Forecast for B.C. property assessments in 2023

Based on trends in the real estate market as of July 1, 2022, most homes are expected to rise in value with BC Assessment’s soon-to-be released 2023 property assessments.

“Most homeowners around the province can generally expect about a 5 to 15% rise in assessment values when they receive their notices in early January,” says Assessor Bryan Murao. “I want to emphasize that assessments are based on July 1 values of this year, meaning that when similar properties were sold up to and around July 1, those market value sales are used to calculate your assessed value.”

“Since July 1, we know that the real estate market has changed as interest rates continue to rise and overall sales volume has declined,” adds Murao. “As a result, your next property assessment will likely be higher than what the current market value might be, but that will be the same for everyone.”

“An increase in assessment value does not, however, necessarily result in an increase in property taxes. Taxes are typically only affected if you are above the average value change for your community. Our job is to make sure your assessment is a fair and accurate reflection of market value sales based on July 1st.”

All British Columbia property owners will receive their annual property assessment notices in early January 2023.

Yukon University reveals new science building design

Yukon University has chosen a design and bold energy model for its new science building, the construction of which is named the Polaris Project.

Plans call for a two-phase procurement process for construction. The first phase is a request for qualification, which will pre-qualify a list of construction contractor companies. In phase two these companies will be invited to bid on construction—anticipated to commence in spring 2023 for completion in 2025.

The core of the design is the notion of a river, a nod to the Yukon River, which is tightly woven into the social and economic fabric of the territory. The facility will contain four classrooms and a lecture hall, research labs, a ceremony room and a large social space for events and gatherings.

The building design will maximize space for student study and leverage optimal sharing of lab and class space, while weaving reconciliation and decolonization into the design and architecture, respecting First Nations culture, environment, and ancestors.

Stantec Architecture was awarded the $2.3 million contract to design the university’s science building, that involves engaging with First Nations partners, students, staff and senior leadership.

Polaris, the north star, is the brightest star in the northern circumpolar constellation of Ursa Minor and a navigational way finder in the night sky. YukonU’s first new building as a university, and the people that will bring it to life through teaching, learning and the creation of new knowledge, will serve as beacons for our society for generations to come.

Consistent with the commitments in the school’s 2022-27 Strategic Plan, the Polaris Project is registered for Zero-Carbon Standard Certification. This certification will signify annual energy cost savings between $20,000 to $33,000 per year and annual emission savings between 8,900-14,100 kgCO2 per year, or 445,000-705,000 kgCO2 over a 50-year period.

“Through our strategic plan, an ambitious and bold direction was set for Yukon University, with reconciliation, collaboration, and climate action as critical commitments for the next five years. I am pleased to see these commitments coming to life in the Polaris Project,” said Dr. Lesley Brown, YukonU president and vice-chancellor.

The science building will be housed at Ayamdigut campus on the traditional territory of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council. It will be located beside the existing main campus building within the current footprint of buildings that make up Yukon Place.

Planning for the new building was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The building cost is currently budgeted at $41M. Federal funding of $26 million for construction was announced in 2019 and the university is collaborating with partners to access additional funding.

Radio Arts breaks ground in Hamilton

Radio Arts has started construction at the corner of Hamilton’s King and Caroline Street.

More than 50 units were sold in the first week, making it one of the most successful development projects in the city and across the entire GTHA region.

A massive fire had recently demolished the former radio station structure—the site for the new condo project—and artifacts planned for use in Radio Arts were lost.

“I’m humbled by our success and thrilled to start construction on Radio Arts in downtown Hamilton,” says Vernon Shaw, President of Canlight Realty. “ Our success is proof that when you have a site along a new LRT line and a clear vision for a boutique residence that delivers what people want, everything else will fall into place.”

Plans entail Radio Arts becoming a new hub for Hamilton. The ground-floor of the development has the vision for a Central Perk inspired space that could be a coffee bar for people to gather.

Suites range from studios to three-bedroom units. Amenities include a fitness studio, a co-working space and terrace, a rooftop social lounge that offers views across the city and new clean air and water technology.

The new condo is also providing the backdrop for much needed new transit and entertainment infrastructure. Hamilton’s future Light Rail Transit Line (LRT) will be at the doorstep of Radio Arts. The LRT is set to run along King Street, connecting opposing ends of the city with signature destinations like McMaster University.

GO train services will also be expanded, making it even more convenient for people to travel the region. The announcement of new transit infrastructure is coupled with the city-backed redevelopment of the Entertainment District. It will include the reimagination of FirstOntario Centre, Hamilton’s premier sports and entertainment venue located a few short blocks from Radio Arts.

Photo, from left to right: Shem Myszkowski (KNYMH), Kim MacFarlane (Baudit Interior Design), Stacey Funk (Funktional), Erika McCarthy (Baudit Interior Design, Angelo Gatti (Baudit Interior Design), Vernon Shaw (Canlight Realty), Audrey Lew (Milborne Group), Nicole Shaffer (Milborne Group), and Nika Krouglow (Milborne Group).

Innovations in health care monitoring technology

Tele-health visits and virtual patient monitoring are the new reality of the health care delivery landscape. According to data from the Canadian Institute for Healthcare Information, in April 2020, physicians adapted quickly to the pandemic, with 55 per cent of patient visits, physician-to-physician consults and psychotherapy shifting to online or phone.

In this expanded model of patient care, hospitals are working smarter with their available resources and adding new surveillance technologies to better protect their patients. Some of the top health care issues today that surveillance solutions are solving include: wait times, accessibility, staff shortages, patient experiences and cybersecurity.

By incorporating traditional and new surveillance technology into clinical tasks, patient care processes are being optimized. Hospitals are able to observe the patient bed area and telemetry monitors known as the patient envelope. Conferencing with patients and families is easier. Staff can also expedite medical response times, especially in case of emergencies.

Prioritized care with connected devices

These days, video cameras are often mounted to the ceiling of a patient’s room or mobile cameras attached to IV poles and wireless carts that allow physicians to monitor their patients remotely from a central monitoring system. Video cameras may be embedded with video and audio analytics to detect signs of patient distress and alert staff.

Some facilities integrate their in-room cameras with telemetry devices monitoring their patients’ vital signs. Instead of relying solely on clinical data, medical staff can see their patients’ physiology in real-time, which may reveal early warning signs of a problem. This proactive approach can result in better experiences for everyone.

There are numerous ways to use surveillance solutions for care purposes. A good example would be implementing a remote third-level monitoring system to monitor patients. Consider a room that is staffed by paramedics and contains dozens of displays that enable health care providers to track critical details for each patient as well as other activity in and around the hospital.

The hospital boards/displays then capture and share information on an array of data, including patient vitals, medical records, the acuity score of the sickest patients, paramedic assignments, emergency department traffic, what’s transpiring at other hospitals in the area, operating room activity and capacity, and graphical mapping of ambulance locations and time of arrival.

Looking at monitors is not the same as observing the patients in person. To provide an extra level of care, hospitals can integrate network cameras into an electronic medical records system such as EPIC, including a series or protocols for visual observation that will protect the privacy of patients and their families.

A camera can be added in every patient room, so a logistics centre can visually evaluate how a patient is progressing. For example, with pediatric patients, a sudden spike in temperature or heart rate might indicate a life-threatening event, or it could simply mean that a patient is getting excited while playing a video game in bed. \

When adding video monitoring to the mix, hospitals could notice a significant drop in staff racing to non-events. The technology can also help improve medical response to actual emergencies. If paramedics were able to spot a patient having a seizure just after a nurse left the room, they could send an immediate alert to the nurse and rapid response to intervene and save the patient from brain damage.

Streamlined response protocols

There are countless situations where third-level monitoring can help achieve positive outcomes for hospital patients. During pandemics, hospitals can pivot with their network cameras and video management systems to create a more touchless way of delivering patient care.

When you’re dealing with infectious diseases, or a patient with a weakened immune system, it’s critical to minimize the risk of exposure to both the patient and staff. In this case, some hospitals have introduced mobile apps through their video management system and something like a Citrix ConnectCare environment that allows physicians to do virtual rounds.

The apps give clinicians access to the in-room cameras through their smartphones, laptops, or computers. They can digitally zoom into the bedside monitors, look at the patient’s skin tone and see how they’re behaving. The apps can also interface with mobile cameras wheeled in on wireless carts so they can conference with the patient and their family remotely, minimizing the number of times they physically step into the room.

There are so many innovative ways to use surveillance technology and equipment beyond traditional security. Whether hospitals have already implemented virtual patient observation or are now considering it, video and audio technology can act as a force multiplier now and in the future, supporting medical teams that are doing more with fewer staff and resources.

Paul Baratta is the segment development manager for health care for Axis Communications. In this capacity, he is responsible for developing strategies and building channel relationships to expand Axis’ presence in health care markets.

Minding mould in LTC and hospitals

Health care facilities are complex buildings to manage given the criticality around their operation and occupants within. HVAC plants, kitchen and laundry facilities and, most importantly, patient care rooms and living quarters are dependent on base-building infrastructure to keep facilities running smoothly.

But what happens when mould hits buildings that house the most vulnerable sector of the population – residents in health care settings, hospitals, retirement residences and long-term care homes?

Many health care settings were built to a particular specification three decades or more ago. Naturally, when buildings have had their limits tested for long periods, they become more susceptible to operational problems due to sustained wear and tear.

If there are high levels of mould in a health care setting, which can easily go undetected, someone with immune deficiency or respiratory issues could be acutely impacted as their ability to breathe could be compromised further from mould and the negative impact on indoor air quality.

What are the health ramifications?

Mould can be extremely harmful. Many of the symptoms related to mould resemble that of a common cold or allergy, making the appropriate diagnosis harder to detect. However, the most common symptoms associated with mould exposure include wheezing/coughing, watery/red eyes, nasal and sinus congestion, throat and skin irritation, nosebleeds, fevers, and headaches.

In more severe cases, extreme fatigue, memory loss and dizziness can be symptoms. Mould can also cause very serious conditions and can be fatal to seniors and those with previously compromised immune systems, things that are more likely to be encountered in a health care setting.

Challenges with mould in health care settings

Some essential conditions for mould growth are as follows: 1) a temperature range of 15-26 degrees Celsius. Regulations for temperature for long-term care facilities state a minimum of 22 degrees Celsius – right in the sweet spot for mould growth, 2) moisture, and 3) a lack of ventilation. The facility design and activities within health care settings can contribute to some of these conditions.

For example, health care facilities are built to accommodate a large number of showers. If bathrooms are not ventilated properly, the condensation can soak into the building materials – ceiling/walls, etc. Because the laundry facilities in hospitals and long-term care centres are often running continuously, there is a higher moisture level.

Sometimes elderly patients or residents, who may be forgetful, leave taps running, with water potentially infiltrating floors and walls. All of this moisture, if not attended to, can lead to potential mould problems.

Sometimes mould grows in the least expected places where it is not visible. Mould is often found behind walls, within ductwork, and behind wallpaper. With frequent cleaning in facilities, water can get trapped behind baseboards where it can absorb and draw off liquid up behind the walls.

For older facilities, moisture buildup can soak in behind wood framed windows where mould can start growing around the frames and into the adjacent walls.

HVAC issues

HVAC systems can facilitate an easier spread of mould spores. It is important to have systems properly maintained and inspected to ensure they are working properly. Air exchanges and mechanical systems that were sufficient when buildings were constructed may be considered undersized today, allowing fertile ground for mould growth.

When a facility faces a mould problem

In the event that a manager of a health care facility, long-term care home or retirement residence is faced with mould, the first thing to do is act fast. The longer mould is left alone, the more dangerous it can become, particularly for people with respiratory conditions and other risk factors.

Disruptions to a facility can drive up operational costs and create significant issues for residents and patients – so quick action is of utmost importance. Whether a facility handles mould mitigation in-house or seeks out a restoration company, it is crucial to develop a tailored emergency response plan and follow that plan accordingly to ensure a quick return to normal activities in the building for those who depend on it.

For larger mould infestations, it is recommended that a hygienist be engaged to properly assess and set the scope of work for removal.

There are very prescribed methods of performing mould removal jobs in a health care setting. Setting up safe containments for proper removal of mould is crucial. Mould guidelines from the Canadian construction industry state that “staff and patients with elevated susceptibility and those who are immunocompromised should be removed from any affected or directly adjacent area during remediation.”

As part of a project scope, air quality testing must take place before, during, and after removal to verify that the mould issue has been properly remediated.

How to reduce the risk of growth?

Mould growth is a challenge for facility managers and building owners in all industries. This is especially true when there are dark, confined spaces that lack air flow and are slow to dry, and when there are high amounts of water usage in a facility.

Some forward-thinking solutions can include specifying more resilient, non-porous materials in buildings. The use of leak detection technology, especially in areas of high water usage, is also recommended.

Minor leaks should be attended to with urgency. When buildings contain hundreds of units, the cumulative impact of minor leaks in many units can snowball into much larger issues if they are not dealt with quickly and effectively.

Finally, it’s very important for facility managers, building owners and staff to be aware of environmental triggers that can contribute to mould – and the negative impacts to indoor air quality and health.

Health care facility professionals must be on a constant lookout for signs of moisture throughout the building, and staff should be watchful of black spots or other forms of mildew that grow on the walls – the telltale giveaway of the potential presence of mould.

Through diligence and proper maintenance alongside expert mitigation, it becomes much easier to safeguard these frontline buildings from exposure to mould and other hazards.

Brendan Murphy is the Director of client solutions for First Onsite Property Restoration.

Facility maintenance trends for 2023

With so much change in the last three years for facility owners and managers, what trends can we expect to continue into 2023? From sustainability to staffing to technology solutions, it looks like improved efficiency, creative solutions, and focused asset management will top the facility maintenance trend list.

Sustainability

The desire to lessen our impact on the planet is not a new one, but the idea of combining sustainability with efficiency to go greener, improve performance, and reduce costs is what’s leading the trends.

Looking to add the environment to your list of priorities? Get on board by auditing your current practices. Look at things like energy consumption, equipment performance, and green products for your cleaning and maintenance needs. Consider every angle, from energy-efficient lighting to eco-friendly landscaping.

In today’s competitive labour market, sustainability may also offer a leg up on the competition. 42 per cent of people said they would want to work for a company that prioritized sustainability, so focusing on this trend may also help you attract and retain a great team next year.

Staffing

Many people can and want to work remotely, and this trend will continue into 2023 (and perhaps indefinitely). What does this mean for your business? If you don’t have many full-time staff, you may be able to downsize your space and reduce your costs, as long as it doesn’t disrupt your production.

In an effort to retain a loyal workforce, “upskilling” is also starting to emerge as a way for employees to learn and grow in their current positions, as companies save on churn and hiring costs. Spend some time thinking about your team’s skills and strengths and look for opportunities for training or experience that’s a win-win.

Technology

Technology continues to provide insight for businesses to refine their business practices for better performance, more efficiency, and larger margins. IoT (internet of things) data is a new way to connect web-enabled devices so that they work together to manage inventory, scheduling, and more.

Working independently, they gather information so facility managers and owners to make data-driven decisions for asset management, increased performance, and better profitability. With that insight you can implement systems for your teams to work smarter, improving logistics and your company’s operations.

As 2023 approaches, and facility management continues to evolve, look for ways to use innovation to help the planet and run your business better.

Leadership team changes at Diamond Schmitt

Diamond Schmitt is expanding its leadership team across all of its offices.

The architecture firm has appointed one new principal, five new senior associates, eight new associates and one new director. The firm also named its chief financial officer.

The leadership team changes in the Vancouver, Toronto and New York are:

Cecily Eckhardt, OAA, CPHD, LEED Green Associate (Toronto) has been promoted to principal.
Cynthia Carbonneau, OAA, LEED AP (Toronto), Jessica Cheung, OAA, LEED AP (Toronto), Sarah Low, LEED AP (Toronto), Dale McDowell, OAA (Toronto), and Matthew Tsui, OAA, LEED AP (Toronto) have advanced to the position of senior associate.
Emily Baxter (Toronto), Martin Gauthier, CPHD (Toronto), Catherine Lin, OAA (Toronto), Louis Louw, AIBC (Vancouver), Jeff Mitchell, OAA, CPHD (Toronto), Tara Plett, CIQS, OACETT (Ottawa), Mike Taylor, OAA, CPHD (Toronto), and Elcin Unal, OAA, MRAIC (Toronto) have been elevated to associate.
Paul de Voe, AIA (New York) has been named technical director.
Narjis Shirazee (Toronto) has been designated chief financial officer.

“At Diamond Schmitt, we have long recognized that diversity fuels innovation and fosters creativity. The make-up of our teams brings together individuals with different areas of expertise, skill sets and experiences in a studio environment that encourages the free expression of opinions and the sharing of ideas,’ said Don Schmitt, principal and co-founder of the firm.

“These appointments reflect Diamond Schmitt’s continued commitment to creating a workplace that is diverse, equitable and inclusive – not only supporting the evolution of our architectural ambitions, but acknowledging the growth of the individuals behind the buildings we design.”

Global study unveils workplace occupancy trends

Relogix, an occupancy analytics provider for hybrid workplace monitoring and performance, revealed its premiere benchmarking report on the current state of global workspaces in 2022 and key areas to watch in 2023.

Using data from over 250 office spaces across banking, technology, and consumer goods customers in North America and Europe, the report delves into how spaces are being used during defined business hours and the significant cost implications revealed in workspace usage and design.

The data reveals that workspaces were under-utilized by 35 to 40 per cent even before the onset of the pandemic. This trend has only continued to grow as occupancy levels drop further.

For offices based in North America, the average occupancy in 2019 was 64.37 per cent, equivalent to 3.2 days out of a five-day work week. This compares to just 29.74 per cent or 1.49 days per week in 2022.

When looking at data from April 2022, the average occupancy of 34 per cent remained exactly the same in September 2022. This was despite companies strongly encouraging employees to return to the office. This trend suggests the large-scale resistance to return-to-office mandates, and indicates how valuable the flexibility of hybrid culture is to employees.

To read the full report, visit: https://www.relogix.com/books/ hybrid-work-benchmark-study-in-global-workspace-usage/

Montreal tower connects for rare perfect score

A Montreal office tower has achieved a rare perfect score through the digital certification program, WiredScore. The Class AAA, million-square-foot complex at 1250 boulevard René-Lévesque joins a select group with just 20 other buildings worldwide, and is the first Canadian building to attain all 100 of the available points awarded for connectivity, infrastructure, readiness and innovation.

BentallGreenOak and Sun Life Assurance of Canada are joint owners of the property, which also carries BOMA BEST Platinum, LEED Gold and Fitwell designations.

“In a world in which virtually every aspect of our working lives consumes or transmits data, it is important that BentallGreenOak-managed office properties demonstrate exceptional performance in connectivity and digital capability for our tenants,” observes Yves-André Godon, BentallGreenOak’s managing director for Quebec and Ottawa.

“First-class digital connectivity is no longer a nice-to-have; it is fundamental,” concurs Mike St. Cyr, head of Canadian markets for WiredScore Canada. “We are excited to see what 1250, boulevard René-Lévesque will deliver for the community which interacts with it each and every day.”

Unregulated fees for unit sub-meters questioned

Ontario’s auditor general is calling for a closer look at the unregulated fees that electricity customers in multifamily buildings pay to unit sub-meter providers (USMPs). Her recently released 2022 annual report notes there are now more than 390,000 households in the province that lack some of the consumer protection provided to residential customers who have direct accounts with a local distribution company (LDC).

As part of her examination of the Ontario Energy Board’s effectiveness in ensuring reliable electricity service at fair prices, Auditor General Bonnie Lysyk recommends the Ministry of Energy conduct a new objective analysis of USMPs’ administrative levies. She also urges a halt to service disconnection during the cold weather months, which would align with rules already in place for LDCs.

Looking back to the Ontario government’s 2019 legislation repealing the Ontario Energy Board’s authority to regulate USMP fees, the auditor general’s report concludes it was premised on imbalanced evidence that should now be reassessed. That included estimates that the burden of complying with regulations would cost the sub-metering industry $1.3 million annually, which would largely be passed through to customers, and the theory that competition among USMPs would help insulate customers from higher rates.

“The competitiveness assessment of Ontario’s sub-metering industry was performed by a consultant engaged by an association that represents the province’s largest USMPs. The Ministry did not conduct a study to assess whether USMP prices were fair in comparison to those charged by LDCs and whether an alternative to rate regulation would provide an improved level of protection for USMP customers,” the auditor general’s report states.

The auditor general also recommends that the OEB develop a publicly available scorecard of USMP performance to provide more transparency for the condominium boards, landlords or developers that could be contracting USMP services and for unit owners and tenants in multifamily buildings. These would serve a similar function to the scorecards the OEB already publishes for LDCs.

Calgary Cancer Centre reaches completion

Construction of the Calgary Cancer Centre is complete, with Alberta Infrastructure handing over the keys to Alberta Health Services (AHS).

AHS is taking over operations of the facility as the project enters its final stages before opening in 2024.

Designed by Stantec and Dialog, the new centre is the largest cancer treatment and research facility in Canada. The centre covers about 186,000 square metres (more than two million square feet), with 13 above-grade levels and five levels of underground parking. PCL Construction broke ground in 2017.

The centre includes outpatient cancer clinics, 160 inpatient unit beds, wet and dry research labs, clinical and operational supports, a clinical trials unit and research laboratories, systemic and radiation treatment services including 15 radiation vaults and underground parking with 1,650 spots.

“The Calgary Cancer Centre will be a world-class facility, to match the calibre of the people who deliver cancer care in this province, and the work they do for patients every day,” said Minister of Health Jason Copping.

The new centre will increase cancer care capacity in Calgary by consolidating and expanding existing services to support integrated and comprehensive cancer care. The hospital will serve as a hub for medical education and research activities, providing jobs and educational opportunities for Albertans.

Once operational, the facility will have 160 inpatient beds, 100 patient exam rooms and will provide a wide range of health-care services for cancer patients. This is the first major design-build project for the Alberta Government.

“Delivering a complex health facility requires collaboration and dedicated efforts from a large number of highly skilled professionals, which are managed and coordinated by Alberta Infrastructure, together with Alberta Health and AHS. Public infrastructure projects like this are an integral part of building for Alberta’s future and providing excellent health care for Albertans. It is with great pride that we hand this facility over to Alberta Health Services,” said Nathan Neudorf, deputy premier and minister of infrastructure.

Canada Housing Benefit ‘one-time top-up’ now open

Lower-income renters in Canada can now apply for the $500 one-time top-up to the Canada Housing Benefit through their Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) My Account. To qualify for the benefit, tax-paying Canadians must be at least 15 years of age with an adjusted family net income of $20,000 or less for individuals, or $35,000 or less for families. Additionally, they must have paid at least 30 per cent of their 2021 net income on rent for their principal residence and be able to provide their rental address(es) and landlord contact information.

“During the pandemic when Canadians needed support, the Agency rolled up its sleeves and rose to the occasion,” said Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of National Revenue. “It will do so again by ensuring that eligible Canadians can apply for the one-time top-up to the Canada Housing Benefit in a simple and secure way. Our government has delivered and will continue to deliver concrete results for Canadians who need it most.”

The one-time top-up is one of the targeted measures the Government of Canada has implemented to “make life more affordable for Canadians” since the onset of COVID-19. Other measures include doubling the GST credit and creating the Canada Dental Benefit to offset some of the year’s significant cost-of-living increases.

“The one-time top-up to the Canada Housing Benefit is crucial in helping low-income renters, who are finding it increasingly difficult to make ends meet,” said Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion, Ahmed Hussen. “It is meant to help our most vulnerable neighbours by offering immediate relief during these challenging times. Through this payment, our government is demonstrating its commitment to helping those who need it most. This additional support will make a real difference in the lives of many Canadians.”

Today also marks the opening of the application portal for the Projects Stream of the Rapid Housing Initiative available through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. The application window will be open for approximately 90 days (December 12, 2022, to March 15, 2023). Eligible applicants for this stream include provinces, territories, municipalities, Indigenous governing bodies and organizations, and non-profit organizations.

Accessibility advocate honoured for TCHC input

Accessibility advocate Cathy Birch has been recognized as a role model within Toronto Community Housing (TCHC) and the province of Ontario. Birch is one of three newly named recipients of the David C. Onley Award for Leadership in Accessibility for her commitment to improving livability within TCHC buildings for residents with disabilities.

A resident herself, and a user of a mobility device, Birch is a volunteer and founder of TCHC’s Responsible Personal Accessibility in Toronto Housing (R-PATH) committee. She has championed accessible signage, closed captioning for virtual meetings and accessibility modifications within TCHC units, and also provides input to the corporation’s capital program for accessibility upgrades and guidance to staff.

The provincial awards were established in 2014 and named for Ontario’s 28th Lieutenant Governor, David Onley. In addition to Birch’s role model award, Rohan Jain of Toronto was recognized in the youth leadership category, and Deanna Miskie of Bowmanville received an award for employee engagement.

“I applaud these dynamic accessibility ambassadors for their innovative programming and personal commitment,” Onley says.

“Their advocacy, initiative and leadership has made it possible for all Ontarians to make a difference,” concurs Ontario’s current Lieutenant Governor, Elizabeth Dowdeswell. “It is my hope that each of us do our utmost each day to keep pressing forward to make Ontario a truly accessible place.”

Kee Safety: Innovations in facility accessibility

Whether heading to work or out to shop, accessing healthcare or visiting a public building, all Canadians rely on safe access to the facilities that support their lives. Some might take this access for granted, but it’s a constant consideration for those with disabilities.

“For a significant portion of our population, safe and secure access to a home, workplace, or public service isn’t always guaranteed,” says Christian King, General Manager with Kee Safety Ltd. “Anything we can do to make our facilities more accessible benefits all Canadians.”

Today’s facility managers and owners are aligned on the importance of accessibility. And indeed, modern facility designs and retrofits reflect an effort to create spaces that all can use. Nevertheless, there are always opportunities to improve and innovate the ways to make offices, schools, malls, and all other facilities we rely upon safer and more welcoming for everyone.

The compliance factor
It goes without saying that accessibility is more than a “nice to have.” Today, property stakeholders are compelled to make building accessibility a priority to fill their units, keep occupants and visitors safe, and comply with ever-evolving accessibility guidelines and regulations.

Surely, compliance is a big driver for building accessibility. Nationwide initiatives like the Accessible Canada Act and provincial/territorial mandates such as the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) spell out specific expectations concerning accessible buildings while building codes from coast to coast also hold asset owners and managers to similar standards. Moreover, the regulatory landscape is continually adapting as jurisdictions across the country share best practices and strategies between borders and move towards broader, global standards.

Kee Access Ramps: A case study in building accessibility
No doubt, moves are being made at a high level to champion accessibility in our built environment. At the same time, accessibility specialists in the private sector are also drawing on modern practices, equipment, and technology to help people with disabilities navigate with peace of mind.

Kee Safety is among those innovators. Operating out of Concord, Ontario, the company is blazing a trail for facility accessibility solutions. Its Kee Access Ramp, for example, is a modular ramping system that can be installed at existing facilities without the need for significant alterations. Moreover, the ramp is designed to comply with North American accessibility standards and features sturdy metal components and treads to shed water, snow, and ice.

“Making a facility more accessible doesn’t need to require excessive renovations or retrofits,” says King, adding, “With a modular accessibility solution like Kee Access Ramps, our aim is to make accessibility as easy, reliable, and safe as possible to attain.”

The Kee Klamp Access ADA railing is another simple and effective solution for making buildings safer for all occupants and visitors, and keeping property stakeholders in compliance with evolving accessibility regulations. It is a smooth, sturdy, and weather-resistant handrail that can be affixed to existing infrastructure to provide a continuous helping hand for people with disabilities. And like all of Kee Safety’s products, it is also designed to comply with North American accessibility standards.

Whether the goal is to build inclusive homes or safer transit, accessibility counts. And with a growing portfolio of access ramp solutions, such as its Flat Panel Ramp, Trio Ramp, Travel Ramp, and Door Wedge Ramp, Kee Safety is among the accessibility champions making Canada’s built environment more inclusive for all.

Visit Kee Safety for more information on its accessibility ramp products.

Four new LTB forms added to Tribunal Ontario Portal

Tribunals Ontario announced it has added four additional Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) forms to the Tribunals Ontario Portal and will be introducing a new self-scheduling feature that will allow applicants to select their preferred hearing date and timeslot available for their application type.

“With these new enhancements to the Tribunals Ontario Portal, we are providing an end-to-end digital experience for our users, from filing an application to attending the hearing, all online. The portal is a central part of our digital-first strategy and is a significant milestone in our ongoing modernization journey,” said Sean Weir, Executive Chair of Tribunals Ontario.

Effective December 8, 2022, applicants can submit the following additional forms on the Tribunals Ontario Portal:

L3: Application to End a Tenancy – Tenant Gave Notice or Agreed to Terminate the Tenancy
L4: Application to End a Tenancy and Evict a Tenant – Tenant Failed to Meet Conditions of a Settlement or Order
L10: Application to Collect Money a Former Tenant Owes
C1: Application to End the Occupancy and Evict the Member based on Non-Payment of Regular Monthly Housing Charges and to Collect the Housing Charges that the Co-op Member Owes

The new forms build on the four applications that were already available. More forms, including two tenant-related applications (T1 and T5) and a co-op form (C2), will be added to the Tribunals Ontario Portal in early 2023.

Upon filing their application, parties will be asked to consider online dispute resolution. If they are not able to resolve the matter, applicants will get a notification from the system providing them with a few date and timeslot options to choose from.

The self-scheduling feature will be introduced gradually, for the L1 and L2 application types over the next few months and existing LTB applicants will receive a notification from the portal once this feature is available for their application.

“Prior to the pandemic, Tribunals Ontario, like most in the justice sector, was generally paper-based and in-person,” said Harry Gousopoulos, Executive Director of Tribunals Ontario. “The pandemic prompted a shift and revealed an urgent need to provide digital options to our users. Now, applicants and parties can access our services at any time and from anywhere in Ontario, and they like this change. It is easier and more convenient for them to submit applications online and participate in a hearing or mediation remotely.”

For landlords and tenants who are not comfortable using technology or don’t have computer and Internet access, the LTB continues to accept paper applications and mediation requests by mail and courier. Many ServiceOntario locations across the province accept LTB applications and documents in-person.

For more info, visit: https://tribunalsontario.ca/en/tribunals-ontario-portal

Common winter roofing mistakes to avoid

As a property manager or building operator, you’ve probably already conducted your fall maintenance for the year, and roofing has come up. With a visual inspection of your roof, destructive testing, and a diagnostic assessment, so should you know what needs to be done come spring.

But what about when winter comes? The temptation to “set it and forget it” once the snow flies may be strong, but there are a few things to keep in mind throughout winter to avoid costly roofing expenses in the spring.

Minimizing issues

If you get water inside your building, you might assume that the leak is localized and contained. A small leak may be an indication of a larger issue, or an issue that (if not taken care of) could turn into something serious by the time spring comes.

If conditions allow, getting a roof inspection to determine the extent of the damage and plan for prevention until the snow melts is the best way to stop a small issue from turning into a large and expensive problem.

Ignoring the weather

The winter brings temperature swings, wind, and snow, which can have negative effects on your roof. Shifts in temperature create a freeze/thaw cycle, which can cause ponding and blisters on your roofing membrane. Extreme wind can result in uplifting, which exposes your roofing system to the elements. Snow is heavy and your roof has a maximum snow load. Keep your eye on the volume and weight of the snow and arrange snow removal if it becomes a risk to your roof’s integrity.

Being aware of these issues allows you to deal with them before they get worse, saving possible damage to your building’s interior, work stoppage, and major expenditure.

Not prioritizing a spring inspection

Even if you’ve been diligent with your roof through the winter, don’t skip out on the spring inspection. It’s the perfect time to see what damage was caused or made worse under the snow, so you can conduct any repairs in a timely fashion and budget accordingly over the next year.

Staying on top of your roof’s condition, conducting preventative maintenance, and avoiding costly mistakes will lengthen the lifespan of your roof, protecting your asset and saving you money.

ONE Properties is newest developer on East Village project

Calgary Municipal Land Corporation announced ONE Properties as East Village’s newest development partner. Two new mixed-use towers will complete Q Block on the neighbourhood’s east side, representing an approximate private investment value of $250M to the community.

Over the last decade, the Alberta-based developer has delivered about 2,500 residential units to the Alberta marketplace with an extra 3,500 homes currently in the planning and development stages. Q Block will mark ONE’s second major development in Calgary’s Rivers Direct, following the opening of BLVD Beltline in 2021, and will play a critical role in the continued evolution of Calgary’s urban core.

“We’ve seen Calgary’s East Village thrive in recent years as more Calgarians look to live, work and play in the heart of downtown,” says Thomas Burr, ONE Properties’ Vice President of Mixed-Use Development – Western Canada. “Alongside CMLC, ONE looks forward to introducing even more options for Calgarians to be a part of this exciting, growing neighbourhood.”

Parcels Q3 and Q4 will front onto amenity-rich Fort Calgary Park, overlooking the community gardens, children’s playground, East Village dog park and Bow River. When complete, ONE Properties’ new towers will be home to approximately 750 new residents.

Q Block is a mixed-use block featuring residential, commercial, retail, food and beverage offerings at street-level along The Riff, a high-quality pedestrian street that connects the block to Jack & Jean Leslie RiverWalk, George C King Bridge, St. Patrick’s Island and The City’s regional pathway system. The new ONE Properties towers will complete Q Block, which is already home to 291 condo units at Verve by FRAM + Slokker and another 160 units to be built in FRAM + Slokker’s forthcoming Vibe condo project.

This is the second land partnership signed in East Village in 2022, and there is a growing pipeline of development projects launching in East Village the coming years.

With 300 new apartments already under construction at BOSA Development’s second Arris tower, CMLC anticipates two developments to break ground in 2023, including the recently announced Minto Communities Vita project and Alston Properties’ EV606 project which, together, will bring 144 new residential units and 9,000 additional square feet of retail space to East Village.

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