Fengate acquires prime Toronto development site

Fengate Asset Management has acquired a mixed-use development site located in downtown Toronto’s Entertainment District. Comprised of 46 Charlotte Street, 16 Oxley Street, and 355 Adelaide Street West, the site was purchased through a receivership sale, with zoning and site plan applications currently in progress.

Fengate is managing this investment and development as part of its commercial and residential development strategy on behalf of its investors, including the LiUNA Pension Fund of Central and Eastern Canada.

A six-storey heritage building with links to the expansion of Toronto’s garment industry in the 1920s and 1930s sits on the corner of Charlotte Street and Adelaide Street West. The proposed development includes plans to preserve parts of the heritage façade of the property, and may include over 400 residential units above the retail and commercial spaces.

“On behalf of our investors, Fengate is pleased to acquire this centrally located, historic site in downtown Toronto,” said Jaime McKenna, Managing Director and Group Head of Real Estate, Fengate. “The project will offer future residents contemporary living spaces and modern amenities right in the heart of the Entertainment District. This acquisition is aligned with Fengate’s highly focused investment strategy to develop large urban residential sites that support the growth of communities in transit-oriented nodes.”

The property’s location has excellent walk, transit, and bike scores, and will be further enhanced by the construction of the future Queen and Spadina station on the Ontario Line. Future residents will benefit from being in close proximity to numerous dining, retail, entertainment, fitness, and lifestyle amenities along King and Queen Street West.

“The site on Charlotte and Adelaide is a unique opportunity to simultaneously pay homage to Toronto’s entrepreneurial history and address the future housing needs of our growing city,” said Andrew Konev, Senior Vice President, Development. “The proposed development will introduce new clients to businesses in the area, and will provide housing options to a talent pool looking for convenient access to the world-class employment opportunities in the nearby Financial District and the expanding tech node of the area.”

This acquisition expands Fengate’s real estate development portfolio in downtown Toronto, which includes Natasha The Residences and the proposed development for the Rail Deck District.

GBAC partners with Allergy Standards on indoor health education

The Global Biorisk Advisory Council™ (GBAC), a Division of ISSA, has partnered with Allergy Standards Limited to create a curriculum designed to help businesses improve indoor quality (IAQ) and the well-being of building tenants and guests.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) suggests that indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air and is getting increasingly worse with negative medical outcomes.

This new course from GBAC and Allergy Standards, “Healthier Building Awareness with GBAC & ASL,” expands on the “9 Foundations of a Healthy Building” from Harvard University’s publication Healthy Buildings: How Indoor Spaces Drive Performance and Productivity.

“With more than half of sick leave being attributed to poor air ventilation, it’s more important than ever to create healthy indoor environments,” said GBAC Senior Director Dr. Gavin Macgregor-Skinner. “We are excited to partner with ASL to develop solutions that help businesses improve IAQ and the health, comfort, and well-being of all users of the built environment.”

Designed to leverage GBAC STAR Facility accreditation, the course features four modules that educate users on the impact of poor IAQ, how to control pathogens like SARS-CoV-2, challenges of asthma and allergies, and how a building could have multiple triggers that cause low IAQ and illnesses. Upon successful completion, professionals earn a digital certificate from Allergy Standards.

“ASL’s mission is to help people breathe healthier air. The launch of the Healthier Buildings Awareness course with GBAC is the first educational program to be brought to the market and designed with the cleaning industry for its stakeholders,” said Allergy Standards Ltd. Chief Strategy Officer Dr. John Ryan. “ASL and GBAC’s ongoing collaboration is a significant step forward in addressing decision making when it comes to environment, social, and governance (ESG) issues of health in the indoor environment and how it impacts individuals’ well-being.”

GBAC STAR and ISSA members can access the course online with video, audio, and assessment with no time limits for US$147 at www.allergystandards.academy/healthier-buildings-awareness-with-GBAC. The course can also be used as a contributing module to all ISSA learning tracks.

Richmond’s Steveston interchange breaks ground

Ground has officially been broken on the new five-lane Steveston interchange in Richmond as part of the project that will see the George Massey Tunnel replaced with a new toll-free crossing.

The new interchange will improve public transit, shorten travel times for drivers, and improve active transportation connections.

“It’s an important day as we move forward on addressing one of the worst bottlenecks in Richmond,” said Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “I look forward to work getting underway that will improve connections for transit users, drivers and cyclists, and tie in to the new eight-lane toll-free tunnel that will replace the George Massey Tunnel.”

Work is ramping up on the Steveston interchange site this summer, with clearing and utility relocations getting underway in the coming weeks. Major construction will begin this year, with the new interchange expected to be in operation in 2025.

“While Highway 99 is a major regional connector, it’s also a local connector, and we know that this project will make life easier for people in the Steveston community,” said Kelly Greene, MLA for Richmond-Steveston. “Part of our work to make life better for British Columbians involves improving connections that will get people where they want to go within their communities and beyond.”

The Steveston interchange will help move people and goods faster and safer by replacing the existing two-lane overpass at Steveston Highway and Highway 99 with a five-lane structure that accommodates two eastbound lanes and three westbound lanes, including a left-turn lane.

The new interchange will improve access to transit stops and provide safe pedestrian and cycling connections across Highway 99, with sidewalks and separated bike lanes on both sides of the overpass.

“The Steveston Highway interchange project is an important infrastructure upgrade and a critical component of the overall Highway 99 improvements, which will ultimately improve the lives of those in Richmond and commuters through the corridor,” said Malcolm Brodie, mayor of Richmond.

Older Canadians lack tools to safely age in place

TELUS Health and the National Institute on Ageing (NIA) released findings from a new survey that sheds light on how older Canadians can be better supported to safely age in place. The 2022 survey of Canadian healthcare practitioners (HCPs) demonstrates the need to prioritize conversations around the use of innovative, in-home tools and solutions such as Personal Emergency Response System (PERS) technology.

“It’s estimated that one in three individuals aged 65 years and older experience a serious fall each year, so proactive discussions between healthcare providers and their patients about how to incorporate healthy ageing practices and tools like PERS — which we know is a beneficial technology to support people during emergencies — are so important as our population ages,” said Dr. Samir Sinha, Director of Health Policy Research at the NIA.

The survey of 125 Canadian healthcare professionals, conducted by MD Analytics between December 2021 and January 2022, discovered that 89 per cent of general practitioners and nurses are unlikely to discuss PERS unprompted. In many cases, HCPs are unaware of the rapidly evolving technological solutions that can help better enable their patients to age-in-place, and which to recommend. Proactive discussions during in-person or virtual appointments, whether directly with a patient and/or their caregiver, are key for ensuring ageing adults have the support they need to live in greater safety and independently for as long as possible.

“It’s incredibly important as we age to have the proper resources and technological tools to live longer, healthier lives, without compromising dignity or independence,” said Juggy Sihota, Vice-president Consumer Health, TELUS Health. “This recent study underscores the critical need for discussions about innovative technologies that are affordable, reliable and offer peace of mind to older Canadians and our loved ones as they age.”

This year’s survey findings also reaffirm previous research findings from TELUS Health and the NIA — that 99 per cent of Canadian older adults plan to stay as active as they can to maintain their optimal health and independence, but lack knowledge about available support.

For the full findings, click here.

Telus Sky tower officially opens in Calgary

Telus Sky, the 60-storey landmark skyscraper in downtown Calgary, has officially opened. The $400 million development completed in 2020 but the grand opening was delayed due to the pandemic.

The tower brings 750,000 square feet of office and retail space including 326 rental homes to Calgary’s downtown core, creating a unique and dynamic blend of working and urban living. Telus Sky is the third tallest building in Calgary behind Brookfield Place East and The Bow.

Built to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) platinum standards – the highest LEED certification – Telus Sky is one of the most technologically innovative and environmentally-friendly sites in North America. Its storm management system recycles rainwater to reduce demand on the city’s water system by 70 per cent, a thermal energy system lowers heating energy demand by 30 per cent, it includes 100 per cent fresh air ventilation, triple-paned windows to decrease solar transmission and lower energy demands by 35 per cent, and has a living green wall in an 11-storey atrium.

With the completion of Telus Sky, Telus now occupies the largest LEED Platinum footprint in North America, occupying floors four through 10, and 59 and 60.

“Telus Sky sets a new standard of excellence in architectural beauty and environmental sustainability; exceeding the global standard for leadership in energy and environmental design. We are exceedingly proud that Telus Sky will continue to build a friendly future for everyone who lives, works, and serves in the great City of Calgary,” said Darren Entwistle, Telus president and CEO.

Designed by world-renowned architects Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) and Dialog, along with developer partner Westbank and Allied, Telus Sky features Canada’s largest public art display integrated into the building’s façade: Northern Lights by iconic Canadian author and artist, Douglas Coupland, which dance across the building’s exterior providing a light show in Downtown Calgary for locals and visitors.

“The completion of Telus Sky is a pivotal moment in the history of Calgary,” said Mayor Jyoti Gondek. “This landmark building literally serves as a beacon of light as Calgary continues to reinvent its downtown to reflect the city’s aspirations for a dynamic, transformative and sustainable future.”

MNP Consumer Debt Index reveals more Canadians in financial stress

According to the latest MNP Consumer Debt Index, rising interest rates and soaring cost of living is putting many Canadians in financial stress. While six in ten (59%) say they are already feeling the effects of interest rate increases, nearly half (46%) say they are cutting back on non-essentials such as travelling, dining out, and entertainment. Meanwhile, one-third are buying cheaper versions of everyday purchases (37%) and driving less (30%), while a quarter (27%) are cutting back on essentials such as food, utilities, and housing.

“No matter where Canadians turn, there is no reprieve; housing is more expensive, driving a car is more expensive, food is more expensive,” says Grant Bazian, president of MNP LTD. “Right now, many Canadian households are trying to adjust their budgets, cutting costs where they can in order to keep up with their monthly bills. But as the cost of living continues to rise – it’s likely to get worse before it gets better – households will have to make increasingly difficult choices about what to cut, and could find themselves piling on debt to make ends meet.”

Further indication that Canadians could be in for a rough rest of the year, half (50%) say that if interest rates go up any more, they will be in financial trouble, while four in ten (39%) say it could drive them closer to bankruptcy. Almost a quarter (24%) say they are not financially prepared to deal with an interest rate increase of just one more percentage point and are concerned with their ability to cover their living expenses in the next year without going further into debt (55%). The proportion of those who agree they are concerned about the impact of rising interest rates is up 13 points since June 2017.

“With inflation nearing a 40-year high, there is mounting pressure for more aggressive interest rate hikes to tame inflation. Canadians who are not financially prepared to absorb future interest rate increases are likely to find themselves in financial trouble soon, as they are unable to manage the increasing costs of their debt repayment obligations,” says Bazian.

While the vast majority of Canadians (82%) agree that rising interest rates will cause them to be more careful with how they spend their money, more than half (56%) say they are concerned about how it will impact their ability to pay their debts. Bazian advises those in this situation to speak with a federally-regulated Licensed Insolvency Trustee who can help determine the best debt-relief solution through a confidential, unbiased and customized assessment of their financial situation.

The MNP Consumer Debt Index is in its fifth year of quarterly tracking Canadians’ attitudes about their debt situation and their ability to meet their monthly payment obligations.

Mall sale a divestiture milestone for vendor

The sale of Northern Ontario’s second largest regional shopping centre is also a divestiture milestone in the vendor’s seven-year campaign to unload its commercial real estate portfolio. The 49-year-old, 550,000-square-foot Station Mall represents Algoma Central Corporation’s last real estate holding in Sault Ste. Marie.

Since 2015, the marine shipping company has sold 15 properties in Sault Ste. Marie, Waterloo and St. Catharines, Ontario. Algoma Central’s core business is a fleet of dry and liquid bulk carriers operating on the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence waterway.

Station Mall’s new owner is reportedly Markham, Ontario based SM International Holdings. The $30 million purchase garners a downtown waterfront site on the St. Mary’s River and an enclosed mall with 97 stores. Currently, two of the four anchor spaces are vacant.

8 essentials for worker safety

Whether a worker is disinfecting surfaces, fixing a roof, restoring water damage, or any other of the countless cleaning and maintenance jobs that are required day to day, worker safety must be paramount for employers and managers.

The expectations and requirements for frontline cleaning staff can change frequently as information evolves and regulations shift over time. AFFLINK notes that making sure employees not only have the proper equipment on hand but understand how to use it is vital to reducing the number of infections, injuries, or other reportable incidents in the workplace.

AFFLINK’s Worker Safety Supply Checklist outlines eight essentials for facility managers and workers to ensure worker safety.

Fall prevention equipment

The use of scaffoldings or platforms is required after four feet above the ground from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Jobs such as cleaning degreasing units or galvanizing tanks also require fall prevention equipment as a necessity.

Face and eye protection

Basic, yes, but crucial. Examples of adequate protection include face shields, eye wash stations, and respirators. For the handling of cleaning chemicals, these tools are especially vital for frontline crews.

Head gear

Whether it is window cleaning or elevated cleaning or maintenance, headgear should always be on hand for employees. Of all deaths caused by injury, traumatic brain injuries count for nearly a third (30 per cent) of the total.

Hearing protection

While this is perhaps more applicable for exterior maintenance or when frontline cleaning crews are nearby construction sites, hearing equipment such as coverings or plugs can go a long way toward preventing hearing loss for any frontline worker, and this is one of the most common on-site hazards.

Hand protection

Each year, over one million hospital cases are recorded regarding hand injuries. Of this total, 70 per cent of them involved patients who either wore gloves improperly or didn’t wear them at all. In healthcare settings, covering up open cuts can be especially critical to prevent injuries or infection.

Back support

Ergonomics is an important area of focus in the commercial cleaning industry, notably with carpet care equipment. Through the use of back belts and pneumatic lifts, back injuries can be diminished or prevented entirely through equipment and teaching proper lifting techniques for a variety of different cleaning tasks.

Foot protection. From heavy cleaning machinery to janitor carts, there’s always the risk of frontline cleaning crews getting their foot run over or having something puncture it. 200,000 foot-related injuries are reported to OSHA each year, but the use of fibreglass or steel-toed boots can prevent impact and exposure to chemicals.

Safety signage: Finally, communication is key. Installing signage not only serves as a handy reminder to frontline cleaning crews with a lot on their plate to use proper equipment, but it sends a message as a facility that safety is a priority among employees and frontline staff alike.

Fighting foodborne diseases in facilities

Amid the higher standards of things such as surface disinfection and air quality in facilities since the onset of the pandemic, an executive at Ecolab is urging for a similar focus to be placed on preventing foodborne diseases.

Each year in the U.S., an estimated nine million people get sick, 56,000 are hospitalized, and 1,300 die of foodborne diseases caused by known pathogens. Since the start of 2022, there have been 10 major foodborne illness outbreaks in the United States.

The most common foodborne illnesses in the U.S. are caused by norovirus, salmonella, and E. coli, with the most fatalities being associated with listeria and salmonella, according to Elaine Black, director of food safety and public health with Ecolab.

The foods that are most commonly associated with foodborne disease do not go through cooking directly before consumption, such as leafy greens, many fruits and vegetables, and items like sandwiches and deli salads. In addition, chicken and processed chicken products are notoriously associated with salmonella.

Black urges facility managers to implement food service safety strategies to prevent foodborne disease.

“Understanding the nature and risk of common foodborne pathogens is the first step in prevention of foodborne illness,” Black says. “Layering on knowledge of the common risk factors associated with sourcing, receiving, storage, preparation and serving of food builds the foundation for a strong food safety program. Hand hygiene is an important component of infection prevention in healthcare food safety programs.

“Building a great food safety culture demands commitment from all those involved in the processes of ensuring patients are nourished in a safe and healthy way. A healthy food safety culture is one where all employees understand the risks of making a patient ill and their part in preventing it and ensures that they will do what is right even when no one is watching.”

Foodborne illnesses don’t just affect the health and safety of a facility but also the workflow, functionality, and profitability of the facility.

A strong and comprehensive food safety plan such as the framework outlined by the Food and Drug Administration can go a long way to preventing foodborne disease and ultimately not only protect a facility’s safety and bottom line but also save lives.

Source: CMM

VanPile begins deconstruction of Vancouver barge

Vancouver Pile Driving Ltd (VanPile) has begun the process of removing the massive 5,000 tonne barge, that became stranded at Sunset Beach in Vancouver during a windstorm last year.

After initial efforts to remove it were unsuccessful, the barge became a popular attraction at the site. Engineers have determined that refloating the barge is not possible after a detailed structural assessment of the vessel.

VanPile has started installing safety barriers and fences. The next stage of work will include additional site preparation and the installation of temporary piles to secure the barge. Once completed, deconstruction of the barge will begin, which includes the removal of the barge walls and hulls in sections. All material will be loaded onto support barges and hauled away by sea to a staging area to be processed and recycled.

The work will have minimal impact to park activities and is expected to take approximately 12 to 15 weeks to complete once deconstruction has begun. The seawall will remain open during this time, and there will be no impact to traffic or parking in the area.

The barge removal has been carefully planned in consultation with industry experts, partners and First Nation groups. Hazardous material, archeological and structural assessments have been completed to ensure the sensitive marine environment is protected.

Diamond Schmitt wins library design award

IIDA and the American Library Association (ALA) have announced Diamond Schmitt as the Best of Competition winner of the 2022 ALA/IIDA Library Design Awards for the North York Central Library interior renovation.

“As a winner in the Outstanding Historic Renovation Project category, the interior renovation of the North York Central Library showcases the beauty to be found when fusing an existing space with a bright, new future,” said IIDA executive vice president and CEO Cheryl S. Durst, Hon. FIIDA. “Highlighting the impressive features through updated interior architecture, Diamond Schmitt expertly maintained the legacy of a beloved space while also tapping into its endless potential.”

Located in North York, Toronto, Ontario, the 168,000 square-foot North York Central Library renovation included expansive updates to the library’s seven-story structure. As an integral part of the North York community, the library features large, multidisciplinary workspaces, natural light, and cutting-edge library science technology.

Entries were reviewed by a committee of interior design and library professionals: Garvey Library Consulting founder and principal, Toni Garvey, IIDA; Collins Cooper Carusi Architects principal, Fiona Grandowski, IIDA, AIA; and Hollis + Miller Architects Associate interior designer, Hillary L’Ecuyer, IIDA.

“The North York Central Library truly reimagines what one can expect from a visit to the library,” said Garvey on behalf of the jury. “Not only does the space feature a variety of functional necessities and convenient amenities for patrons and visitors, but it also serves as a beautiful addition to the North York community.”

Certified Rental Building Program goes national

The Certified Rental Building Program (CRBP) announced it is now a national brand, known as the Canadian Certified Rental Building Program. Launched in 2008 by the Federation of Rental-housing Providers of Ontario (FRPO), the first-of-its-kind program was designed to promote and acknowledge quality for Ontario rental housing consumers, and professionalism for multi-residential property managers and owners. In 2015, the program expanded into BC with help from local association, LandordBC.

“The benefits of this expansion are two-fold,” said Ted Whitehead, CCRBP Director of Certification. “This new program will cultivate a national community of CRB-approved apartment buildings to provide Canadian renters with peace of mind and a clear ‘quality assurance’ alternative when selecting their rental apartment home. The national program also provides apartment owners and managers with a unique grass-roots ESG perspective that multi-res organizations can easily communicate with their staff and residents.”

At the heart of the Canadian Certified Rental Building Program are 54 standards of practice, and hundreds of requirements to which all organizations and buildings must adhere. Together these translate the concepts of environmental, social and governance into concrete ESG measures that will lead to enhanced corporate accountability.

In the competitive real estate marketplace, internationally recognized ESG benchmark programs like GRESB are taking on increased relevance and importance. According to Whitehead, not only can CRB certification help enhance an organization’s GRESB benchmarking score, but now, in line with its national expansion, the CRBP has moved from a recognized and approved green building certification program to officially becoming a GRESB Real Estate partner.

“With many of the REITs, institutional, and investor-driven members leading the multi-res industry’s transformation to an ESG discipline, it became imperative to undertake expansion of CRBP across the Canadian landscape to support their needs,” added Tony Irwin, FRPO President & CEO. “As all levels of government gain greater awareness of the ESG mantra across all industries, there is little doubt that they will soon be asking – or perhaps, demanding – what our industry is doing collectively on this front. Ours is the foremost ESG-focused accreditation program supporting the multi-residential industry.”

Currently, the multi-res industry provides apartment homes to one in three Canadians, or approximately 4.4 million people. Nearly 13 per cent of multi-res companies in Canada have adopted a formal ESG program to date, a number that’s expected to grow significantly in the coming years.

Alberta electricity rebate excludes multifamily

The Alberta electricity rebate has been extended an extra three months, promising eligible residential and small business customers a $50 reduction on their hydro bills until the end of 2022. However, rental apartment and condominium dwellers with sub-metered suites won’t be among them.

The rebate, which was announced in early March and delivered for the first time with July billing, is only available to customers who have a direct account with a utility. Landlords or condo corporations in sub-metered buildings would be eligible to receive the rebate for electricity consumption tied to the building’s common elements if total usage has been less than 250 megawatt-hours (MWh) over the previous 12 months.

Eligible consumers will receive a $300 discount in six $50 installments applied to bills from July to December 2022. Meanwhile, since bulk metered multifamily buildings are likely to exceed the 250 MWh threshold for annual consumption, few landlords and condominium corporations will receive relief in that scenario.

“We are doubling the electricity rebate to help reduce the financial burden that many families in Alberta are dealing with due to the rising cost of living,” says Dale Nally, Alberta’s Associate Minister of Natural Gas and Electricity. “This move will help millions of families and business owners pay their bills and keep their lights on while we continue working to build a stronger, more affordable long-term electricity system.”

Cushman in contempt over subpoenaed documents

Cushman & Wakefield has been found in contempt of court for failing to provide subpoenaed documents for an investigation into the real estate dealings of former United States President Donald Trump. The ruling comes after a series of legal manoeuvrings related to the Attorney General of New York State’s pursuit of information about appraisals on three of Trump’s properties.

“Cushman & Wakefield’s work for Donald Trump and the Trump Organization is clearly relevant to our investigation, and we’re pleased that the court has recognized that and taken action to force Cushman to comply with our subpoenas,” says Attorney General Letitia James.

After failing in its appeal of an earlier court order, the real estate brokerage and advisory firm had asked for more time to gather the subpoenaed information — a request that presiding Justice Arthur Engoron tersely noted was filed two days after the deadline for handing the documents over to James.

“This Court acknowledges that OAG’s (Office of the Attorney General) subpoenas required Cushman & Wakefield to produce an enormous number of documents. However, this Court held several months ago that Executive Law 63 (12) allows for subpoenas of this breadth. Cushman & Wakefield has only itself to blame if it chose to treat the looming deadlines cavalierly. With the statutes of limitations continuing to run, every delay prejudices OAG and indirectly the people of New York State,” Engoron wrote in his ruling.

The firm will be fined USD $10,000 per day, beginning July 7, 2022, every day until it complies.

Scathing critique of NS public housing tabled

Nova Scotia’s auditor general has produced a scathing critique of the governance and administration of the provincial public housing portfolio. Her recently delivered report to the Nova Scotia legislative assembly chronicles: lax ministerial oversight; the absence of standard managerial and customer service protocols within the province’s five regional housing authorities; a flawed application process; and inadequate monitoring that has resulted in a mismatch of unit size to tenants’ needs.

“Both internal documents and multiple independent reports indicate a new governance model is necessary for public housing, and this is further supported by the weaknesses identified throughout this report,” Auditor General Kim Adair observes. “Ultimate responsibility for public housing rests with the Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing, and the Department needs to take action to improve governance and create a culture of accountability for public housing.”

As of December 2021, 5,950 applicants were waiting for accommodation in a portfolio consisting of about 11,200 units. Still, it’s often taking upwards of 120 days to place new tenants in vacated units — a period that’s more than double the target that housing administrators have set for themselves.

The report contains 20 recommendations categorized into three action areas to: find efficiencies and instill more professional rigour in the delivery of housing services; overhaul the application process; and improve management practices and landlord-tenant communications in public housing buildings.

Among the findings, the auditor general noted: common approval of incomplete applications; inconsistencies in assigning priority access; inadequate records of the decision-making process in allocating units; and administrative sloppiness that compromises the accuracy of the waiting list. She also highlighted: outdated management agreements — dating back to the early 2000s — between the Nova Scotia government and regional housing authorities; a paucity of business plans, accountability reporting or performance evaluations; and the failure to take minutes a meetings between Ministerial officials and regional housing authorities.

At the building level, she charted sluggish response to tenants’ complaints and failure to comply with requirements for tenant engagement. The report is particularly critical of a lack of follow-up monitoring once a unit is occupied.

“The regional housing authorities are not following policies to assess continued eligibility for public housing. This has resulted in tenants living in units that exceed their size requirements,” it states. “Management estimates over 1,500 units are underutilized.”

For its part, Nova Scotia’s Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing has agreed with the recommendations and set target dates ranging from 2022-23 to 2025-26 to begin to implement responses.

Calgary’s 9 Avenue S.E. bridge completes

The new 9 Avenue S.E. bridge which leads into the communities of East Village and Inglewood in Calgary is now officially complete.

In February 2022, the new bridge opened for vehicle traffic, while work continued on the structure’s two multi-use pathways. With remaining construction now complete, pedestrians and cyclists can also enjoy this new connection over the Elbow River.

“Bridge projects of this type and scale have very unique challenges and opportunities, which makes achieving this milestone all the more rewarding for the entire team. We are incredibly grateful and would not be here today without the continued support and patience of the community, citizens and area businesses throughout this project,” said project manager Evan Fer.

Removal and replacement of the original 110-year-old Inglewood Bridge began in 2019 through a funding partnership between the City of Calgary and the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC).

With a design inspired by the original structure, the new 9 Avenue bridge boasts an iconic form built to modern engineering standards, while providing improved flood resiliency, lower maintenance costs and enhanced cycling and walking connections.

“The new 9 Avenue S.E. bridge is a critical community connection. It will serve as an important link between Inglewood and Ramsay and the emerging Culture + Entertainment District, which is home to the expanding BMO Centre, the Saddledome and countless amenities and experiences on Stampede Park,” explained CMLC president and CEO Kate Thompson.

A temporary bridge that maintained traffic connections over the Elbow River during construction was removed in April 2022 when two traffic lanes opened on the new bridge. Two additional lanes are scheduled to open in July 2022. The original Inglewood goose sign that was on the original 9 Avenue bridge will be installed in Inglewood’s Sculpture Park this summer.

Funding for the $25.1 million project was provided through a $5.24 million Government of Alberta Community Resiliency Program grant, a $7 million contribution from CMLC and funding from the City of Calgary.

EllisDon announces new Western leadership

EllisDon announces the appointment of Shane Beazley to senior vice president of Western operations, and Ian Kerr to senior vice president of Western business development.

“I am very proud of the growth of EllisDon’s western business units,” said David McFarlane, senior vice president of Western Canada, EllisDon. “Congratulations to Ian and Shane; I am very optimistic about the future under their leadership and alongside the senior management group in Western Canada.”

Beazley joined the EllisDon Calgary team in 2002 and has spent the last 20 years working on some of Calgary’s highest-profile projects, including the Calgary Airport, Alberta Children’s Hospital, Jamieson Place office tower, and the University of Calgary’s Schulich School of Engineering. In 2011 he was promoted to operations manager, followed by vice president of operations in 2015. For more than 10 years, he has overseen the significant growth and profitability of the Calgary and western civil operations and has helped develop best practices that have been used across the company.

“I am very appreciative of the opportunity to take on this strategic role at EllisDon,” said Beazley. “I look forward to leading and mentoring our team in Western Canada to deliver on EllisDon’s strategic plan.”

Kerr joined EllisDon in 2011 as a project manager in the Calgary office. He transitioned to director of business development for the British Columbia region in 2016 and was promoted to vice president in 2019. He has accelerated the growth of EllisDon’s presence in British Columbia by fostering new relationships, as well as overseeing technical team members on pursuits for major institutional, industrial, commercial, residential, and hospitality opportunities, including several design-build and public-private partnership projects.

“I’m excited to be given this opportunity to support EllisDon’s diversification and growth across the Western Canadian markets,” said Kerr. “Our areas are well-positioned to build off our strong reputation, and I have no doubt we’ll see continued success as we expand our presence in the West.”

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