Canadians see dismal future for homeownership

Beyond the steaming hot housing market, 36 per cent of the under-40 crowd are abandoning their dreams of homeownership.

Findings come from a new Ipsos poll that was conducted between January 21 and 28, 2021 on behalf of RBC, where 2,000 Canadians aged 18+ were interviewed online.

The RBC Spring Housing Poll also found that 62 per cent of Canadians, mainly in B.C. and Ontario, believe people will be priced out of the housing market in the next decade.

For others, the pandemic has provided an opportunity to increase their overall savings, with 44 per cent of all respondents saying they have saved more over the last year. For those likely to buy a home in the next two years, the poll also found that 60 per cent are saving monthly, putting away $789 on average each month for a home.

Homeownership intention

Despite 54 per cent of Canadians saying it is a sellers’ market (up from 41 per cent last year, highest since 2009), there is a large increase in Canadians who are considering buying a home in the next two years (30 per cent, up 8 per cent from 2020). This rises to 49 per cent for those respondents under 40 years of age and 66 per cent for new Canadians who have been in the country less than five years.

Many factors are on the minds of Canadians when thinking about whether to buy now or buy later. Interest rates and concerns that homes will become less affordable are key reasons why many Canadians are considering buying sooner. In fact, 41 per cent of Canadians surveyed are thinking about buying a home sooner because of low interest rates and 61 per cent believe home values will only go up in the immediate future.

Four-in-five Canadians also continue to see homeownership as a good investment and the majority say it is better to buy than rent. The key drivers among those waiting to buy a home include uncertainty about the economy, a belief that prices may come down, affordability issues and job anxiety.

“In addition to evaluating what you can afford now, potential home buyers should put their finances through a stress test to see if they can continue to carry the cost of owning a home if interest rates increase or if they had an unexpected expense or income loss,” said Amit Sahasrabudhe, vice-president, home equity financing, products and acquisitions, RBC.

Saving, budgeting and down payments for

While 60 per cent of Canadians surveyed say they would not put themselves in a situation where they spend an unusually large proportion of their total income, RBC says it might be easier said then done in the priciest markets across Canada.

Forty-eight per cent of survey respondents planning to purchase a home in the next two years say their budget is less than $500,000. Meanwhile, according to CREA, the average house price in Canada was $678,091 as of February 2021. This rises to $864,159 and $887,695 in Ontario and British Columbia and decreases to $290,789 and $224,785 in Saskatchewan and New Brunswick respectively.

When considering a down payment, almost nine-in-10 respondents who are likely to buy in the next two years have some money saved (86 per cent), with $42,000 in savings on average. Forty per cent have less than $25,000 earmarked for homeownership.

“Building up a down payment can often be the biggest barrier to buying a home, especially as prices continue to climb in the pandemic environment,” says Sahasrabudhe. “While everyone’s financial situation is different, many Canadians have been taking advantage of reduced spending over the year to build up their savings and get closer to making their dream of owning a home a reality.”

Calgary breaks ground on Genesis Centre field

The City of Calgary broke ground on the construction of a new outdoor artificial turf community field located at the Genesis Centre — the first of its kind in northeast Calgary.

The new artificial turf field will replace the current south natural turf field at the Genesis Centre. The project also includes rehabilitation of the north natural turf field. Together, these fields will extend the playing season and increase accessibility to recreation opportunities for residents across Calgary.

“During the pandemic, we have become more aware of the positive effect that physical wellness has on the mental health of Calgarians,” said Councillor George Chahal, Ward 5. “I am thrilled that those in northeast Calgary will finally have a high-quality multipurpose field in their community. New athletic facilities like this one are an important part of making Calgary an equitable city for all.”

The artificial turf field includes upgraded lighting and will be in use from approximately April to November each year, weather permitting. As a community field, it will be bookable by anyone and stay open for the public when not in use.

A number of other improvements are expected to be incorporated in this project and are in the process of being finalized. This includes a community gathering space for a broad range of ages, from youth to seniors. Public engagement on this space occurred online in the summer of 2020. Calgarians submitted input which was incorporated into the design of the fields and community gathering space. Design of these additional improvements will be available in the coming months on calgary.ca.

“Community is essential to the well-being of Calgarians and the Genesis Centre is an important community-building hub for residents in the northeast,” said Mayor Naheed Nenshi. “This project adds amenities that will better serve the area and helps ensure that the Genesis Centre will continue to be an accessible gathering space for years to come.”

Construction is expected to be completed by the end of the year. The fields will be ready for community use in the summer of 2022.

The budget for the project is $6 million, funded in equal parts by The City of Calgary, the Government of Alberta and the Genesis Centre.

Stantec/KPMB Architects to design SickKids campus

Stantec / KPMB Architects, joint venture, is providing architectural design services for the planning phase of The Hospital for Sick Children’s (SickKids) 10-plus year campus redevelopment, Project Horizon.

The goal of this three-phase development is to build an inspired hospital of the future; transform care delivery; enable staff, physicians, and researchers to do their best work; and empower patients and families to be partners in their care.

The third phase will include replacing two of the oldest buildings on the campus with a new acute care hospital, the Peter Gilgan Family Patient Care Tower.

The tower will add new patient and critical care beds to the hospital, increasing the number of beds to 430, including a new Level IV neonatal intensive care unit. Three additional operating suites, for a total of 19, will be adapted to accommodate new technologies and procedures, and a new emergency department will offer 51 treatment spaces, 12 more than the current capacity.

“Our team at Stantec has a rich history with SickKids, having provided ongoing design services for more than 20 years. Many of us have had personal experience with SickKids, and it’s an honour to help the hospital transform its iconic healthcare campus to help our families, neighbours, and friends access the world-class care SickKids delivers every day,” said Tim Eastwood, principal at Stantec.

The vision for the project includes all spaces unfurling from a central garden, a treed courtyard at the centre of the master plan. The garden metaphor reinforces the therapeutic benefits of nature, including sunlight and fresh air. Playgrounds and communal spaces will have access to the outdoors and views of the city skyline. Welcoming entrances and generous light-filled corridors will be organized to support the intuitive flow of people and services throughout.

To ensure the SickKids campus remains fully functional during the construction of the tower, the Stantec/KPMB team is also designing a series of projects in the remaining facilities to accommodate relocated programs, help support patient care and experience, and upgrade the site and building infrastructure.

“Such scale, complexity, and such a global vision – Healthier Children. A Better World – make Project Horizon an ideal project of architecture and urban design in this unprecedented time,” said Mitchell Hall, a partner at KPMB Architects. “It is a privilege to be working with SickKids on how architectural design can play a role in redefining traditional acute care service models and the integration of precision medicine, while ensuring maximum operational efficiency and effectiveness.”

The redeveloped campus will support the integration of emerging healthcare technologies with the goal of improving SickKids’ operational efficiency. The new spaces will help provide a healing environment for patients and families in the post-pandemic future.

Cariboo Memorial Hospital proponent selected

Graham Design Builders LP has been selected as the project proponent to renovate Cariboo Memorial Hospital (CMH) in B.C.

“The selection of a proponent is a big milestone as we are even closer to getting work started on this important hospital expansion and renovation,” said Adrian Dix, minister of health, in a statement. “This project will modernize the hospital and enable our government to deliver enhanced services for people in Williams Lake and across Cariboo-Chilcotin.”

Graham Design Builders LP was selected from three shortlisted teams to finalize a design early works agreement (DEWA), including detailed design of the project. The consortium includes Stantec Architecture Ltd. and Stantec Consulting Ltd.

The team is now proceeding into negotiations for a design-build agreement to oversee the project’s construction phases.

“It will be a game changer for people who need mental health care that we’re redeveloping the Cariboo Memorial Hospital with them front of mind,” said Sheila Malcolmson, minister of mental health and addictions. “Together, we’re building a system where treatment for mental health is on par with any other health condition. I’m grateful to everyone involved in making this redevelopment a reality.”

The CMH redevelopment project will take place in two phases. Phase 1 is a three-storey addition to the hospital campus, while Phase 2 will be renovations to the existing facility.

The project’s design includes a new emergency department and medical surgical unit, expanded ambulatory care and maternal and women’s health units, the addition of a mental-health and substance-use inpatient unit, a multi-purpose gathering room and space for the University of British Columbia’s faculty of medicine program. New parking stalls will also be added to the site.

The cost of the project is $217.75 million and will be shared between the provincial government and the Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District.

Scotiabank announces $10 billion commitment toward new affordable housing

Scotiabank announced it will be the first large financial institution to align with CMHC to mobilize $10 billion over the next ten years to support the creation of new affordable housing.

“We are facing a clear shortage of affordable housing in Canada and Scotiabank is proud to work with CMHC to raise that supply,” said Jake Lawrence, CEO and Group Head of Global Banking and Markets at Scotiabank. “Scotiabank is committed to developing innovative lending, investing and underwriting solutions for retail, commercial and corporate clients who support the achievement of this important housing objective in Canada.”

As Canada’s authority on housing, CMHC is delivering the National Housing Strategy—a $70+ billion, 10-year federal investment in housing with additional funding committed by the provinces and territories.

“Governments alone can’t solve Canada’s housing challenges,” said Romy Bowers, President and CEO, CMHC. “The private sector also has a key role to play in supporting shared objectives of building strong, vibrant communities. We’re pleased to have Scotiabank join us in our efforts to create a new generation of housing in Canada. Safe and affordable housing is a basic need to creating a more inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to be well and succeed.”

Scotiabank’s Sustainable Finance Group was formed in 2020 to bolster Scotiabank’s leadership in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) issues, offering integrated solutions to fulfill its clients’ evolving sustainable finance and ESG requirements.

Scotiabank’s collaboration with CMHC to address housing affordability is aligned to ScotiaRISE, Scotiabank’s global community investment initiative to promote economic resilience among disadvantaged groups. Through ScotiaRISE, Scotiabank will support programs and partner with organizations across its footprint that provide the tools people need to improve their education and employment prospects, adapt to changing circumstances, and increase the likelihood of financial success.

“Our commitment in support of CMHC’s aspiration is another way that Scotiabank is working to build economic resilience for the future,” said Mr. Lawrence. “By removing barriers to advancement and increasing access to opportunities, we are helping to create a more inclusive and resilient world.”

CDC highlights concerns over disinfectant use

Increased cleaning and disinfection has become standard practice since the onset of COVID-19. However, a new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has questioned the increased use of disinfectants, highlighting concerns over misuse.

A recent “Science Brief” from the CDC has cast doubt on the amount of surface disinfection that may be necessary to quell the spread of COVID-19.

The CDC notes that while it is possible to contract the disease by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your nose, mouth, or eyes, the chances of this happening are “generally less than one in 10,000.”

Further, effective handwashing can reduce these chances even more.

In most cases, the brief concludes, the transmission of the virus is generally through the inhalation of airborne droplets.

In addition, it states that on most surfaces, there is a “99 per cent reduction in infectious SARS-CoV-2 within 72 hours,” and that may actually even be faster as many studies are not conducted under “real-world” conditions.

“While the study does not call into question the need for surfaces to be kept clean, it does call into question the use of disinfectants,” says Stephen Ashkin, found and president of The Ashkin Group.

The study also warns that disinfectants are frequently misused.

“There have been increases in poisonings and injuries from unsafe use of cleaners and disinfectants since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic,” says the brief. “Some types of disinfection applications, particularly those including fogging or misting, are neither safe nor effective for inactivating the virus unless properly used.”

Ashkin emphasizes that a key conclusion of the report is that “we are likely over-disinfecting. It is unnecessary; it is proving to be unhealthy for people, including cleaning workers, and certainly not healthy for the environment.”

In reality, enhanced and effective cleaning and handwashing are likely all that is needed to curb the risk of spreading COVID-19.

Vancouver mass timber office showcases CLT

oN5 in Vancouver will be the first office building in Canada constructed using high-performance cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels. The project will showcase the potential for mass timber in commercial construction, which is designed to achieve high levels of occupant comfort and energy efficiency.

The mass timber project is receiving federal government funding of $900,000 to support design and construction.

Designed by Hemsworth Architecture, oN5 is a four-storey mass timber office building which will become the new home of Equilibrium Consulting. Named for its location near the intersection of Ontario Street and East Fifth Avenue in the Mt. Pleasant neighbourhood, oN5 will be a smart growth infill building that will demonstrate what is possible in mass timber construction.

“We have been involved in the design and construction of a number of highly sustainable, mass timber buildings throughout British Columbia. It is very encouraging to see a project in Vancouver utilizing the advantages of CLT construction to simultaneously address both the challenges of an in-fill, urban site and the pressures of sustainable design,” said John Hemsworth, principal and architect, Hemsworth Architecture.

oN5 will incorporate several sustainable building technologies — most notably, the use of mass timber and strategies based on Passive House principles, making oN5 energy-efficient, comfortable, affordable and ecological at the same time.

“The use of virtual construction as a process for the oN5 project has enabled the efficient and innovative use of CLT, which replaced a more traditional concrete and steel structure. The use of wood greatly reduces the carbon impact of the materials used within the project and also provides for a much faster construction process with less impact on the surrounding neighbourhood,” said Joe Geluch, president, Naikoon Contracting Ltd.

Funding for the project is provided through Natural Resources Canada’s Green Construction Through Wood Program, which encourages the use of wood in non-traditional construction projects, such as low-rise non-residential buildings, tall wood buildings and bridges. The program aims to position Canada as a world leader in innovative wood construction technologies and the low-carbon economy.

1 in 3 workers may quit if called back to office full time

About 33 per cent of professionals currently working from home due to the pandemic would look for a new job if called back to the office full time.

A new study by global staffing firm Robert Half also found that more than half of all employees surveyed (51 per cent) said they prefer a hybrid work arrangement, where they can divide time between the office and another location.

Yet workers were also hesitant about working from home full time, worried about relationships with co-workers suffering (39 per cent), fewer career advancement opportunities due to a lack of visibility (21 per cent) and lower productivity at home (16 per cent).

The online survey was developed by Robert Half and conducted by an independent research firm from March 9-16, 2021. It includes responses from more than 500 workers 18 years of age or older at companies in Canada.

The survey points the way for organizations to perhaps offer more flexibility as workers may not be ready to return to the office. Respondents said their company can best support them with freedom to set preferred office hours, employer-paid commuting costs, a personal, distraction-free workspace, relaxed dress code and employer-provided childcare.

“As we reimagine the future of work, now is the time for managers to engage in mindful discussions with their teams to determine what they most want and need,” said David King, Canadian senior district president of Robert Half. “Establishing a return-to-work plan that prioritizes employee health and well-being and fosters a strong corporate culture can help bolster retention and recruitment efforts.”

For more tips on managing change as staff return to the office, visit the Robert Half Blog.

Ice rink operators offered SaskPower discount

It’s actually too late for Saskatchewan’s ice rink operators to apply for the funding outlined in the 2021-22 provincial budget earlier this week. The $1.7-million program, providing grants of up to $2,500 to offset operating costs, minor capital upgrades or extra expenditures to meet public health protocol, has been fully allocated after accepting applications from mid-December until mid-March. However, both grant recipients and unsuccessful aspirants could enjoy a discount on their electricity bills this spring and summer through a newly announced SaskPower rate relief program.

The provincial utility estimates eligible non-profit customers will realize savings in the range of $1,600 or $330 per month, depending on whether ice surfaces are operational, over the six-month period from March 1 to September 1. That rate relief will come with the waiving of the electricity demand charge, which commercial and institutional customers pay for SaskPower to have generating capacity in reserve to meet their peak demand requirements.

“Ice rinks are at the heart of many Saskatchewan communities, but many have experienced financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the increase in the federally imposed carbon tax,” asserts Don Morgan, Minister Responsible for SaskPower. “This program aims to help these community rinks weather the storm.”

Like the previously announced grant program, the electricity rate relief is meant for indoor skating or curling rinks owned by a local municipality or First Nations community. The Saskatchewan budget document reports that more than 600 such facilities in more than 350 villages, towns and cities received funds through the community rink affordability grant program, which was the fulfillment of a provincial election campaign promise.

Innovation in engineered netting systems

The maintenance of old structures is becoming increasingly complicated by new regulations. Rehabilitation projects now face tighter governance from environmental and safety organizations, adding new layers to navigate for those tasked with asset management. Yet, these restrictions have driven innovation, pushing Tatras Group to develop cutting-edge solutions that allow work to move forward freely.

“We are taking over the environmental responsibility. We’re taking on that environmental problem from the shoulders of the general contractor,” said Michal Brondel, CEO, Tatras Group.

It is not uncommon for major projects to be brought to a halt by unexpected ecological factors. When the BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure launched its plan to restore the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge in Vancouver, it was a bird that dictated the construction schedule. The Pelagic Cormorant is a sea bird protected under the provincial Wildlife Act, preventing work from being conducted within 50m of a bird or its nest. This posed a significant problem for the proposed bridge rehabilitation project. Tatras is no stranger to this environment. As a rope access company, they have worked on bridge restoration projects across B.C. They saw a clear solution and had the access methods to deliver it.

The Tatras team had just completed debris netting installation on the City of Vancouver’s Granville Bridge. Working with engineers and biologists, they designed a new netting system that prevents the birds from entering the structure when they migrate to BC. This avian exclusion netting allows construction to continue beyond the narrow window between nesting seasons. Made from a UV stabilized polyethylene, the net stands up to the marine environment and blends into the bridge.

But, it is their cutting-edge installation methods that have attracted attention. Across all their engineered netting services, they offer a non-damaging installation option. This system does not require alterations to the bridge. Rather than drilling into the structure, they design and manufacture custom clamps and magnets to support the net. Once removed, there is no trace of it being there. This system improves upon standard netting options, where every aspect is assessed for strength and wind loading capacity, and each section custom-made to ensure a tight and seamless fit. In many cases, both bird netting and debris netting are installed on the structure. All backed by a custom maintenance package and annual inspection plan.

“We’re the first ones on site, and our access solutions allow us to safely manage the space prior to the arrival of subcontractors,” said Oskar Michalak, COO, Tatras Group.

A structure like the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge presents its own challenges. Even with everything pre-planned, accessing work locations can be both hazardous and time-consuming. Tatras keeps everything in house by providing a crew of rope access professionals. This technical team is employed full-time to install netting systems on structures across the country. They are familiar with the unique environment, the installation process, and the complications of the work. This crew contributes high-angle access methods that allow work to be completed both safely and efficiently, all while ensuring low impact on traffic and pedestrians in the navigation channels below. This experience has contributed to Tatras’ excellent safety record, founded on safety procedures that have earned them the sought after B.C. Construction Safety Alliance COR certification.

“By combining engineering, manufacturing and installation, we can offer new solutions that allow major projects to be conducted along an efficient timeline,” said Brondel.

While they pilot new netting systems in Vancouver, Tatras sees huge potential for engineered netting systems to be deployed across Canada. Beyond bridge rehabilitation projects, they look to highways and canyons for new opportunities to innovate. Meanwhile, their building restoration division provides further remediation services for commercial buildings and structures. This presents a complete solution to a diverse range of rehabilitation projects. And it may be this comprehensive approach that is leading them to find new answers in hard to reach places.

Setting up school cleaning programs that track results

It’s no secret that COVID-19 poses a challenge for educational facility managers when it comes to school cleaning and keeping buildings and surfaces properly disinfected.

From kindergarten to universities, schools are high-traffic areas with a lot of ground for cleaning teams to cover. With expectations around cleaning and disinfecting dramatically increasing, facility managers sometimes feel like they’re playing catch-up. In the last year, many facilities have shifted their focus from cleaning (mostly) for appearance to cleaning to ensure health and safety.

The question is: how can we help schools stay that way? The answer is simple – a consistent, effective, measurable cleaning program.

Follow these four steps to designing a cleaning program that will help ensure cleaning effectiveness and efficiency while verifying and validating results.

Step 1: Standardize cleaning and disinfecting procedures

Proper core fundamental cleaning is essential to keeping spaces safe. As school boards prepare to meet the challenge of COVID-19 in an ever-changing environment, several cleaning trends have emerged, and the core fundamentals are still the most critical piece of an effective school cleaning program.

By standardizing cleaning procedures, you can ensure cleaning and disinfecting is completed regularly and consistently. When developing a cleaning protocol, assess your facility’s unique needs and develop strategies that are clear and consistent to tackle them. In many cases, this involves identifying high-touch surfaces and developing a schedule to disinfect them a couple of times a day without putting students at risk.

Additionally, cleaning is only effective if it is being done properly. Once cleaning procedures have been established, ensure all staff are trained on proper cleaning protocols and tools to maximize effectiveness.

Step 2: Choose the right tools

Choosing the right tools for the job is essential to proper cleaning and disinfecting. Two of the most commonly misused cleaning tools are disinfectants and microfibre cloths.

When choosing a disinfectant, it’s important to consider the dwell time, kill claims, and instructions for application:

Dwell time is the amount of time a disinfectant must be left wet on a surface to kill surface bacteria and viruses. It is ideal to choose a disinfectant that will give a broad spectrum kill in 1-2 minutes of dwell time and to always use disinfectants according to the manufacturer label.
A disinfectant’s kill claim will tell you which bacteria it is effective against. Not all disinfectants are formulated to kill the same viruses and bacteria. When choosing a disinfectant for your facility, consider which viruses pose a risk to your facility, such as COVID-19 and norovirus.
Following a disinfectant’s application instructions are crucial to its overall effectiveness. Once you have chosen a disinfectant with an appropriate dwell time and kill claim, ensure you are applying disinfectant with an appropriate tool based on the product. For example, disinfectants used in an electrostatic sprayer system must be approved for use as an electrostatic disinfectant by Health Canada. It’s important to read the manufacturer’s label and verify the product is approved for use in this manner.

Microfibre cloths are a great cleaning tool when used properly. Follow these tips to get the most out of your microfibre cloths:

When purchasing a microfibre cloth for your facility, consider its lifespan to help determine which is best for your facility. Some cloths may be designed to last a couple of hundred washes whereas some could be designed to withstand over 1000.
It’s critical that microfibre cloths are cleaned daily with a gentle cleaning solution to help extend their lifespan. Do not use bleach or fabric softener on microfibre cloths.
When stocking microfibre cloths, it’s ideal to have three sets: one in use, one for backup and one that’s being laundered to ensure you are ready to tackle cleaning challenges as they arise.

Step 3: Use digital cleaning program management to verify compliance and validate results

Digital cleaning program management software help to optimize cleaning resources improve results. These systems keep a log of cleaning activities in real-time to ensure that proper cleaning is being done and have powerful reporting tools to help refine resource allocation and task scheduling to improve cleaning program performance and efficiency.

Digital cleaning program management systems help facility managers:

Verify that cleaning activities are completed as scheduled
Identify missed cleanings
Immediately uncover and manage training issues
Quickly and easily prepare detailed reporting without having to sift through paper cleaning logs
Validate adherence to cleaning protocols.

Software features and capabilities vary – some, such as the WandaNEXT software by Visionstate, include task lists, compliance reporting, scheduling heat maps, space utilization metrics and more.

Step 4: Don’t forget about hand hygiene!

Proper hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways to limit the spread of viruses and bacteria. Unfortunately, up to 95 per cent of people wash their hands incorrectly, and often not at all.¹

In school settings, it’s crucial that have a hand hygiene program that not only educates students about the importance of handwashing, but also includes a strategy to ensure soaps, sanitizers and paper towels are continuously well-stocked. Handwashing communications should be posted frequently throughout buildings/campuses and inside restrooms.

Hand hygiene supply dispensing formats should be selected based on traffic volume for specific rooms, with ultra-high-capacity units placed strategically to reduce refilling requirements and ensure critical supplies are available so that everyone using the facilities can help to maintain health and hygiene.

David L. Smith is the Cleaning Hygiene & Sanitation Director at Bunzl Canada, (https://bunzlch.ca) a national distributor of cleaning and hygiene products and equipment, food and retail packaging, safety products and industrial supplies that keep over 45,000 Canadian businesses running optimally every day. Bunzl Canada Inc. is a division of Bunzl Distribution USA, LLC.

^{1 Source: Forbes, 2019, https://www.forbes.com/sites/nicolefisher/2019/12/22/after-all-these-years-youre-washing-your-hands-the-wrong-way/?sh=80feeec18f32}

GBAC clarifies CDC guidelines on cleaning

The Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC), a Division of ISSA, has released clarification around revised CDC guidelines related to cleaning and disinfecting for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s latest guidance notes that “cleaning with products containing soap or detergent reduces germs on surfaces by removing contaminants and may also weaken or damage some of the virus particles, which decreases risk of infection from surfaces.”

An ISSA release emphasizes the critical necessity that cleaning and disinfecting surfaces must not only reduce exposure to COVID-19 but also to other pathogens.

“While there are still many uncertainties surrounding COVID-19, it is clear that facilities can better prepare for, respond to, and recover from outbreaks when they have a comprehensive program that starts with a risk assessment,” said GBAC Executive Director Patricia Olinger.

“There are many layers to this issue, but as authoritative leaders within the space, we feel it’s important to clarify that with the current pandemic, in addition to indoor air quality needs, cleaning professionals should continue their enhanced efforts in cleaning and disinfecting public facilities with added focus on high-touch points. When used correctly by trained professionals, proven products and equipment are very effective against SARS-CoV-2 as well as other viruses and bacteria.”

The CDC and GBAC stress that the use of products approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and included on the EPA’s List N is preferable, as it ensures cleaning professionals are applying expert-reviewed formulations that have been approved for use against SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, the guidance says that cleaning for health is most effective at mitigating the spread of illnesses when it is a multi-step approach that involves first cleaning surfaces to remove or reduce soil loads and then disinfecting to kill bacteria, fungi, and inactivate viruses.

The CDC also stated that “in most cases, fogging, fumigation, and wide-area or electrostatic spraying is not recommended as a primary method of surface disinfection and has several safety risks to consider.”

While surface disinfection equipment is not necessary for every facility, ISSA and GBAC support the use of sprayers with the proper training, as these tools can be incredibly useful for high-traffic facilities and those with occupants with an increased risk of illness. When using chemicals and disinfection equipment, it is important to read the label and use products correctly to prevent unnecessary overuse and exposure.

“There is a continuum of risk during the pandemic as new SARS-CoV-2 variants emerge, and beyond it due to the fact that illnesses like influenza, norovirus, and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) can impact public health,” said ISSA Executive Director John Barrett. “When combined, cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces, air quality controls, the use of face masks, hand hygiene, and other measures can greatly reduce the risk of infection spread and give facility occupants and guests greater peace of mind that organizations are prioritizing their health and safety.”

For more information on proper facilities cleaning and disinfecting now and post pandemic, visit www.issa.com/coronavirus.

Hear comments on the recent CDC guidance on cleaning and disinfecting directly from biorisk expert Patricia Olinger; Dr. Paul Meechan, formerly with the CDC; and Michael Diamond, Executive Director of The Infection Prevention Strategy (TIPS), in the latest Straight Talk! episode.

GTA home prices rise by up to 48% since COVID

Based on the ongoing realities of working from home and the desire for more space, many people are relocating out of Toronto to the suburbs, driving home prices up.

Properly, a tech-enabled real estate brokerage, compared selling prices in the six-month period prior to COVID-19 to their April 2021 estimate. The numbers were tracked with the company’s new AI-powered value calculator called Instant Estimate, which factors in historical sold data, proximity to services, customized home facts and other economic factors.

For people who bought homes between September 2019 and February 2020, greatest increases were seen in Oshawa (48% up in value), Georgina (46%), and Brock (46%).

Regions in closer proximity to Toronto, such as Vaughan (21%), Markham (22%), and Richmond Hill (22%), have seen weaker — but still high— appreciation.

On average, homeowners saw their investment jump by 30 per cent, while those who bought in the city of Toronto saw an average increase of 16 per cent.

According to Co-founder and CEO of Properly Anshul Ruparell, the calculator tracks individual home values in real time and allows buyers to see estimates for any GTA listing so they can avoid over- or under-bidding. “This helps cut through the noise of today’s hot market where list prices are not reflective of selling prices,” he said in a press release.

Blocking the flushing of PPE

Personal protective equipment (PPE) has become a ubiquitous part of our world over the last year, but it is reportedly causing problems as well as solving them.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, there has apparently been a notable increase in PPE being flushed down toilets, according to AQUALIS, a provider of stormwater and lift station management services.

The company says flushed PPE items like face masks, gloves, and sanitizing wipes have been creating blockages in underground sanitary infrastructure, particularly being dumped into lift stations and pump stations.

It notes that the flushing of ill-advised products is not a new phenomenon, but one that has been exacerbated by the pandemic due to the universal use of disposable sanitizing and safety products.

AQUALIS notes that during the height of public concern in May 2020, a new state-of-the-art lift station in El Paso, Texas, had to be cleared over 20 times in 24 hours due to the continuous disposal of PPE in the sanitary system.

Wipes, cotton swaps, gloves, face masks, feminine hygiene products, and rags are not safe for sewer systems, as they do not shred like toilet paper and can lead to clogs throughout sewer systems. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently released a statement that urges people to avoid flushing PPE: in fact, anything other than toilet paper.

Commercial facilities that are seeing the highest rates of flushed PPE include healthcare facilities, retailers, and restaurants, according to AQUALIS.

There are certain steps that facility managers can take to help prevent backups, clogs, and flooding due to flushed PPE:

Education and awareness

The most effective preventative measure is to increase awareness and education regarding the proper disposal of PPE. Installing “do not flush” signs in restrooms can reduce the number of materials sent into the sanitation system

Proper monthly inspections

Proper and routine inspections of lift stations are mandated in the state of Florida to address system functionality. Addressing deficiencies, frequent cleaning, visual inspection of pumps, including pulling the pump for visual analysis and electrical panel assessments, is the most effective way to clear clogs and decrease system downtime in lift stations. These procedures reduce the risk of clogging by addressing debris before it has a chance to accumulate, and quarterly maintenance has been found to remove most long-term issues.

Sewer grinder technology

Grinder systems equipped with cutter technology to eliminate frequent emergency services can shred fibrous materials and rocks, wood, hair, clothing and plastic. These shredding devices offer facility managers tangible ROI in reducing costly repairs, emergency services, and property damages, and offer technology specially designed to prevent clogging caused by fibrous wipe materials entangling within the system.

System monitoring through advancements

Continuous wastewater technology advancements allow property owners and facility managers to monitor and control pumps remotely, with alerts delivered in real time via mobile device or email. Property managers can be alerted in real time before a significant clog or backup impacts the system and get insight into stations’ condition, including the ability to acknowledge alarms, track run times, and send remote commands.

Ivanhoé Cambridge targets U.S. last-mile sites

Ivanhoé Cambridge has joined forces with U.S. based GID Real Estate Investments with the aim of acquiring last-mile sites in close proximity to residential areas and employment nodes in major U.S. cities. Together, the two companies have 19-million square feet of industrial inventory in 15 American markets, including the former Evergreen Industrial portfolio, which Ivanhoé Cambridge acquired in 2017.

“Our partnership with GID is perfectly aligned with Ivanhoé Cambridge’s investment strategy and positions us to accelerate the execution of our urban infill light-industrial strategy in the U.S.,” says Mario Morroni, executive vice president, for Ivanhoé Cambridge’s North American industrial operations.

Rene Circ will serve as senior managing director and chief operations officer of the new venture, to be known as GID Industrial, while Mike Wenaas fills the roles of senior managing director and chief investment advisor.

“The partnership with Ivanhoé Cambridge brings expertise, global relationships and capital to our investment strategy, accelerating our growth,” Wenaas notes.

“GID has been investing in infill locations for the last 60 years, and GID Industrial will target assets that benefit from the continued strength and evolution of supply chains, especially as online spending shows no sign of slowing,” Circ advises.

Lee & Associates founder dies

Bill Lee, founder of Lee & Associates Commercial Real Estate Services, has died. More than four decades after opening the company’s first office in Orange County, California, in 1979, he leaves the legacy of a USD $14-billion firm with 1,300 employees in 65 locations throughout North America, including Toronto and Vancouver.

“I am deeply saddened by the loss of our visionary founder, friend, and long-time leader,” says Jeffrey Rinkov, the current chief executive officer. Bill fostered and maintained incredibly close personal and business relationships with Lee & Associates professionals, including his abundant support in our efforts to continue the growth of our company in his entrepreneurial vision.”

Lee, aged 78, attained a SIOR designation from Society of Industrial and Office Realtors in 1977 and represented some of the world’s largest companies throughout his long career. He’s viewed as an innovator for Lee & Associates’ co-investment model for franchise growth — a novel approach when introduced in the late 1970s and early 1980s. In addition to his commercial real estate pursuits, Lee owned an inn and restaurant, was a published author, the father of four and a youth basketball coach.

CSLA honours landscape architecture excellence

The Canadian Society of Landscape Architects (CSLA) has announced the recipients of the 2021 Awards of Excellence.

Winners were selected by a national jury of landscape architects. A total of 72 submissions were received with 14 projects receiving a national award.

Dale Hodges Park, by 02 Planning and Design and Source 2 Source Inc., was selected to receive the Jury’s Award of Excellence, which is given to one project annually which best demonstrates the CSLA’s vision — that of advancing the art, science, and practice of landscape architecture.

These award-winning projects are preeminent examples of Canadian landscape architecture. They illustrate the range of what landscape architects do and how landscape architects are helping to reshape communities by defining the places where we live, work and play.

“The award-winning projects highlight new approaches and illustrate the levels of expertise to be mobilized to address current social, cultural and environmental challenges,” said Bernard St-Denis, chair of the 2021 Awards of Excellence jury.

The 2021 National Award Recipients are:

Dale Hodges Park, by 02 Planning and Design and Source 2 Source Inc
Accidental Wilderness: The Origins and Ecology of Toronto’s Tommy Thompson Park, Walter H. Kehm
University of Guelph Child Care and Learning Centre, Earthscape Play Inc.
Gordonridge Community Multi-Sport Court, ERA Architects Inc.
Saugeen First Nation Creator’s Garden and Amphitheatre Restoration Master Plan, Brook McIlroy Inc.
Uptown Brampton Transit-Oriented Communities Toolkit, Yvonne Yeung, Ken Greenberg, Matti Siemiatycki for City of Brampton and Urban Land Institute Toronto District Council
Sumac Garden, Straub Thurmayr Landscape Architects, Dietmar Straub & Anna Thurmayr
The Future of Stephen Avenue, The City of Calgary, Gehl Studio and Stantec Consulting Ltd
Wanuskewin Interpretive Playground, Crosby Hanna & Associates
Place Alice-Girard, NIPPAYSAGE architectes paysagistes + EXP. architecture de paysage et ingénierie
Memoirs of Pioneering Landscape Architects of Quebec and Ontario, EVOQ Landscape Architecture (formerly ARCADIA STUDIO)
Biodiversity Corridor, Borough of Saint-Laurent, Montreal, Quebec, civiliti, LAND Italia, Table Architecture, Biodiversité conseil
Projet paysage de la MRC Brome-Missisquoi, Mille Lieux, coopérative de travail
Sève, Collectif Escargo

The awards will be presented during a virtual celebration to be held during the CSLA-OALA Congress on May 29th, 2021.

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