s safety practices. It can be a lot of work, but if done properly, it shows your people that you care about them. And when people feel cared for, they stay.

It’s time to raise the bar on safety practices

Federal, provincial and territorial safety associations are trying to make a difference in the safety statistics, but the annual fatality rate for the construction industry is still too high. In Canada, one out of every five worker deaths is in construction.

Developments in equipment and technology are helping to better identify potential hazards, but we can’t solely rely on these to keep our workers safe. And the construction industry may be regulated by health and safety acts, but there’s no legal requirement for businesses to obtain safety qualifications.

As a result, many construction employers across Canada are looking at COR Certification (Certification of Recognition) as a way to take a more proactive role in their company’s occupational health and safety. The program recognizes and rewards employers who go beyond the current legal requirements by using a set training matrix and system to measure a company’s safety. COR certified companies can show how they have invested in an extensive program that focuses on integrating safety into all aspects of their business. To achieve COR certification companies need to demonstrate that they have systems in place that ensure employee and employer input and engagement, rigorous compliance to policies and procedures and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Keeping people safe keeps people

Employers who care about their employees’ mental and physical wellbeing are at a much greater advantage when it comes to attracting, hiring and retaining workers. Following strict standards and guidelines can not only help build a reputation as a company who values their employees – but it can also be the difference between a great employee choosing to stay with you or leaving to find a job elsewhere.

Your customers are also expecting you to meet specific health and safety standards. Many companies are being more conscious and discerning in choosing who to work with, so making the most of every opportunity will give you that edge you need in today’s competitive climate. The third party vetting provided by COR helps to ensure you have the right information and accreditation, and that processes are in check. You can be confident that your safety procedures are meeting a specific standard and that your workers know how to proactively identify, evaluate and control potential hazards. This can go a long way in preventing incidents or injuries from occurring. Plus, certification can be the difference between being awarded a job or passed over as the public and private sector are increasingly requiring COR as a pre-bid qualification for contractors.

Culture changes trickle down from the top

Is safety part of your core business values? If not, it’s time to ask your leadership team why. Buy-in from leadership is one of the most important factors when it comes to changing company culture and ensuring new processes are understood and followed. Safety programs can be a significant financial investment and require a lot of time and dedication from team members. Start by assigning a safety evangelist who can drive your business forward – someone who believes that the most important work is taking better care of people. While some team members may be slower to see the value for all the perceived red tape, financial and time commitments – it will pay off in the end.

Educating and training your workforce on new processes is also essential. Employees need to be equipped with a company phone in order to implement a safety app for people to check in regularly and easily report near misses, hazard identifications and when necessary, injury incidents. That data and information is then analyzed and used to review job hazard assessment, enhance training and ultimately help you make better business decisions.

Bottom line: It takes commitment and a mindset to do better

Construction companies have both a financial and moral obligation to build and maintain a culture of safety.

The good news is that you don’t have to do it on your own and as the industry puts more emphasis on keeping workers safe, COR certification won’t just be a “nice to have”, but a requirement for jobs in the future. It can help you establish the right standards and procedures to keep your workplace safe, which over time will help drive a safety-first mentality throughout your whole organization.

Dave Badger is the safety manager for Cooper Equipment Rentals. He has 25 plus years experience as a health and safety professional in the rental business and is a certified trainer for mobile equipment, WAH, and propane. Dave works with customers to help support their workplace safety initiatives while promoting health and safety awareness and education to Cooper employees.

Toronto looks to Calgary’s conversion recipe

Calgary’s conversion recipe could have some ingredients to likewise help transform underused office space into housing in Toronto. City Council’s planning and housing committee has adopted a motion urging a closer look at the downtown Calgary development incentive program.

If the full Toronto Council approves, city staff would be directed to take Calgary’s approach for encouraging office-to-residential conversions into consideration as part of a recently launched study to assess Toronto’s future office demand and the potential for introducing more alternative uses. The committee’s motion particularly references Calgary’s “efforts to expedite reviews and provide financial incentives” as elements of interest.

The motion also calls on the Canadian government to fulfill a commitment to create a federal grant to support the conversion of office and retail space into residential uses. Councillor Brad Bradford, the initiator of the motion, emphasizes the need to examine and revise rules and policies so that prospective conversion proponents can take advantage of any incentives that might become available.

“Given the changing nature of work and the ongoing housing crisis, it is time to reevaluate the need for office space. The City of Toronto must remove barriers to the creation of new housing at every opportunity,” he states in a letter to the planning and housing committee.

Advocates for the commercial real estate and development sector also voice support for the motion.

“As an association representing office building interests, it is unusual for us to recommend policies that would result in less office space,” observes Leona Savoie, chair of government relations for NAIOP Greater Toronto. “However, with a significant oversupply of office space lasting potentially for decades, allowing more flexibility for physical conversions, alternative non-residential uses or a change of zoning to allow for a full redevelopment, will help foster the sector’s overall health and help address the housing crisis.”

Elevating interior design excellence

Elevator design is often overlooked, but not by the team of Don Parker, Michel Arcand, and Gillian Gregory of IN8 Design.

IN8 Design undertook the ambitious task of renovating 17 passenger elevator cabs and two parking elevator cabs for a Cadillac Fairview office tower.

“When our client entrusted us with the responsibility of revitalizing downtown elevator cabs, we recognized the need to harmonize technology, lighting, mood, and the passenger’s experience,” said Don Parker, partner, IN8 Design. “This project, though small in space, was monumental in its significance. It challenged us to push the boundaries of creativity and functionality.”

The successful project earned the Toronto-based interior design firm an ARIDO (Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario) Award in the Distinct category for their innovative approach in creatively transforming a confined, small space into an imaginative journey for passengers in an elevator renovation project.

This intricate project was meticulously phased to minimize disruption to the occupied building, emphasizing the occupants’ comfort and convenience. The design strategy focused on addressing two critical aspects: technology enhancement and aesthetic transformation.

The renovations aimed to reduce travel time for passengers by incorporating cutting-edge elevator technology. Meeting or exceeding all TSSA’s performance criteria was crucial to the safety of the public. A nail-biting requirement was the overall cabs’ weight, which needed to be equal to or less than the original weight to pass a rigorous drop test. Results confirmed that the expected time savings (in seconds) for passengers were met, if not exceeded, aligning seamlessly with the specifications provided by the vertical transportation consultant.

Aesthetically, the cabs were overdue for an update, with a design that had served for more than 30 years, making it imperative to infuse modern aesthetics. The design concept drew inspiration from the ground floor lobby’s existing biophilic artwork, created by renowned artist duos Dianne Bos & Ian Paterson and Colette Whiten & Paul Kipps.

With a neutral palette in mind, and remaining true to their brand’s eye for whimsy, IN8 Design devised a cheeky concept based on levity. Each cab now boasts an exquisite tapestry of 869 birds, intricately routed on the back surface of Corian panels. This motif creates an illusion of “flight” for elevator passengers as they move vertically through the air, like flocks of birds, in a confined space of barely 3.7 square meters (40 sq. ft.).

The rear panel’s etching serves a dual purpose, allowing the edges to “capture” the light emitted from the LEDs, while maintaining a smooth and effortlessly cleanable front panel surface.

Materials had to be meticulously selected to meet the project’s demands, prioritizing durability and ease of maintenance. Each cab bears stainless steel doors and panels, backlit Corian panels (a hygienic, anti-microbial material) and, most importantly, light weight porcelain slabs applied to all other wall surfaces, ceilings, and floors. The ultra-light 5mm thick slabs made a substantial contribution to the successful execution of the drop test.

To complete the sensory experience, each elevator cab is bathed in a soft, warm light setting, cultivating an ambiance of comfort within the intimate confines. The complexity of LED panels, each with its unique color temperature and brightness characteristics, necessitated individual adjustments to ensure uniform lighting throughout each cab. This became pivotal when considering side-by-side cabs with their doors wide open, maintaining visual continuity.

The design team worked with renowned lighting design consultant Marcel Dion to achieve their desired effects.

“Measuring a mere 332 square feet of designed space, this project underscores the profound expertise and responsibility inherent to the practice of interior design and embodies our profession’s duty of care to public safety. We are so proud to have worked on this small space big project!” said Michel Arcand, partner, IN8 Design.

The project took more than six years from initial concept through documentation, prototyping, phased implementation, and a pandemic.

Edmonton Valley Line Southeast LRT set to open

The City of Edmonton announced the Valley Line Southeast LRT will open for passenger service on Saturday, November 4.

Construction began in 2016 on the 13 km LRT, which runs from downtown to Mill Woods, and features 11 street-level stops, an elevated station incorporating a transit centre and Park & Ride, and a transfer point to the existing LRT routes at Churchill Square.

TransEd, the public-private partnership behind the project, recently received a formal certificate from the independent certifier, indicating the infrastructure is complete and meets the requirements of the project agreement.

“I know many Edmontonians have been looking forward to opening day for the better part of two decades. Valley Line Southeast will offer an affordable and climate-friendly choice to move around our city for decades to come,” said Mayor Amarjeet Sohi. “I’m looking forward to riding the new line and seeing this project cross the finish line.”

The Valley Line Southeast LRT is an integral part of achieving the City Plan, and will provide more accessible, convenient and sustainable travel options for Edmontonians over the coming decades. The City Plan aims for a future where 50 per cent of trips are made by transit and active transportation.

“Valley Line is the first completely new transit line to open in western Canada in a generation and will transform the way we move and experience our city,” said City Manager Andre Corbould. “While the project delays have been challenging for everyone, all parties have kept their focus on one thing – providing a safe, reliable service for Edmontonians.”

MASI Design Awards winners revealed

The Manitoba, Alberta, Saskatchewan Interior (MASI) Design Awards were held on Oct. 12, 2023 at The Leaf in Winnipeg. These annual awards showcase the best interior design talent from across the three provinces.

Gold awards went to 10 projects in their respective categories while 10 winners received silver and 9 received bronze awards.

Amanda Hamilton Interior Design in Calgary was a multiple winner, earning an impressive three Gold Awards in various categories. GEC Architecture took home two Gold Awards.

“Winning these awards alongside a constellation of other creative minds is the real win. Our collective success and opportunity to celebrate together is sure to sculpt the landscape of our industry and provide more opportunities for future interior designers. We extend massive gratitude to the MASI team and judges for these awards and look forward to polishing these beauties on the shelf,” said Hamilton.

GOLD WINNERS

Restaurant
Strip Joint
Amanda Hamilton Interior Design

Office Over $150/sqft
Consulting Client
iN STUDIO

Mukluks Office, Rodych Integrated Design Inc

Office under $150/sft
Mukluks Office
Rodych Integrated Design Inc

Healthcare and Wellness
Bergen Gardens
MMP Architecture

Hospitality and Recreation
Augmented Golf Facility
Davignon Martin Architecture + Interior Design

Mahogany Lake Residence, Amanda Hamilton Interior Design

Residential New Construction
Mahogany Lake Residence
Amanda Hamilton Interior Design

Residential Renovation
Brock Street Residence
Design Shop

University Commons Reading Room, GEC Architecture

Special Feature
University Commons Reading Room
GEC Architecture

Retail
Take a Hike Market
Amanda Hamilton Interior Design

Institutional
University Commons
GEC Architecture

Appealing to Gen Z tenants

The rental market in Canada has undergone significant changes in recent years, with long-term renting now seen as a viable alternative to homeownership, particularly among Gen Z tenants. Successful, modern rental properties offer similar amenities to condos, without the costs and stresses associated with traditional homeownership. In fact, data shows that both millennial and Gen Z tenants are more likely to rent permanently rather than choose to invest in a home.

Considering the evolving perspective on rental properties, how can property managers today keep their rentals at the forefront in the coming decades? And what changes can be expected in consumer preferences as we move into 2024 and beyond? Ultimately, it all comes down to understanding market dynamics and keeping up with changing technology.

Smart tech must-haves

Just like almost every industry today, the apartment sector is heavily influenced by technology. According to a recent survey from Rent Research, 82 per cent of renters said they want at least one smart device or system in their homes—a number that’s expected to increase as more Gen Z tenants enter the market. To meet this growing expectation, here are a few technology trends to track and integrate in the near-term:

Keyless entry systems: Keys and key fobs are quickly becoming a technology of the past. Expect mobile phone, passcode-based, and facial recognition entry systems to become more widespread in the coming years.
Smart locks: Many homeowners are buying smart locks and retrofitting them to their homes, so it stands to reason that apartment buildings will soon want to offer this technology as a security staple, too.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration: AI isn’t just a fad; it has many ramifications for the future of business. AI is making countless processes quicker and less draining on resources. Potential uses include tenant reliability studies, improved leasing and management processes, and predictive building maintenance and cleaning algorithms. As AI technology evolves, so will its uses for property managers.
EV chargers: The government of Canada’s EV Mandate requires all new passenger vehicles sold in Canada after 2035 to be electric zero-emission vehicles. This means offering EV charging stations will soon be a must. Getting ahead of the curve and becoming known for EV charging early is an excellent way to stand out with Gen Z tenants before the mandate comes into effect.

Modern amenities

Renter preferences in terms of amenities differ from tenant to tenant, but one thing data supports is that rental properties with modern amenities stand out from the crowd. Here are some of the mainstay amenities known to draw prospective residents:

Fitness centres: Physical fitness is a priority for most individuals today, but finding the time to get the the gym isn’t always easy. Rental properties with fitness centres on the premises are known to attract potential tenants. They are consistently rated one of the top 5 amenities renters are looking for, and that likely won’t change in the future.
Package management: As Ecommerce and online shopping grow in popularity exponentially each year, renters are having more packages delivered to their homes. Having an effective package solution to limit theft and damage, and safely store packages, is an amenity some can’t do without. Solutions such as an Amazon package locker can significantly assist with this and stand out to renters as a security perk.
Outdoor space: In 2023, many workers remain fully remote, while others prefer a hybrid approach. Either way, with more time spent at home it’s vital to offer plenty of space for residents to escape their desks. Outdoor amenities such as shared picnic spaces, barbecues, community gardens, walking paths, and bike trails have become more valuable than ever.
Sustainability features: This is an extensive category, and it’s becoming increasingly important with each new year. A 2022 study of more than 2,000 renters found that two-thirds said they want green and energy-efficient homes. This can include features like smart thermostats, solar technology, EV connectivity, or even electric bike-sharing programs.

Community connections

By and large, renters today want to feel part of a community and connect with others in their rental property. A recent study found that renters who were offered a minimum of five community connections in their building were more likely to renew their leases. That doesn’t mean everyone wants to be social with their neighbours, but having the option for those that do is a definite selling point. Here are some ways to bring your residents together and build a sense of community within your building:

Co-working spaces: For those working from home, communal co-working spaces provide a great way for remote workers to break the monotony of being alone and mingle with others without leaving the property.
Neighbourhood connectivity: As much as your building is a community of its own, it is also part of a larger neighbourhood filled with shops, restaurants, hair salons and other services. By promoting and working with your retail neighbors, you’ll be building that sense of community for your residents.
Social events: Though not every resident will partake in social events, many like the opportunity. Hosting regular on-site events such as barbeques, holiday parties, or group garage sales, can be an effective way to build community and ensure your residents feel well-connected.

Predicting the future of rental properties is a tall task, with technology and consumer preferences changing every day. But one thing that will never change is a renter’s desire for quality. Providing apartment residents with the best possible service in terms of technology, amenities, and community will help landlords and property managers stay ahead of the competition for years to come.

John Tweedie is a Regional Property Manager for CLV Group, a Canadian property management group dedicated to helping renters and homeowners find the perfect place to call home.

Focus on fire safety for your building

Fire safety is a critical part of your maintenance plan. Along with threatening the safety of your staff and visitors, the risk of fire creates the possibility of expensive costs for repair and replacement, along with loss of income and work stoppage. Commercial building fires cost businesses about 155 million dollars in damage per year, so protect your staff, your building, and your assets with a fire safety plan and practices in place.

As you work to protect your teams and your business, here are some of the ways you can up the fire safety in your building as part of your regular maintenance plan:

Studies show that 18 per cent of fires originate with electrical or lighting systems, and eight per cent from heating equipment, so assessing these systems regularly and performing recommended maintenance and repairs will help reduce the risk of fire from these locations.
According to the American Fire Sprinkler Association, sprinkler systems are the single most effective way of fighting the spread of fires in their early stages, so ensure that your sprinkler system is operational at all times, in case a fire breaks out.
Check with your local fire code. Look at the requirements for fire alarms, doors, and fire extinguishers to ensure that you are compliant in providing the maximum amount of safety for your building.
Reports show that the most common safety fire violations in commercial buildings include blocked exit doors, faulty emergency exit lighting, untested fire alarms and smoke detectors, missing fire extinguishers, not keeping proper records, and more. Ensure that you avoid these violations with regular testing and inspection of these areas.
Create designated smoking areas to keep smoking contained to one location. If you have flammable chemicals on site, consider abolishing smoking on the premises altogether to maximize safety.
With hazardous chemicals or materials, store them properly and practice safe disposal to reduce the risk of fire and explosions. Follow all manufacturer directions for safe storage and disposal.
Train your teams and conduct routine safety drills to ensure that your staff knows what to do in case of an emergency. Train staff on the procedures for maintaining fire safety equipment, along with the locations of fire exits and emergency protocols, should a fire occur.

Prioritizing fire safety means adding it to your regularly scheduled maintenance. As you check for equipment failure and budget for repairs and replacement, assessing and correcting fire safety measures will significantly reduce the risk of fire in your building.

Hatch wins ACEC-Canada Schreyer Award

Hatch received the Schreyer Award for the Mosaic K3 – South Shaft Headframe Project at the 55th annual Canadian Consulting Engineering (CCE) Awards Gala. The awards program is jointly produced by Canadian Consulting Engineer and ACEC-Canada.

The Schreyer Award is presented to the project that best demonstrates technical excellence and innovation by a consulting engineering firm. The project also earned an Awards of Excellence.

The project utilized industry-leading techniques to modularize, lift, and place more than 2,000 tons of internal steel structure and specialized hoisting equipment, all within a complex slip-formed concrete headframe. The project achieved ambitious safety targets and finished ahead of schedule and under budget.

Hatch also won three other prestigious Awards of Excellence, recognizing its outstanding contributions to engineering innovation and project excellence on the following projects:

Centerm Expansion Project, B.C.: By increasing the Centerm inner-harbor container terminal’s capacity by more than 60 per cent while only expanding its footprint by 15 per cent, the team addressed complex challenges, maintained safety, and prioritized sustainability. The team’s efforts led to Envision Platinum certification and recognition from the Institute of Sustainable Infrastructure.

Port Saint John Westside Modernization Project, New Brunswick: Port of Saint John is North America’s fastest-growing container terminal, benefiting the local economy, and fostering relationships with First Nations communities. This endeavor expanded the container terminal and intermodal capacity and included the implementation of concrete caissons and adaptable infrastructure while maintaining operations amidst some of the world’s highest tides

Waaban Crossing (formerly Kingston Third Crossing), Ontario: This 1.2 km bridge, completed ahead of schedule and under budget, was North America’s first to use the collaborative Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) model for a bridge. Close collaboration resulted in cost-saving innovations, local community benefits, and environmental considerations. The bridge is a symbol of pride for Kingston, connecting communities, enhancing emergency response times, and promoting active transportation.

Durwest Construction names new president

Durwest Construction Management, a long-standing member of the Vancouver Island construction industry, has announced Zoe Mitchell as its new president. She takes over from Darcy Kray, who has retired.

Prior to joining Durwest, Mitchell, a CPA by trade, spent six years as the president of CCH Management Group of companies which includes VIP Powerline, Caird Mechanical and Coast Utility, offering construction, maintenance and project management services.

Mitchell is a collaborative leader with a unique blend of visionary thinking and empathetic guidance. She has the proven ability to inspire and empower others and Durwest looks forward to her ability to lead the company to even greater achievements in the years ahead.

Kray, a 40-year industry veteran, has been an integral part of Durwest’s success story, having co-founded the company in 1983. He has not only played a significant role in fostering Durwest’s growth and establishing a recognizable presence in the community but has also taken the lead in achieving many of these milestones. His commitment to transparency and excellence has earned the trust of many valued and admired clients, partners, and employees.

The company said, “We are immensely grateful for Darcy’s dedication and leadership. He is an expert in his field and his vision, passion, and unwavering commitment to delivering quality work has been instrumental in shaping Durwest’s legacy. As Durwest embarks on this new chapter, we remain committed to our core values and client satisfaction. We look forward to a new chapter under Zoe’s leadership.”

CAO drafts anti-harassment rule

The Condominium Authority of Ontario has drafted an anti-harassment rule for condo corporations to consider including in their rules. The news comes as condo communities struggle with escalating issues of harassment.

The rule is designed to help condo corporations build clear, consistent, and transparent processes for addressing the prevention, preparedness, and response to harassment in their respective communities.

Boards with current provisions in place are encouraged to consult with their legal counsel to consider any revisions to existing rules and to ensure that the appropriate protocol set out in the Condo Act is followed for passing and implementing any new or revised rules.

According to the CAO, “Harassment means engaging in a course of vexatious comment or conduct that is known or ought reasonably to be known to be unwelcome or offensive, abusive, threatening or intimidating, whether verbal or physical, including, without limitation, bullying, discrimination or sexual harassment.”

Some examples are demeaning or abusive supervision, communication or instruction, bullying, pranks, vandalism, hazing or aggressive behaviour, and offensive or intimidating communications of any nature, whether in person, telephone call, email, text, post, blog or other social media communication.

The rule outlines 19 provisions, for instance, “At the conclusion of the Corporation’s investigation, the Corporation’s Board shall issue a report on the matter which will be filed as a confidential record of the Corporation and shared with the parties directly involved on a confidential basis.”

The CAO is looking for feedback to refine and improve this rule. Condo corporations can review the sample and consider how it can be adapted to their unique needs as they work to de-escalate difficult situations between condo community members. More info can be found here.

Stationside condo project launches in Milton

A new condo coming to downtown Milton is called Stationside for good reason. The two-tower project from Neatt Communities will be one of the first condos that connects with the town’s future mobility hub and upcoming Milton Go Station.

Proximity to transit is a key in a growing region, where residents are looking for easy and accessible commutes. The town’s population, about 133,00, is on pace to reach 355,000 by 2051. The future mobility hub is expected to attract about 25,000 new residents to the Milton area, provide 4,000 jobs, and connect new developments, offices, restaurants, and transit to create a central point of access.

Once the Milton Go expansion takes off, commuters are promised 15-minute rush hour train service from Milton to Union Station, with 3,000 new GO train seats.

Mike Vernooy, principal of Neatt Communities, said the condo will help redefine Milton as a major transit hub in the GTA. Plans are in the works for a second condo project at 560 Main St. in the coming years. “This marks only the beginning of Neatt Communities’ long-term commitment to Milton, where we envision creating a vibrant urban centre that brings modernity and tradition together, shaping a bright future for this community,” he said.

The Stationside towers are 19 and 23 storeys tall and connected through a six-storey shared podium. They feature 612 suites ranging from one-bedroom to two-bedrooms with a den, with suites from 447 to 900 square feet.

Amenities include co-working space, a coffee bar and lounge, a yoga and meditation room, gym, 30,000-square-foot outdoor terrace with sun lounges and BBQs, and entertainment lounges.

Architecture firm KNYMH collaborated with Neatt Communities to craft a building façade that features a combination of precast panels, sleek window walls, and tasteful aluminum accents.

The Palette Project Inc. curated interiors, with modern design elements, an inviting atmosphere and comfortable accommodations combined into one living area. Key features include wide plank luxury vinyl tile (LVT) floors, nine-foot floor-to-ceiling windows, straight edge composite quartz slab countertops, and much more.

Hyperscale data centre opens in Toronto market

Completion of the 15-megawatt Scalelogix data centre gives development partners, Cologix and CIM Group, a new hyperscale facility in the Toronto market. The 50,000-square-foot centre is located on a 3.4-acre campus in Markham and boasts interconnections to 700 networks, 350 cloud providers, 30 public cloud onramps and six internet exchanges.

“Strong demand from major global cloud providers and prominent digital enterprises continues to drive us to actively enhance our Scalelogix portfolio throughout North America,” says Chris Heinrich, Chief Revenue Officer with Cologix.

The new Toronto facility has been largely pre-leased. It promises flexible design options, multiple physically separate rooms, various fibre entrance vaults to the campus, dark fibre connectivity, top calibre security, fire protection and energy efficiency. Cologix currently operates data centres in 11 North American markets, including Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver, while partner CIM Group develops, owns and operates community-focused real estate and infrastructure projects.

“CIM Group believes that data centres are critical infrastructure assets,” reports the company’s co-founder and principal, Avi Shemesh. “Further, our investment strategy prioritizes data centres that are designed and operated in a manner that reflects the best practices in sustainability and environmentally sensitive processes.”

The art of the janitorial cleaning cart

The cleaning cart is a fundamental tool for cleaners and janitorial staff, easing some of the labour stress, increasing efficiency, and helping to get the job done. Over the years, as commercial cleaning products and practices have changed, cleaning carts have evolved to meet the daily needs of cleaning teams.

Keep your carts performing at their best as mobile workstations, by communicating with your cleaning team to provide the best options for your teams.

Assess your needs

Not all carts are created equal, so choosing a cart that addresses your building’s or client’s specific needs will help cleaners simplify their tasks, save trips to the supply closet, and help carry the weight of some of the heavier equipment.

It’s not just about cleaning supplies, consider what is important when the carts are being used. Are you concerned about noise? Will it need added durability for outdoor use? Where will you store the carts? These factors (and more) will help you decide on the right carts for your business.

Including components like garbage cans or spots to store signage can also be helpful when cleaners have lots of ground to cover in a shorter amount of time.

Between 2023 and 2028, the janitorial cart industry is predicted to grow 9.1 percent, so there will be more competition among manufacturers. Knowing what you need will help you avoid making duplicate purchases to correct a mistake, or updating your carts sooner than necessary.

Stay up to date

As cleaning practices and tools evolve, so does the cart. For example, many of the older carts have spots for a string mop and bucket, but as companies adopt microfibre mopping options, the cart needs to be updated to stay at its most functional.

Do your research, follow the trends, and adopt new practices to improve your performance. Look at updating your carts every few years to stay on top of the evolving industry and to consistently provide the best tools for your team.

By taking a deep dive into what you are looking for, the needs of your building, and the best ways to make the job easier, you will be able to narrow down the best choices for your business. Staying on top of industry changes and trends will ensure that you don’t find yourself falling behind with outdated carts that don’t do the job. Janitorial carts can speed up work, cut labour, and make cleaners happier in their work. Consider the above factors to make sure you invest in the best janitorial carts for your needs.

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