LTC workers advocate for fair wages and benefits

Long-term care (LTC) staff at multiple Extendicare facilities in Ontario are strategizing new tactics after negotiations stalled over higher wages, benefits, and workplace safety. The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) said its central bargaining table will keep pushing the LTC provider for a new collective agreement on behalf of more than 1,110 workers across eight CUPE locals.

Extendicare, Canada’s largest private-sector LTC operator with 99 homes nationwide, left several key issues unresolved, which are also impacting resident care.

“Short staffing means our workload increases and our time with the residents decreases,” says Sheena Bracken, president of CUPE local 1182 at the Sudbury York Extendicare facility. “It’s like a conveyor belt of care. Residents get less time with their support staff, which is a major impact to their well-being.”

The central tables committee held votes for job action and received support from 99 per cent of its members. Although the workers won’t be able to strike, they aim to find other ways to pressure the employer back to the table to talk about obstacles such as scheduling, vacation, and pay issues related to the employer’s new human resources software.

Last year, front-line care staff at Laurier Manor in Ottawa flagged serious problems with the payroll system. “We have money taken away, hours paid are not right, and from one week to the next we are guessing if there will be enough pay on our pay cheques to buy groceries and pay rent,” Ian Rayment, president of CUPE Local 2770, said in a December 2025 press release. “While this may sound insignificant for modest wage earners like us, this is a big deal. Many new staff, leave – some before they even pass probation because they need stability in their weekly pay.”

Annual wage increases are also lacking. Many LTC employees already earn lower wages compared to health care workers in other sectors.

“Our central table sets the pace in terms of wages for long-term care facilities in Ontario, but our members are still needing to work second jobs or pick up extra shifts or overtime to make ends meet,” says Bracken. “I myself have to pick up one overtime per shift to stay ahead.”

Extendicare reported $96.6 million in profits in 2025, which CUPE says could address many ongoing challenges. Instead, the union believes the employer is steering negotiations toward arbitration to force concessions from workers.

Bracken, along with her fellow members, are plotting various measures to spur action, without risking the well-being of residents.

“We all went into careers in long-term care because we care for people, and that is the first thing in our minds,” she says. “We are starting our job action small but will be prepared to escalate tactics if needed. Our members are showing their solidarity by wearing coordinated colours on certain days each week. As the campaign evolves, we will consider other actions to increase visibility and pressure.”

Canada launches first national flood risk tracker

The federal government has launched Canada’s first publicly available Flood Risk Finder. Provinces and territories can now join the platform so local hazard and risk information is accessible for Canadians living in those jurisdictions.

Flooding is the most common and costly natural hazard in Canada, causing an average annual loss of more than $2 billion. The new platform will guide homeowners, renters, and businesses on how to improve their preparedness and resilience.

“Municipalities are the first to respond and the first to see the growing impacts of climate change every day, and we welcome the federal government’s update on Canada’s Flood Risk Finder to strengthen flood awareness and preparedness,” said Rebecca Bligh, president of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

“Reducing exposure to flooding will take sustained collaboration across all orders of government. As provinces and territories opt in, municipalities and Canadians will be looking for high-quality, transparent data that reflects local conditions and builds on the resilience measures municipalities already have underway.”

With an address search, users will be able to quickly find information about the risk in their area, rated on a four-point scale from low to extreme. This new tool complements other sources of data, like local, provincial, and territorial maps, and fills gaps that can make flood risk information difficult to obtain and understand.

Over this summer, Public Safety Canada will advance the rollout of the resource across the country. The government department collaborated with Statistics Canada and Natural Resources Canada to develop the tool’s data and usability testing.

Users can access the Flood Risk Finder here.

Everyday cleaning practices can drive meaningful environmental impact

Recently celebrating Earth Day provided a reminder for facilities to reflect on how everyday cleaning practices can drive meaningful environmental impact. ABCO Cleaning Products, a leading provider of sustainable cleaning tools, is encouraging facilities to take meaningful steps toward more sustainable cleaning practices that reduce waste, conserve resources and support healthier indoor environments.

“Whether it’s selecting durable tools, minimizing disposable product use or implementing more efficient cleaning processes, facilities can make a real difference through thoughtful cleaning practices,” said Carlos Albir, Jr., Vice President of Operations, ABCO Cleaning Products.

Consider these sustainability tips for your facility:

Choose durable, long-lasting cleaning tools. Investing in cleaning tools designed for durability and repeated use cuts down on replacement frequency, minimizes landfill contributions, and maximizes the return on investment. Low-quality products that wear out quickly contribute to unnecessary waste and higher long-term costs.
Incorporate recycled and responsibly sourced materials. Replacing virgin plastic with recycled content can save as much as 70 per cent in energy. When possible, select products made from recycled content or sustainably sourced materials to help reduce environmental impact without sacrificing performance.
Maintain tools for a longer lifespan. Proper cleaning, storage and routine inspection of equipment can help extend product life cycles and reduce unnecessary disposal.
Implement a waste management program. In the United States, only 32 per cent of material is recycled. Setting up clearly labeled waste and recycling stations throughout the facility helps reduce landfill waste and supports sustainability goals.

For more information about ABCO Cleaning Products’ sustainable cleaning tools, visit www.abcoproducts.com.

UK Renters’ Rights Act sparks market concerns

The UK’s Private Rented Sector may be on the brink of a major structural shift as the forthcoming Renters’ Rights Act (RRA) moves closer to becoming law. London‑based LegalforLandlords is warning that, while the legislation aims to strengthen tenant protections, it may also create a growing cohort of renters who become “unlettable” in practice—not because they are legally barred from renting, but because landlords are tightening their risk controls in response to reduced safeguards.

If approved on May 1^st, the RRA will remove Section 21 no‑fault evictions and introduce periodic tenancies across England, changes that significantly alter how landlords manage risk. With court delays already stretching possession cases into many months, UK landlords are preparing for a future in which regaining a property after non‑payment becomes slower, costlier, and less predictable. As a result, affordability, financial resilience, and referencing strength are becoming the decisive filters for tenant selection.

“The intention behind the Renters’ Rights Act is clear and, in many respects, necessary,” said Sim Sekhon, Group CEO at LegalforLandlords. “It aims to create a fairer, more secure rental market for tenants. However, as with any significant regulatory shift, there are knock‑on effects that cannot be ignored.”

One of the most immediate consequences is likely to be rising affordability thresholds. Many UK landlords are expected to move from the traditional 2.5× rent benchmark to closer to 3×, particularly in high‑cost regions such as London and the South East. This shift alone could exclude large numbers of otherwise reliable renters, creating a mismatch between demand and eligibility. Properties may attract plenty of enquiries yet still sit empty due to repeated referencing failures—a form of hidden vacancy that masks the true level of market pressure.

Referencing processes are also set to become more stringent and slower. Applicants with irregular income, weaker credit histories, or reliance on benefits may find themselves filtered out before even viewing a property. Letting agents, facing higher fall‑through rates, are expected to pre‑screen more aggressively to minimise void periods. Guarantors will play a larger role too, shifting from optional to—in many cases— essential, adding friction late in the process and increasing the likelihood of collapsed deals. Meanwhile, insurance requirements are tightening in parallel, and rent guarantee products are expected to adopt stricter underwriting.

Together, Sekhon says these pressures are likely to reinforce a more conservative stance among UK landlords.

“What we are seeing is a natural recalibration,” he said. “As landlords lose certain safeguards, many will look to mitigate risk elsewhere, most commonly through stricter affordability criteria. The challenge is that this can unintentionally exclude otherwise reliable tenants who may fall just short on paper.”

LegalforLandlords argues that the challenge ahead is not a shortage of renters, but a shortage of renters who can pass the increasingly demanding criteria. As agents take on more of a risk‑management role, the sector may see a widening divide between those who can secure a tenancy quickly and those repeatedly rejected despite being legally eligible.

Port of Vancouver signs Roberts Bank MOU

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (VFPA) and GCT Global Container Terminals (GCT) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore partnership opportunities to advance Roberts Bank Terminal 2 (RBT2) at the Port of Vancouver.

The parties will work collaboratively to share information and negotiate in good faith with the goal of achieving a Joint Development Agreement.

“Increasing container capacity is essential to Canada’s ability to compete, grow and trade with the world. This is an exciting time for the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project with procurement underway and a landmass construction partner to be selected this summer. This MOU moves us into planning for the next stage of project delivery with an opportunity for partnership with a Canadian-owned operator with a strong track record of delivery in Port of Vancouver,” said Peter Xotta, president and CEO, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority.

Under the MOU, VFPA and GCT will work together through a defined process to assess the benefits, synergies, and operational expertise that GCT can contribute as the potential terminal builder and operator. During this one-year period, VFPA will work exclusively with GCT to explore a development and operating arrangement for RBT2.

VFPA will continue to lead the development of the RBT2 landmass and remain responsible for permitting and engagement with Indigenous communities.

As part of this coordinated approach, GCT will withdraw its application to the Major Project Office for its separate Deltaport Berth 4 (DP4) expansion project and instead focus its efforts on advancing RBT2.

Alberta invests $74M into Cardston Health Centre

The Alberta government is investing $74 million into the new Cardston Health Centre. The project will bring emergency and acute care together with community programs, allied health, public health, home care, and mental health and addictions services in one facility.

The development replaces an outdated health centre that was built in 1959 and no longer meets accessibility and infection control standards. The project will address these deficiencies while expanding inpatient capacity from 19 to 24 beds, including labour and delivery–postpartum, isolation, and bariatric rooms, as well as up to 11 emergency treatment spaces.

“The new Cardston Health Centre is an extremely important site for the community, and will reflect the diverse population and cultural richness of the region,” said Andre Tremblay, interim president and CEO of Alberta Health Services.

The new centre is estimated to cost a total of $474 million. Once complete it will offer improved patient outcomes and access to high-quality care in the rural communities of southern Alberta.

ISSA launches registered apprenticeship program

ISSA, The Association for Cleaning and Facility Solutions, recently announced the creation of its Cleaning Technician Registered Apprenticeship Program, an achievement that brings the cleaning profession into the national apprenticeship framework for the first time.

Recently approved by the U.S. Department of Labor, ISSA’s Cleaning Technician Registered Apprenticeship Program is a structured workforce-development pathway designed to prepare individuals for professional careers in cleaning and facility services across commercial, institutional, and industrial environments. The program combines on-the-job learning with nationally recognized education and certification, giving apprentices portable credentials and a clear career pathway while giving employers a consistent, skilled talent pipeline.

“The cleaning industry keeps schools, hospitals, businesses, and communities healthy and safe. Our workers deserve the same professional recognition that other skilled trades have long enjoyed,” said ISSA Vice President of Government and Public Affairs John Nothdurft.

ISSA’s Registered Apprenticeship directly addresses labour shortages and workforce development gaps by offering a competency-based, nationally vetted program that includes emphasis on safety, infection prevention, and professional standards. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employers receive $1.47 for every $1 invested in apprenticeships through improved productivity, lower turnover, and reduced recruitment costs. Additionally, 97 per cent of employers using registered apprenticeships report increased worker productivity, and 92 per cent report improved employee engagement and retention.

For apprentices, the program offers a nationally recognized credential, progressive wage increases, a structured path to supervisory roles, and access to financial support including 529 plans, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding, and state tax credits.

ISSA’s Cleaning Technician Registered Apprenticeship is a one-year, competency-based program featuring a combination of structured training and applied workplace experience, nationally recognized curriculum and certifications, and a focus on safety, infection prevention, and professional standards. Employers in certain states may also be eligible for tax credits to offset the cost of qualified educational expenses and wages for each apprentice at their organization.

To find out more about the apprenticeship and to express interest in participating in the pilot program, visit this link.

Surrey hits record monthly construction value

Surrey set a record in March by hitting its highest monthly construction value ever with $2.95 billion in activity.

March’s activity was driven primarily by major capital projects, including approximately $1.7 billion associated with the new hospital and cancer centre in Cloverdale.

“We’re not immune to the economic challenges that the entire country is facing, but we remain committed to attracting development to Surrey, providing much needed housing for our growing population,” said Mayor Brenda Locke. “We want to be the easiest city to do business with in the region, and we’re increasingly seeing the benefits of all the work we’ve done to cut red tape.”

To maintain housing supply, the city has taken several steps to reduce costs, remove barriers, and speed up approvals. These include rolling back development cost charges to 2023 levels, working directly with developers on office space requirements, parking standards, and amenity costs, and cutting tens of millions of dollars in municipal costs to help keep projects viable.

The city has also reduced residential permit timelines by 75 per cent and introduced an AI‑enabled permit review system that checks building permit drawings for compliance before submission, significantly reducing review times and increasing certainty for applicants.

“Our focus is on ensuring projects can move efficiently through the approval process so housing and infrastructure can be delivered as demand continues to grow in Surrey,” said Locke.

Burnaby Lake Overpass opens

The new Burnaby Lake Overpass, rising 5.7 metres above the Trans-Canada Highway, is officially open to the public.

Built from durable weathered steel, this is Burnaby’s first ever pedestrian and cyclist-only overpass across a major highway. A major milestone was the carefully executed lift in November 2025 when the fully built 400-tonne overpass was moved to its new location.

Best practice design principles were applied throughout, with careful attention to sightlines, lighting, and openness to create a space that feels safe and welcoming.

Accessibility was a key consideration throughout the project. By using the naturally higher ground on both sides of Highway 1, the overpass is nearly flat and avoids long or steep approach ramps. Trails and connections were designed with gentle slopes, making the crossing easier and safer.

The Burnaby Lake Overpass provides a safe, direct north–south link between Burnaby Lake and Deer Lake, while also unlocking east–west travel through the trail and neighbourhood networks on either side of the highway.

The southernmost end of the overpass is near Claude Avenue in the Buckingham Heights neighbourhood, while the northern landing is located at the trailhead at Glencarin Drive.

Construction began in fall 2023 and was delivered by Jacob Bros Construction.

B+H Architects appoint senior director

B+H Architects announced the appointment of Janine Grossmann as senior director, business development, architecture + design (A+D).

Based in Toronto, Grossmann will lead interior design business development across the firm’s Toronto and Vancouver studios, providing strategic leadership in client growth, pursuit strategy, and relationship development.

Her mandate includes advancing the interior design practice, expanding CHIL Interior Design’s hospitality portfolio, and strengthening integrated A+D delivery across the firm.

“I’m thrilled to join this talented group and work alongside the team to cultivate both new and existing relationships. I look forward to growing our interior design practice and advancing integrated services that support continued sector growth,” said Grossmann.

She brings more than 30 years of experience shaping the strategy and design of commercial, institutional, and hospitality projects ranging from 5,000 to over four million square feet. Throughout her career, she has held senior leadership roles that bridge design excellence with business and organizational strategy — encompassing workplace strategy, change management, business development, corporate governance, and organizational communications.

A highly respected figure in the design community, Grossmann is the recipient of a Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) Urban Design Award and multiple Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario (ARIDO) awards. A Fellow and past president of ARIDO, she remains actively engaged in advancing the profession through leadership, advocacy, and mentorship.

Green Seal releases 2026 Impact Report

Green Seal recently announced the release of its 2026 Impact Report, highlighting how the global nonprofit and the brands in its community are driving measurable environmental and health impacts while advancing a new era of leadership in the consumer products marketplace.

For more than three decades, Green Seal has helped define environmentally preferable purchasing in the public and institutional sectors through clear, credible standards and strong partnerships. The 2026 report reflects how a similar model is now helping shape the future of safer and more sustainable products for consumers.

The report details the impacts achieved in 2025 by Green Seal-certified products across key areas:

Safer chemicals: 9.8 million students and teachers protected from exposure to toxic chemicals and asthma triggers through certified cleaning products in schools.

Responsible sourcing: 9.3 million metric tons of carbon emissions avoided by certified sanitary paper products made with recycled fibre – the equivalent of taking 2.2 million cars off the road.

Low-Impact manufacturing: 25 billion gallons of water saved through the production of 100 per cent recycled sanitary paper products.

Sustainable packaging: 256 million pounds of plastic avoided through optimized packaging for certified cleaning products – the equivalent of saving 27.7 million plastic water bottles.

The report highlights growing momentum across the marketplace to eliminate harmful PFAS “forever chemicals” from consumer product supply chains. In 2025, Green Seal finalized a prohibition on PFAS across multiple product categories, with leading brands already reformulating to meet this higher standard and bringing the first floor-care products to market certified to contain not intentionally added PFAS.

The report also outlines Green Seal’s broader efforts to raise the bar for product sustainability, including convening industry leaders to align on a shared definition of safer and more sustainable everyday products.

“Green Seal has long demonstrated that clear, credible standards can transform markets,” said Doug Gatlin, CEO of Green Seal. “Today, we are building on that legacy by working with brands, retailers, and advocates to bring greater consistency, transparency, and trust to the consumer marketplace. This year’s Impact Report highlights our progress toward a central goal: moving safer, more sustainable products from niche to norm by aligning market expectations and making it easier for both brands and consumers to act with confidence.”

Report also features examples of brands leading in their categories, as well as the growing global reach of Green Seal certification, which now spans more than 45 countries and over 1,400 certified products.

Find Green Seal’s 2026 Impact Report here.

GTHA rental vacancy hits highest level since 2021

Canada’s purpose‑built rental sector is navigating a shifting landscape marked by rising vacancy, moderating rents, and a surge of new construction. Released April 27, Urbanation Inc.’s Q1‑2026 results for the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area (GTHA) illustrate how these pressures are converging in a market that often sets the tone for multifamily trends nationwide.

Vacancy in purpose‑built rentals completed since 2000 rose to 5.4 per cent in Q1‑2026, up sharply from 3.6 per cent in Q1‑2025 and more than double the 2.6 per cent rate in Q1‑2024. According to Urbanation, this marks the highest vacancy level since Q1‑2021, when the pandemic pushed vacancy to 6.3 per cent. The increase is largely attributed the slower population inflows combined with the higher tenant turnover as renters capitalize on declining rents. The availability rate—which includes both vacant units and units where tenants have given notice—reached a record 8.0 per cent.

Meanwhile, to attract new tenants as competition intensifies, rental operators are leaning heavily on incentives. Urbanation reports an increase in this practice, noting that 66 per cent of projects offered incentives in Q1, up from 62 per cent last year and more than double the 32 per cent share two years ago. Types of incentives include two months free rent and cash move-in bonuses, among others.

“Rental operators are grappling with a deluge of supply at the moment due to intense competition from the condo market and a surge in tenants moving to get a better deal,” noted Shaun Hildebrand, President of Urbanation. “Supply pressures will persist this year as apartment completions run high and population growth slows, creating a window of opportunity for renters to capitalize on improved affordability.”

Net rents fall to a 16‑quarter low

After factoring in the monetary value of incentives, net rents averaged $3.52 psf in Q1, representing a 3.8 per cent annual decline and the lowest level in four years. Urbanation notes that incentives reduced “face rents” by an average of 13 per cent or $379, bringing advertised rents from $2,904 down to $2,525. This adjustment effectively aligned purpose‑built rental pricing with the condo rental market, where average rents reached $2,543 in Q1.

Developers push ahead despite softer conditions

Interestingly, the cooling rental environment hasn’t slowed development momentum. Urbanation reports that 3,674 new purpose‑built rental units started construction in Q1, a 12 per cent increase from last year. This follows a strong Q4‑2025, which saw 4,069 starts. The result is a 12‑month total of 10,388 starts, marking a multi‑decade high.

Completions fell sharply in Q1, with only 915 units delivered—a 61 per cent year‑over‑year decline. Urbanation notes that this slowdown is temporary, driven largely by projects pushing occupancy dates into upcoming quarters. In fact, 17 projects totaling 3,261 units are slated to open in Q2, and a record 8,984 units are projected for delivery over the next 12 months.

The combination of rising vacancy, aggressive incentives, and a surge of new supply in the GTHM suggests a period of recalibration for landlords and developers, elsewhere in Canada too. Key implications for the broader market include:

More competitive leasing environments, especially in major metros
Greater reliance on incentives as a standard part of marketing strategies
Potential pressure on rent growth as supply pipelines remain strong
Opportunities for renters to secure better deals in the near term
A test of developer resilience, as long‑term fundamentals continue to support construction despite short‑term softness

For more info, visit: Urbanation.ca

Research flags employee retention risks

Employee engagement remained steady across global organizations in 2025, but a new report warns these figures may mask emerging workplace risks. McLean & Company’s Employee Engagement Trends Report 2026 shows that while 79.7 per cent of workers expect to stay with their organization a year from now, key drivers of productivity, retention, and strategic execution are not improving compared to last year’s research.

Insights from more than 254,000 employees across 240 organizations worldwide reveal weak scores in compensation, career development, collaboration, stress, and coaching.

Total compensation remains the lowest-scoring driver at 52 per cent, career advancement and development sits at 58.3 per cent, and 40 per cent report higher job-related stress. Only 23 per cent rate leaders as highly effective at coaching employees.

The findings suggest organizations have not yet strengthened the conditions that sustain employee engagement, which can have broader competitive impacts externally.
“Employee engagement may be stable, but stability can be misleading,” says Amanda Chaitnarine, senior director, Human Resources Diagnostics, at McLean & Company. “Without strengthening the core drivers behind engagement, organizations risk plateauing performance instead of improving it. HR leaders need to move beyond measurement and focus on targeted action.”

To drive measurable outcomes, the report recommends five targeted actions:

Prioritize employee experience as a driver of productivity, performance, and retention;
Strengthen career development pathways to improve engagement and reduce turnover risk;
Align total rewards strategies with employee expectations to address ongoing compensation concerns;
Improve cross-functional collaboration by addressing communication gaps and enabling better teamwork; and
Build leadership capability in coaching and feedback to better support employee growth and development.

Starlight unveils first phase of The Waypoint

Starlight Investments has announced the completion of the first phase of The Waypoint, the firm’s newest build‑to‑rent (BTR) community in Maidenhead, Berkshire, UK. The initial delivery introduces 73 new rental homes, featuring a curated mix of one‑, two‑, and three‑bedroom suites with elegant open‑plan layouts and elevated finishes. The full development, set for completion later this year, will comprise 255 suites across three residences.

The Waypoint is a key component of Starlight’s wider BTR strategy within the St Cloud Way regeneration scheme, one of the largest revitalization initiatives underway in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.

“Completing the first phase at The Waypoint reflects our commitment to expanding high‑quality build‑to‑rent housing in the UK and supporting communities where demand for professionally managed, modern rental homes continues to grow,” said Jonnie Milich, Head of UK Residential at Starlight Investments. “Maidenhead’s transport connectivity, economic strength, and forward‑looking regeneration plan make it an ideal location for long‑term community building.”

Ideally positioned steps from the River Thames, The Waypoint offers direct access to Maidenhead’s town centre and is a short walk from the main train station, which provides Overground and Elizabeth Line services. Residents can reach central London in approximately 35 minutes and benefit from strong connections across the Thames Valley. Maidenhead also sits within a thriving employment hub spanning technology, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing.

Upon completion, the community will feature nearly 20,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor lifestyle amenities, including a state‑of‑the‑art fitness centre, co‑working spaces, private dining areas, resident lounges, a rooftop terrace, and a landscaped courtyard. Sustainability features are integrated throughout, underscoring Starlight’s commitment to long‑term quality and responsible development.

The first‑phase completion marks another milestone in Starlight’s expanding UK BTR program and reflects continued progress across its national portfolio, which includes communities in Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, and high‑demand commuter markets surrounding London. With 4,000 homes and £1.1 billion in assets under management, the firm remains focused on supporting regional housing targets and delivering best‑in‑class rental options backed by strong operational stewardship.

“As we begin to welcome the first residents to The Waypoint, we are proud to be delivering modern, well‑connected homes that support the needs of today’s renters,” added Milich. “We look forward to fostering a vibrant community in a beautiful location as this scheme continues to take shape.”

To learn more about The Waypoint and for leasing information, visit: https://www.thewaypoint-maidenhead.co.uk/

Data centre performance standards in the works

Prominent industry-led organizations that promote sustainability in the built environment have joined forces to develop performance standards for data centres. The newly formed Global AI Data Centres Coalition (GADCC) thus far encompasses nine national and international entities focused on benchmarks to guide and measure energy, carbon, water, waste, biodiversity and community impact considerations for data centre development and operations.

The coalition also aims to enlist sponsors of green financial products, such as bonds and sustainability-linked loans, to support data centre development that reflects green performance criteria. GADCC’s founders are now looking to broaden their base to include other potential stakeholders, such as investors, data centre developers and operators and organizations with sustainability and climate risk resilience agendas.

“Trillions are going into building AI data centres, but without clear standards, it risks becoming a climate disaster. The solutions are simple: use clean energy, recycle water and re-use heat. This coalition is about setting the rules to get that right,” observes Sean Kidney, chief executive officer of Climate Bonds Initiative, one of the coalition’ initial members.

The other eight include: World Green Building Council; Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark; the U.K.’s Building Research Establishment (BRE); Germany Sustainable Building Council; Green Building Council of Australia; Green Building Council of South Africa; India Green Building Council; and United States Green Building Council.

“By setting clear, credible standards, this Coalition will help ensure the growth of AI infrastructure supports climate goals, community resilience and long term sustainability,” pledges Cristina Gamboa, chief executive officer of the World Green Building Council.

Top energy efficiency upgrades for 2026

As Canada’s apartment sector faces higher operating costs alongside stricter carbon reduction requirements, building owners are being pushed to rethink how their properties consume and waste energy. According to leading energy-efficiency experts, the most successful owners in 2026 aren’t just swapping out lightbulbs or tuning boilers—they’re embracing a new generation of upgrades that deliver deeper savings, support electrification, and create smarter, more resilient assets.

Among the most significant opportunities are deep energy retrofits. While not a new concept, these upgrades have become strategic necessities in Canada’s major markets. Designed to achieve energy reductions of 50 per cent or more, whole building retrofits are now considered one of the most effective ways to future-proof a property. Projects typically involve high-performance insulation, advanced air sealing, triple pane windows, modernized HVAC systems, and balanced ventilation improvements.

“Deep energy retrofit projects can dramatically reduce heating loads, which is especially important in Canada’s climate,” said Scott Rouse, Managing Partner at Energy@Work. “When done well, they can improve tenant comfort, support long-term asset value, and align with municipal and federal net zero objectives. For owners planning to hold their buildings over the long term, they represent one of the strongest pathways to meaningful performance improvement.”

Existing Building Commissioning
According to Rouse, another approach gaining popularity for its simplicity and faster payback is Existing Building Commissioning (EBCx), a systematic, data driven process used to evaluate and optimize the performance of systems in an existing building. Essentially, EBCx involves investigating how equipment and controls actually operate, identifying inefficiencies or functional issues, and implementing operational improvements that enhance energy performance, occupant comfort, and overall system reliability. The process emphasizes understanding real world building behaviour, fine tuning system interactions, and ensuring that the building operates as intended throughout its lifecycle.

“From our experience, these opportunities have relatively short paybacks, especially when supported by available incentive programs,” he said. “It is also helpful to evaluate saving opportunities by grouping electricity, natural gas, water, and capital measures separately so each can be assessed based on avoided cost, implementation cost, and available utility or program incentives.”

Electrification
Meanwhile, building electrification—the process of transitioning a building’s energy systems from fossil fuel based equipment, such as natural gas boilers, furnaces, and water heaters, to high-efficiency electric technologies—is accelerating steadily across Canada, driven by both policy and economics. According to Brandon Young, BC Hydro’s Director of Energy Management and Innovation, heat pumps in particular are becoming the upgrade of choice for apartment owners looking to cut emissions without sacrificing performance. The Multi-Unit Residential Building Retrofit Program—offered jointly by BC Hydro and the Government of B.C.—has been supporting eligible retrofit projects across the province since September 2024. A key feature of the program is the “Opportunity Assessment,” which provides a high-level roadmap for transitioning buildings from electric baseboards or fossil fuels to high efficiency electric systems.

“We’re seeing tremendous momentum from building owners who want to improve comfort, reduce emissions, and prepare their buildings for the future,” he said. “More than 600 submissions have come into the program since 2024, and the strong uptake of Opportunity Assessments shows that owners are actively exploring how to transition to high efficiency electric systems. It’s clear that the shift toward electrification is well underway in B.C.’s multi-unit housing sector.”

BC Hydro is also seeing strong demand for heat pump upgrades specifically. Through the Condo and Apartment Rebate Program, launched in July 2025, there have already been 226 heat pump rebate applications—an indication that owners are increasingly prioritizing efficient heating and cooling solutions.

While heat pump retrofits involve higher upfront costs, incentives are helping make these projects viable. Installed costs typically range from about $6,500 for a single head mini split to around $18,000 for multi-head systems, depending on building conditions. Electrifying heating, domestic hot water, and ventilation can nearly eliminate operational carbon emissions thanks to BC Hydro’s clean electricity (98% of the power generated comes from clean and renewable resources), while also improving comfort, indoor air quality, and resilience during extreme heat and wildfire smoke.

“We know that upfront costs and technical complexity can be barriers, that’s why we’re continuing to expand our support, including a new energy advisor service that will give building owners access to expert guidance as they move from assessment to implementation,” he said.

Other trends reshaping multifamily buildings
In addition to investing in deep energy retrofits, EBCx, and electrification, many Canadian apartment owners are turning to the following tools and strategies to further amplify their efficiency gains.

Smart Controls & Automation
These low capex, software driven upgrades are quick to deploy and often deliver payback within a year. For owners managing multiple properties, their scalability is a major advantage—helping tackle the hidden waste that still drains energy in many buildings. Popular upgrades include:
• Smart plugs and sockets to eliminate phantom loads
• Automated shutdown schedules for common areas
• Real time energy monitoring platforms
• Portfolio wide control standardization

Data Driven Energy Governance
Regulators, investors, and today’s climate conscious tenants increasingly demand verified proof of energy and carbon reductions. As a result, many Canadian apartment owners are investing heavily in measurement, verification, and reporting tools. Beyond compliance, owners who can demonstrate real reductions are better positioned for financing, incentives, and long-term asset resilience. Must-have tools in this area include:
• Verified energy data tied to financial reporting
• Portfolio-level dashboards for energy and carbon performance
• Standardized M&V frameworks across all properties

Demand Management for Electrified Buildings
As buildings electrify with heat pumps, EV chargers, and smart controls, managing electrical demand becomes increasingly complex. Avoiding peak time spikes is essential—helping owners sidestep costly demand charges while reducing pressure on aging electrical infrastructure. Common strategies include:
• Load shifting software
• Smart EV charging
• Thermal storage integration
• Device-level demand control

Building a clear strategy
The energy-efficiency landscape is evolving fast, and shifting global economics only add to the complexity. To stay competitive, apartment owners need a clear strategy. Here are four guiding principles to help chart the path forward:

1. Think holistically, not piecemeal – Integrate upgrades into a long-term plan rather than tackling them as isolated fixes.
2. Embrace electrification early – Position your buildings for future standards and incentives by starting the transition now.
3. Use data to guide decisions – Let real-time insights drive smarter investments and operational improvements.
4. Prioritize upgrades with both immediate and long-term ROI – Focus on improvements that deliver quick wins while strengthening long-term asset value.

Manitoba seeks landlord contact information

Proposed amendments to Manitoba’s Residential Tenancies Act would create a registry of contact information for tenants’ use to be coordinated through the provincial Residential Tenancies Branch (RTB), and introduce harsher penalties for landlords who fail to comply with RTB orders. Other measures in the contemplated package of new rules, introduced as Bill 13, would allow past orders against tenants to be removed from the public record and implement a five-year review cycle for the Act’s rent regulation.

“The Residential Tenancies Act amendment aims to deliver an immediate and meaningful improvement to rental housing affordability while ensuring a fair and transparent regulatory environment for both tenants and landlords,” Mintu Sandhu, Minister of Public Service Delivery told members of Manitoba’s legislative assembly as he launched second reading debate on the bill earlier this month.

As proposed, landlords would be required to provide the RTB with the address and a descriptive summary of each occupied unit in their portfolios, along with their own name, address and phone number and the same contact information for property managers or other agents responsible for repairs, rent collection and/or other types of liaison with tenants. The resulting database of contact information is intended to ensure tenants can identify and reach responsible parties if they need to discuss repairs or other issues.

On the flipside, landlords could lose access to tenants’ history with the RTB. It’s proposed that orders against them, and the accompanying written reasons for those decisions, would not be made available to the public after a period of seven years, except in cases where the order was due to a tenant’s unlawful conduct or dangerous behaviour. In the latter instances, individuals could still petition to have their records removed from public availability.

Other proposed amendments would authorize administrative penalties for failing to comply with an RTB order, and would double the maximum penalty from $5,000 to $10,000. When questioned, Sandhu characterized these measures as a response to “bad actors” who habitually ignore or defy RTB orders, and assured the legislative assembly that landlords will generally be given time to make repairs before an administrative penalty is exacted.

From the opposition benches, Progressive Conservative MLA Josh Guenter argued the proposed amendments will create cost and uncertainty for landlords and prospective investors in new rental housing.

“The requirement for landlords to file detailed information about each rental unit with the director may improve data collection, but it also introduces an additional administrative burden. The expansion of enforcement powers and the increase in administrative penalties may enhance compliance, but they also increase the regulatory risk associated with operating rental housing,” he said. “The requirement for periodic reviews of rent regulation introduces a degree of ongoing uncertainty about the future regulatory environment.”

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