Surrey commits to building for accessibility

Surrey is the first city in Canada to commit to building to a Gold level using Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification (RHFAC) for all future civic facilities. The announcement comes during National AccessAbility Week 2021, taking place from May 30 to June 5, 2021. The week celebrates the valuable contributions of Canadians living with disabilities, and recognizes the efforts of individuals, communities and workplaces that are working to remove barriers to accessibility and inclusion.

“By taking this step, we are making a commitment to ensure that people of all ages and abilities can fully participate in everyday life in Surrey,” said Mayor Doug McCallum. “We are proud to be the first city in Canada to make this proclamation, and we thank the Rick Hansen Foundation for their partnership and support as we press forward to design all future civic facilities in a way that will be accessible for everyone. When we remove barriers, we create a place that is inclusive to everyone.”

The RHFAC rates the level of meaningful accessibility of buildings and sites, based on the holistic user experience of people with varying disabilities affecting their mobility, vision and hearing. Surrey was one of the first Canadian municipalities to receive an RHFAC Gold rating and now has 43 rated civic facilities, including 29 that have been certified, and five that have achieved Gold.

To receive an RHFAC Gold rating, sites must receive a minimum of 80 per cent on their rating scorecard, the primary entrance must be accessible, audio-visual alarms, safety warning features, and assistive listening and communication enhancement technology must be present where applicable. A feasibility study conducted by HCMA Architecture + Design (HCMA) showed only a one per cent average increase in construction cost (or 0.4 per cent for office buildings) to achieve RHFAC Gold compared to national or Ontario building code when thoughtful planning and design is applied upfront, which is what Surrey is doing.

“Surrey’s commitment to build to RHFAC and reach a higher standard is not only the right thing to do but opens up their city to more visitors, customers and employees, unleashing the potential of people with disabilities and benefiting all of us. I encourage other municipal leaders to follow Surrey’s leadership,” said Rick Hansen, founder of the Rick Hansen Foundation.

Stantec to design three healthcare projects

Stantec has been awarded three significant healthcare projects: Cariboo Memorial Hospital in British Columbia, Prince Albert Victoria Hospital in northern Saskatchewan, and Weeneebayko Area Health Authority in northern Ontario. These projects include inpatient and emergency care.

“Expanding access to care services is a top priority for hospitals and health systems nationwide and we are proud to support these initiatives,” said Tariq Amlani, senior principal and health sector leader for Canada at Stantec. “Our integrated team is focused on designing to optimize clinical workflow while improving patient and care team experiences.”

The collaboration of Stantec and Graham Construction is providing design and construction services for the Cariboo Memorial Hospital Redevelopment Project in Williams Lake. The $217.75 million expansion will be delivered via a progressive design-build model. New clinical and support spaces will include an emergency department, medical/surgical inpatient units, maternal care and women’s health, and pharmacy services.

Stantec’s integrated design team is providing architecture, interiors, structural, mechanical, electrical, information management/information technology, civil, landscape, acoustics, heliport, geomatics, and sustainability consulting services for the project which is expected to complete construction in 2025.

Stantec will be responsible for technical advisory work and lead the design of the Prince Albert Victoria Hospital expansion and renewal in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. The project value exceeds $300 million and will include a new acute care tower, the replacement of the existing mental health space and renovations to the current facility. Upon completion, the total number of beds available is expected to increase by approximately 40 per cent.

The Stantec team is providing architecture, structural, civil, mechanical, electrical, information management / information technology, landscape, heliport, signage, wayfinding sustainability and energy modeling, clinical planning, community engagement, and commissioning for the project which is expected to open in 2025.

The Weeneebayko Area Health Authority project will involve the construction of a new hospital in Moosonee, Ontario to replace the existing Weeneebayko General Hospital on Moose Factory Island. The new hospital will include inpatient beds in private rooms, an expanded 24/7 emergency department, modern surgical suites, dialysis treatments and diagnostic imaging, and expanded mental health and addictions programming. The Moosonee hospital campus will also include a new lodge, allowing local Elders to remain in the community while receiving care.

The existing hospital on Moose Factory Island will be redeveloped as a new healthcare centre to continue delivering services to patients on the island, including emergency health services, access to primary health care, diagnostic imaging capabilities, physiotherapy treatments, and increased health promotion.

Stantec is providing architecture, clinical planning, interior design, buildings engineering, landscape architecture, civil and transportation engineering, sustainable design, commissioning, and PDC (planning, design, and compliance) services for the project.

CAPREIT acquires two Montreal rental properties

Canadian Apartment Properties Real Estate Investment Trust (“CAPREIT”) announced it has completed the acquisition of two Montreal rental properties totalling five apartment buildings and 154 suites.

CAPREIT paid approximately $30.6 million for the complete portfolio, which is located in the west end of the city.

“We are pleased to be expanding our presence in Montreal, one of Canada’s strongest rental residential markets,” commented Mark Kenney, President and CEO. “These additions to our Greater Montreal portfolio are an excellent fit with our proven asset allocation strategy – acquiring accretive, high quality, mid-tier properties located outside a city’s downtown core offering the larger suites and amenities demanded by today’s renter.”

About the Montreal rental properties

Occupancy at both properties was 95.5 per cent at closing, and both had recently undergone significant exterior and common area renovations, with 51 per cent of the suites also having been upgraded.

The first property, a four-building, 90-suite multifamily complex at 4080-4140 Côte-Sainte-Catherine, includes nine studio and bachelor suites, 39 one-bedroom and 42 two-bedroom suites, all featuring nine-foot ceilings, hardwood floors and balconies. Residents have access to interior and exterior parking and on-site laundry facilities. The complex is located close to three hospitals, the Université de Montréal, elementary and secondary schools, grocery stores, restaurants and pharmacies, as well as metro stations.

The second property is a 64-suite building at 5460 Sunnybrooke in the heart of the family-oriented town of Côte-Saint-Luc. Close to schools, parks and recreation facilities, the building contains 45 one-bedroom and 19 two-bedroom suites. The property includes interior parking, on-site laundry and storage lockers with excellent access to downtown Montréal.

VRCA names Donna Grant as new president

The Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA) announces the appointment of Donna Grant as its new president, who assumes the role on June 1.

The appointment follows an extensive recruitment and hiring process that included the participation of members of the VRCA and BCCA board of directors, VRCA administrative leadership, leaders of member organizations, and industry consultants.

Over the past decade, Grant gained her construction industry experience with a variety of organizations as a board member, director, manager, advocate, and volunteer. Most recently she held the position of marketing and proposal manager with VRCA member company Scott Construction Group.

“Many of our members will already know Donna from her advocacy work for mental health in our industry; as the director of community for the Canadian Construction Women’s Association; and for her participation in many VRCA and industry events as keynote speaker and panelist,” said Richard Shipway, chair of VRCA’s board of directors.

With extensive experience in construction marketing and proposal management, Grant has a unique understanding and broad perspective on the industry. She spent many years in adult education and professional communications and will bring a synergistic approach to the organization, said VRCA.

“I couldn’t be more excited to work with the VRCA administrative team, board of directors, and especially our member organizations. As an essential service that has valiantly demonstrated its resilience during the pandemic, the continued strength of our construction industry is vital to the Lower Mainland. I am eager to provide meaningful advocacy and support to our members and to passionately champion the issues and initiatives that matter most to them in the years ahead,” stated Grant.

Shipway added, “The board of directors looks forward to working with Donna who brings a wealth of knowledge and truly understands members’ businesses and the industry as a whole. Together, we will work collaboratively with our members to write the next chapter for the association, from our strong 90-year foundation.”

Stricter mortgage stress test won’t quell buying frenzy anytime soon

A stricter stress test is coming into effect June 1 for home buyers with uninsured mortgages. Canada’s federal banking regulator said the minimum qualifying rate will rise to 5.25 per cent, followed by an annual review.

The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions said the goal is to cool skyrocketing home prices and bidding wars, and help support financial resilience should interest rates rise from their historic lows. “In a complicated and sometimes volatile housing market, the need for sound mortgage underwriting cannot be underestimated,” said OSFI Assistant Superintendent of Regulation Ben Gully.

Market observer Rob McLister of RATESDOTCA says about one in five first-time buyers could see their maximum potential mortgage amount shrinking because of the change. Between 10 and 15 per cent of mortgage borrowers could be impacted.

While it’s hard to predict the consequences of the new stress test, the move isn’t necessarily a silver bullet for the buying frenzy, which is leaving many families on the sidelines of a red hot market.

“Government policy tightening is always a hit to market sentiment,” says McLister. “But because this change cuts theoretical buying power by just four per cent or so, it’s not enough to remove a wide swath of buyers from the market. Canadian borrowers are good at adapting to policy changes — by way of tapping mom and dad, using non-federally regulated lenders with easier stress tests, using co-signers, buying further from the city or buying cheaper homes.”

This could be a different story down the road in 2022 or later.

“The bond market is pricing in up to eight rate hikes through 2026, which could potentially be shifted forward if inflation gets out of hand,” he points out. “If policymakers hiked the minimum qualifying rate even half of that (100 basis points), it could slash buying power over 12 per cent. That would absolutely slow the market, other things equal.”

According to the Canadian Real Estate Association, home prices rose 2.4 per cent month-over-month in April, a 23.1 per cent increase from the same time a year ago. Many want-to-be buyers have been saving since pre-pandemic times to put roots down in a condo or other type of housing. As a result, this newest policy change is likely dampening some homeownership spirits.

“The government is notorious for moving the goalposts on first-time buyers,” McLister adds. He points to the minimum down payment increase in 2016, the uninsured stress test in 2018, and the last decade of rising default insurance premiums—just a few examples.

“And now this. The message is: The government can’t seem to solve the underlying housing problem: inadequate supply in high demand regions,” he notes. “As a result, price correction risk aside, anticipate that it will keep getting harder to buy a home, not easier.”

He advises first-time home buyers to enter the market as soon as it makes financial sense.

Canadians win 2021 FORM Student Innovation

Two Canadian students from the Université de Montréal are the winners of Formica’s 2021 North American FORM Student Innovation Competition. Second year industrial design students, Bénédicte Laurent and Martin Gonzalez Godoy have set themselves apart with their “Toboom” design, a multi-use piece of furniture for children.

Projects were submitted under the theme of “Design for the Next Generation,” which called for students to interpret their design vision for a variety of post-pandemic commercial settings using products from the 2021 Specialty Collection by Formica Corporation. The winning students will receive cash prizes and the “Toboom” design will be created and showcased at NeoCon, Oct. 4-6, 2021, at the Mart in Chicago.

“This year again, the quality of the designs and the number of entries speak for themselves! We are very proud to report that the FORM Student Innovation Competition attracted 102 entries from across Canada. In their projects, the students demonstrated a great deal of care, creativity and talent,” said Christelle Locat-Rainville, Marketing Director at Formica Canada. “We are particularly delighted that students from our country distinguished themselves and won, for the second time in a row, the first place of the competition.”

Maria Rodriguez of Fort Worth, Texas, was awarded second prize for her “Portal Desk” design, which rethinks the design of modern workspaces. Ryan Todys, from Milford, Ohio, was awarded third prize for his “You, Me and a Tree” bench design. This design connects people to nature and is meant to welcome all with an interchanging space for a live tree, allowing for more social distancing between patrons

Two Canadian students receive an honorable mention Simon Boudreau and Marc-Olivier Desjardins from the Université du Québec à Montréal received an honorable mention for their “ILO” desk design, as did Eva Lloyd from North Carolina State University for her “LiveCycle” table design.

Janitorial services industry poised for global growth

A renewed and intensified focus on cleaning and disinfection, as well as other facility maintenance issues pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic, will be reflected in the continued growth of the janitorial services industry.

That’s according to a new study from market research firm Research and Markets, which reports that the global market for janitorial services is expected to grow to US$320 billion by 2027.

That expansion would represent a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4 per cent.

A press release relating to the study stresses cleaning and janitorial services’ importance in maintaining dust-free workplaces and providing a healthy and germ-free environment. It adds that cleaning is one of the world’s most outsourced services across a wide variety of facilities.

Janitorial services, particularly in the time of a global pandemic, require a high number of workers and considerable labour and resources.

The study notes the development of the janitorial services market primarily relies on the growth of the real estate industry, pointing to a decline in growth suffered during the economic recession after 2008 because of the industry’s reliance on the real estate market.

However, it acknowledges that the growth of the janitorial services market is expected to be boosted by the fact that various government bodies and industrial companies are establishing a longer-term contract and focus on cleaning facilities. Another factor is that leading market operators are putting large-scale investment into R&D activities and utilizing technology like the Internet of Things and other IT solutions to manage cleaning services efficiently.

Also according to the report, the restoration cleaning segment is expected to grow particularly notably during the next six years due to an increased demand for services after facility remodeling and natural disasters, such as hurricanes.

Taza puts sustainable design at forefront

Taza is the largest First Nation development in Canada, located in Calgary, Alberta. The project is actively putting sustainable practices at the forefront of its design and building guidelines. This includes honouring and respecting the land based on Tsuut’ina culture.

Taza reflects the vision of the Tsuut’ina Nation to be North America’s Indigenous leader of carbon-neutral/near net-zero energy buildings by 2030. The land, water, air, animals and plant life must be protected, restored and enhanced throughout all the built environments on this territory. This includes a long-term plan to reach overall carbon neutrality across all sections, including all forms of energy, transition, and energy grid development/storage and an investigation of carbon capture targets for the Nation.

Development tenants will be held to these same principles and are encouraged to align efforts with reputable rating systems such as LEED, Living Building Challenge, WELL, Passive House, Zero Carbon Building Standard, Zero Energy Certification, SITES, and more.

The Taza design guidelines take a proactive approach to sustainable, low-impact development, incorporating six categories for consideration. These categories include energy and carbon, waste management, water and stormwater management, transportation, urban agriculture, and health and wellbeing. These environmental endeavours are further bolstered by a series of Tsuut’ina development laws and civic procedures parallel to those found in other major municipalities, reinforcing a high calibre of development and business operation.

A few ways that Taza plans on leading by example for future tenants include implementing sustainable practices such as developing a meandering flow of wetlands instead of using a traditional stormwater pond, utilizing reclaimed timber where possible and incorporating urban agriculture throughout the development. The use of urban agriculture includes medicinal and herbal plants that can be grown in planter boxes.

The future Taza Water Reservoir and Pumphouse design are some of the best examples of Taza’s commitment to its sustainable strategy. In many ways, the reservoir represents returning the precious water resource, ultimately celebrating the cultural connection. The underground portion of the reservoir is secured by an arrayed wooden structure that resembles a beaver dam in its design. This intention responds to the Tsuut’ina Nation being known as the ‘beaver people.’

In addition to providing the necessary security, the structure allows an opportunity to integrate solar panels and act as a bold gateway into the development. The integration of the solar fence within the landscape further speaks to the Tsuut’ina understanding of the interconnectivity between all living beings, the land, places of meaning, and neighbouring communities. Finally, using the site’s unshaded southern exposure for solar rays expresses the Tsuut’ina value of respecting future generations’ resources.

The pumphouse building adjacent to the reservoir aims to be net-zero, which will be achieved using appropriate wall assemblies and solar panels for the pumphouse building’s electrical requirements. Additionally, the pumphouse structure will consist of glulam beams and columns, while the roof decking will be made of tongue and groove wood boards.

The design team at Zeidler Architecture also investigated technologies for the water pumps that will create more efficient operations to address the energy and water consumption challenges further. Finally, a visual feedback component will be integrated into the project, which will educate site visitors about water conservation at the development. This area also provides an opportunity for a permanent installation by a Tsuut’ina artist.

The water reservoir will provide a consistent, economic, and safe drinking water supply and provide water for fire protection to the development and the Tsuut’ina Nation. The water reservoir will replace ageing infrastructure and facilitate the Tsuut’ina Nation’s current utilities within their infrastructure improvement program. Finally, the water reservoir and pumphouse act on the opportunity to contribute to the liveliness and economic success of the public realm by creating an interesting, engaging, and exciting destination.

When completed, the 1,200 acres of the Taza development will house retail outlets, business parks and entertainment facilities.

GTA rental rates show signs of levelling out

The rapidly declining GTA rental rates observed in 2020 and early 2021 appear to be levelling out, according to new data from Bullpen Research & Consulting and TorontoRentals.com. So far in 2021, average GTA rental rates have decreased by less than 1 per cent, while GTA rents in 2020 decreased by 16 per cent overall since the onset of the pandemic last March.

“Canada is a couple of months behind the U.S. in the vaccine rollout, and many American cities are fully open with few restrictions, and offices are opening back up,” said Ben Myers, president of Bullpen Research & Consulting. “Look for continued flatness until the fall in Canada, and rents to start rising more rapidly at that time. The changes to the mortgage stress test and the sharp rise in house prices will encourage more people to continue renting and accelerate the late-year rent increase.”

GTA rental rates by the neighbourhood

Average GTA rental rents for both condominium rentals and apartment units for the month of April grew by about 1 per cent month over month. Vaughan experienced the largest increase, rising by nearly 10 per cent to $2,136 per month, while Pickering experienced a month-over-month increase of 8.3 per cent to $1,790 per month.

Other GTA areas with month-over-month increases in April include: Oakville, 4.9 per cent; Aurora, 4.1 per cent; Brampton, 4 per cent; Milton, 3.8 per cent; Ajax, 2.3 per cent; York, 1.2 per cent; Markham, 0.3 per cent and Scarborough 0.1 per cent.

Whitchurch-Stouffville and Richmond Hill experienced the largest month-over-month decreases in average rents, both declining over 5 per cent. Oshawa, East York, Mississauga, North York and Newmarket also saw declines of somehwere between 0.5 and 3 per cent.

Of the 30 Toronto neighbourhoods that experienced significant declines as a result of the pandemic, Rosedale-Moore Park is currently the pricest neighbourhood at $2,308 per month, down 14 per cent compared to a year ago. Meanwhile, South Parkdale, is the city’s least expensive area for this year at $1,669 on average, representing a decline of 20 per cent overall.

In the Yonge and Eglinton area, the average rent is currently $1,838 per month, representing a decline of 13 per cent since April of last year. High Park North had the lowest annual decline at 3 per cent, while Yonge-St. Clair experienced the largest decline at 39 per cent.

Other neighbourhoods with large declines since the COVID-19 outbreak include: Palmerston-Little Italy and Forest Hill North, both down 31 per cent; Greenwood-Coxwell, Casa Loma and Cabbagetown-South St. James Town, all down 29 per cent; The Beaches, down 28 per cent; East End-Danforth, down 27 per cent; Trinity-Bellwoods, down 25 per cent and Church-Yonge Corridor, down 23 per cent.

Building composition

Along with location, size and building composition have impacted monthly rents since the onset of COVID-19, with larger units offering more space drawing more attention than smaller units. The average rent for four-bedroom units (primarily single-family dwellings) has increased, while the average rent for smaller units has decreased.

As we move into May, tenants are still seeking larger properties while they continue to work from home and their children learn virtually. Rentals with backyards remain particularly popular.

While monthly rents for studio, one-, and two-bedroom suites all fell by over 15 per cent annually, four-bedroom units experienced an annual increase of 10 per cent in April. Single-family homes also experienced average month-over-month increases of 8.7 per cent.

For townhouses in April, average rent was $2,673, signifying a month-over-month increase of 15.4 per cent, the largest of all the property types.

Condo apartments were offered at an average monthly rental rate of $2,074 per month in April, reresenting an annual decrease of 11.8 per cent, while the average rent for purpose-built rental apartments was $1,895 per month, a 4 per cent year-over-year decrease.

The work-from-home trend

Despite more vaccines getting into Canadians’ arms and the end of lockdowns on the horizon, the work-from-home trend looks like it’s here to stay for many workplaces in 2021. This most likely means rental rates for the smaller units in the downtown area will be slower to recover, while GTA rental rates for larger units in suburban areas will continue to be popular for the foreseeable future.

The high demand for larger properties has contributed to the lower rent levels in the GTA. These units are being leased quickly, and the number of available three-, four- and five-bedroom homes for lease is much lower now compared to 2020 and 2019.

For more information, visit: National Rent Report.

Paul Fast receives international 2021 Gold Medal

The Institution of Structural Engineers announces its 2021 Gold Medal has been awarded to Paul Fast, founder of Fast + Epp, an internationally recognized structural engineering firm based in Vancouver, Canada.

Since its inception in 1922, the Gold Medal has been awarded for exceptional contributions to the advancement of structural engineering. Fast is only the second Canadian to receive the medal.

The 2021 medal is awarded in recognition of Fast’s world leadership in the design of architecturally expressive structures that incorporate unconventional use of materials, including hybrids of wood, steel and concrete.

For over three decades, he has been the design lead for many of Fast + Epp’s most significant award-winning projects, including the Richmond Olympic Oval roof, the Grandview Heights Aquatic Centre, the Kingsway Pedestrian Bridge, and the 18-storey Tallwood House at UBC. He has seen the firm grow from one person to a staff of 125 with offices in Canada, USA and Germany.

“This is truly a very special recognition by the Institution of Structural Engineers. It is also most humbling when considering the pedigree and talent of previous award winners,” said Fast. “I have had the wonderful privilege of embarking on many adventures with clients and architects alike that opened the door wide for ambitious design exploration. Collaboration with our Fast + Epp staff has also been most rewarding and filled with abundant design enjoyment and much laughter. I am grateful for my professional lot in life.”

Subject to travel restrictions, Fast will be giving his Gold Medal address at an Awards ceremony at the Institution’s London UK headquarters in September.

The Institution of Structural Engineers is the world’s largest membership organization dedicated to the art and science of structural engineering. The Gold Medal was first presented in 1922 to professor Henry Adams. Other past recipients include Felix Candela, Ove Arup, Oleg Kerensky and Edmund Happold.

Global law firm Clyde & Co opens Vancouver office

Global law firm Clyde & Co has announced it will open an office in Vancouver after agreeing to merge with local firm SHK Law Corporation. SHK is an insurance, construction and professional disputes-focused firm with an emphasis on E&O and D&O, product liability, construction disputes and commercial litigation. The agreement is effective July 1.

“This merger is the crucial next step in our North American growth strategy following a period of consolidation. Merging with SHK not only gives us an on-the-ground presence enabling us to work closely with insurers in Western Canada, but also further deepens our construction offering in a region, which has a thriving infrastructure sector and a wealth of natural resources,” said Carolena Gordon, partner and chair of Clyde & Co’s North American board.

The expansion is the latest international growth for Clyde & Co in the last year following the announcement of openings in Phoenix, Las Vegas and Denver in the United States earlier in May, the opening of an office in Munich, Germany in February 2021, and an associated office in Nairobi, Kenya in October 2020.

Clyde & Co’s offices in Montreal and Toronto are a key part of the firm’s global insurance practice. The firm has a strong regional focus, advising both local and international clients across a range of complex and contentious matters. The firm’s team of lawyers has knowledge of all aspects of insurance defense and coverage, property and casualty, professional liability, commercial, construction and infrastructure litigation, class action defense, arbitration and mediation.

“Joining Clyde & Co’s global network is a natural and exciting move for us. Our culture and approach, our sector focus and expertise, and our client bases align well and we are looking forward to making the most of the global platform Clyde & Co provides, for the benefit of our clients and our lawyers. Everyone at SHK is thrilled to be joining the Clyde & Co team,” said Craig Wallace, a partner at SHK Law and future Clyde & Co Vancouver office managing partner

U.S. looks to United Kingdom’s BIM expertise

Building sciences practitioners in the United States are looking to the United Kingdom for guidance as they develop a national building information management (BIM) program aligned with international standards. The Centre for Digital Built Britain (CDBB) has agreed to work collaboratively with U.S. National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) to adapt the UK BIM program’s models and materials for U.S. application.

As part of the memorandum of understanding for the two-year project, public and private sector stakeholders in both countries are also encouraged to exchange input and consider the economic development and trade possibilities flowing from an international digital construction sector. A U.S. standard aligned with the international standard, BIM-ISO19650, is seen as a roadmap for that process.

“The mission of the U.S. national BIM program is to convene industry stakeholders to lead the development and broad deployment of next-generation national information management standards and practices focused on significantly improving the built environment delivery and operation processes,” affirms Lakisha Woods, president and chief executive officer of NIBS.

“The creation of a U.S. national BIM program aligned to international standards marks a major step forward for the global construction sector,” concurs Fergus Harradence, deputy director, construction, in the UK’s Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. “We are delighted to be collaborating with the U.S. to share the learnings from our UK BIM program.”

Urban exodus in Ontario may be exaggerated

Digging new roots outside of Toronto and other large urban centres isn’t a dream for all Ontario-based residents.

Small-town life appeals to only 18 per cent of big city residents who are considering selling their home in the next year. A new survey from independent real estate brokerage, Right at Home Realty, revealed findings that might dispel overhyped ideas brewing over the past year. The online survey of 817 randomly selected adult Ontarians was conducted in April.

Urban dwellers are mostly concerned that moving away from big cities will impede career growth—that they won’t find the same work opportunities in smaller urban locales. Once COVID lifts, a hefty majority currently working from home said they are less willing to move far away if employers require them to work from an office part of the week.

“While the work from home outcome of the pandemic is undoubtedly impacting the housing market, we believe calls for a significant exodus from larger city centres and drastic shifts in the urban housing dynamic during and post pandemic are overstated,” said John Lusink, president of Right at Home Realty. “The vast majority of Ontarians have no plans to move or change city locations as a result of these new dynamics.”

Space seeker intentions

A tad more respondents are planning on sizing up house-wise, rather than downsize in the next two to three years. Overall, about 47 per cent of homeowners plan on using existing home equity to purchase their next property, with little concern over interest rate adjustments; 70 per cent confirmed a move of 1.5 per cent or less, would have no impact on their purchase decision.

Once they do make a move, space seekers desire more interior space, but also more outdoor space. Other pandemic-induced priorities are proximity to nature, more privacy, and being closer to family and friends. “The pandemic has awoken a renewed desire among many homeowners to focus on quality of life and experiences at home and what this means to them,” added Lusink. “Restrictions to so many everyday activities created by the pandemic have in particular highlighted the appeal of convenient access to green space.”

Meanwhile, only three per cent say they are moving because of the pandemic. Then there is a 69 per cent majority who say the pandemic isn’t impacting their moving plans at all. Nearly half of people working from home have considered moving during the last year, but far fewer are expected to do so in practice.

New homeowner woes

For those waiting on the sidelines to get into the housing market, 51 per cent feel they’ll never get into the game where they currently live—big city or small town. When broken down by age group the differences are significant: 74 per cent of Ontarians aged 18 to 34; 47 per cent between 35 to 54; and 37 per cent over the age of 55 are feeling left out.

Despite the incentives offered by financial institutions, economic uncertainty and housing affordability are primary concerns for those who believe home ownership is out of reach.

According to Lusink, about a quarter of respondents said the pandemic has even had a negative impact on their ability to save for a down payment, “slowing the prospect of a new home for a large contingent of the population.”

Housing type preferences

Housing demand across Ontario is expected to remain robust, including from non-homeowners and first-time buyers. While the vast majority (70 per cent) of non-homeowner respondents have no immediate plans to purchase a home, a substantial portion does.

According to the survey, 23 per cent of respondents who currently rent or live with family plan to purchase a home in the next two to three years. However, on the supply side of the equation, only 13 per cent of current homeowners in Ontario plans to sell in the next two to three years.

Demand for detached homes and condominiums is expected to remain the strongest across Ontario markets. When asked what housing type they are considering for their next home, 55 per cent who are planning to buy or sell in the next two to three years indicated a detached home as their top preference, followed by a condo (35 per cent), a townhouse (25 per cent) and semi-detached home (14 per cent). Within the GTA region, the number of respondents considering a condo jumps to 45 per cent, with 52 per cent considering a detached home.

New roles will support Accessible Canada Act

The Canadian public service is adding two key positions to support the mandate of the Accessible Canada Act. Applications are invited for the Governor-in-Council appointments within the Canadian Human Rights Commission and the Ministry of Employment and Social Development until June 28.

“The Accessibility Commissioner and the Chief Accessibility Officer will play an essential role in creating a barrier-free and inclusive Canada,” says Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion. “We know there are many diverse and talented individuals in this country who are perfectly suited for these roles, so we strongly encourage all interested and qualified Canadians to apply.”

The Accessibility Commissioner will lead a new accessibility unit within the Canadian Human Rights Commission, and provide leadership and direction for the administration and enforcement of the Accessible Canada Act and its regulations. The Chief Accessibility Officer will be a special adviser to the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, responsible for monitoring and reporting on the outcomes of the Accessible Canada Act.

The Act, which came into force in July 2019, covers seven priority areas: employment; the built environment; communication; information and communication technologies; the procurement of goods, services and facilities; and the design and delivery of programs and services and transportation.

GTHA multi-res prioritized for EV charger funds

The Toronto Atmospheric Fund (TAF) could soon be disbursing grants to help install about 300 electric vehicle chargers in public venues and multi-unit residential buildings throughout the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA). That’s contingent on Toronto Council’s approval for the city agency to be the channel for $2 million in funding from the federal government’s Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Program (ZEVIP).

TAF applied to be a ZEVIP delivery organization in support of Canada’s broader target for electric vehicles to constitute 10 per cent of light-duty vehicle sales by 2025 and 30 per cent by 2030, and specifically to address the needs of so-called garage orphans, who are less likely to have access to charging facilities because they do not live in a single-family dwelling. Its proposal — which has received conditional approval from Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) ahead of a yet-to-be-signed formal agreement — focuses on advancing funds for projects in underserved areas, and to groups and landlords lacking their own in-house project management resources.

“Our proposed focus is on installation in public places, on-street and in multi-unit residential buildings with a priority on smaller projects and clients who would otherwise face difficulties securing government funding and/or navigating the process of selecting and installing EV chargers,” explains Julia Langer, TAF’s chief executive officer. “We will support and accelerate the process for our target clients by: (1) retaining a technical advisory service that can assist them directly with their plans and application; and (2) offering a turnkey option with preselected vendors (turnkey option is subject to confirmation of feasibility during detailed design phase).”

TAF estimates $1.7 million of the ZEVIP funds will go to covering up to 50 per cent of costs of acquiring and installing 300 EV chargers, including 15 fast chargers. The remainder will underwrite the technical advisory services and other required administrative support. If Toronto Council endorses the initiative at its June meeting, TAF foresees finalizing an agreement with NRCan this summer and completing the project, as required, within 30 months.

Are your COVID safety plans good enough?

A construction site closure can happen even with the best COVID precautions and safety plans in place. That was the case for Syncra Construction when their Gateway Residences project at Park Royal in West Vancouver was issued a closure notice.

Gateway Residences is a $110 million mixed-use development, comprised of two concrete towers and an underground parkade. More than 200 workers were working on the site.

“We were up-to-date with protocols for COVID…making sure our workers are safe when this particular site was closed. I was concerned because if a site like this gets closed because of perceived COVID spread, the industry is in trouble,” said Richard Shipway, project director at Syncra and Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA) chair.

The site closure and key lessons learned was the topic of a virtual town hall hosted by the VRCA and moderated by Chris Atchison, BCCA president.

“When Richard reached out for assistance, we mobilized the support of our network and our network responded with urgency as there are fewer critical matters than a complete site closure,” said Atchison.

The construction industry was designated an essential service last year at the start of the pandemic. But that doesn’t give the sector special rights, cautioned Shipway. “We have to be safe.”

The details and timeline of the site closure were discussed by Syncra superintendent Steve Allen. Aware of the spike in public cases of COVID in March, Syncra took extra steps to ensure their safety plan was in compliance including restricted access through one gate, QR check in and proper masks. “Our COVID compliance was in the 95-98 percentile so we were very happy with the compliance and the effort the guys were making to try to follow the protocols,” said Allen.

The first positive case on the site occurred in April which led to a number of new cases and were reported to Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) and WorkSafeBC. Affected workers were asked to self isolate but there was a lot of confusion and lack of clarity from VCH, said Allen, resulting in VCH eventually ordering all workers be removed from the site.

Completely new crews were then brought onto the site after a deep clean of both towers. “We thought we were in good position to continue working. Unfortunately VCH issued a closure order for 10 days. No advance notice, no explanation. It was just you’re closed,” said Allen.

The challenge for Syncra was how to reopen the site. The order came with a number of conditions that had to be met. After following through on the order with an enhanced safety plan, Syncra asked for reconsideration of the closure which was denied. “That raised a serious issue. There’s no mechanism for reconsideration. You are not allowed to reopen until [given] a clean bill of health,” said Allen, noting the closure could have been more than 10 days.

In the end, with the assistance of VRCA and BCCA including COCA and BCCSA, the order was rescinded before the 10 days. “When the order was rescinded, they also issued the first code for construction vaccination, so that was a positive outcome that’s benefitted the whole industry,” said Allen.

He stressed that the site closure experience illustrated communication with VCH and WorkSafeBC is critical. “You have to make sure you’re communicating with both. They have different priorities. We got through this quickly because we were forthcoming with information and were always proactive,” said Allen. “We’ve had no new cases.”

Dave Baspaly and Grant McMillan from COCA acknowledged Syncra’s leadership in resolving the site closure and sharing their experience. In addition to being proactive about safety and reaching out for support, they both stressed the best way to prevent widespread infections on sites is through vaccinations and rapid testing.

“To date, we have 50 cases in our sector… out of 250,000 workers. That’s pretty impressive. The challenge we have is we know cases are coming onto sites from community spread,” said Baspaly. “It just takes an outbreak…to jeopardize our essential service status. Talk to your workforce about vigilance outside of the site.”

McMillan cautioned that social media is spreading myths and trying to “scare people about vaccinations”, citing 15-20 per cent in construction do not want vaccination. “Science has shown us vaccinations work. Vaccination hesitation will lead to more deaths. The best way to protect ourselves is with vaccinations. One of the ways of eliminating the problems that we’re facing with COVID is with rapid testing for our industry.”

Baspaly said an announcement is expected shortly about fast tracking rapid testing for the industry. “Construction will be able to access the supply chain directly for free testing kits and integrate them into health and safety plans on site. It’s another tool in the tool box.”

“The faster the workforce is vaccinated, the faster we can demonstrate we’re the safest industry and the faster we can get out of this,” he said. “Encourage workers to get vaccinated.”

Cheryl Mah is managing editor of Construction Business.

Indoor temperatures logged in Ontario LTC homes

There is still no requirement for air conditioning in all residents’ rooms, but Ontario long-term care home operators now have to implement prescribed measures to prevent heat-related illnesses and routinely monitor and document indoor temperatures. A newly enacted provincial regulation stipulates that long-term care homes must provide access to cooling from May 15 to September 15, and on any other day when Environment Canada forecasts the outdoor temperature will reach at least 26 degrees Celsius or interior temperatures climb to that level.

“With the hot summer weather now upon us, it is more important than ever to ensure that the residents living in Ontario’s long-term care homes are kept cool, healthy and safe,” maintains Samantha Peck, executive director of Family Councils of Ontario.

As mandated in the new regulation, long-term care home license holders must prepare a written prevention and management plan for heat-related illnesses, which is to be evaluated annually and revised as necessary. Plans must identify and outline protocols for responding to heat-related risks, including staff responsibilities, monitoring and cooling equipment/systems and communication strategies.

The new regulation continues to exempt operators from installing central air conditioning if they provide one dedicated area per every 40 residents where temperatures are kept at “a comfortable level for residents”. However, unlike the previous circa-2010 rules, it stipulates that these areas must be maintained with a mechanical air cooling system.

Despite a previous mandated minimum temperature of 22 degrees Celsius, the Ontario government confirms that nearly 13 per cent of the province’s long-term care homes lacked any form of air conditioning last year. All 626 are now said to be in compliance with the new regulation, and 60 per cent now provide air conditioning in all residents’ rooms — up from just 42 per cent previously.

“We continue to correct for the decades of neglect in long-term care that were allowed under previous governments,” Premier Doug Ford asserts.

Operators are now additionally required to take temperature readings in various areas three times daily, including: at least two resident bedrooms in different areas of the building; a common area on every floor of the building; and every dedicated cooling area, where they exist. Temperatures are to be recorded every morning, afternoon and evening, and retained in a log for at least one year.