Figures for office vacancy space in Q1 of 2018 in Canada have been released. The report, compiled by Colliers, revealed differing fortunes for the country’s largest metropolitan areas.
Q1 office vacancy space figures released
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Surrey Arts Centre receives RHF Gold designation
The Surrey Arts Centre is the first municipal facility in B.C. to receive the Rick Hansen Foundation (RHF) Accessibility Certified Gold designation. The city is also home to the most RHF-rated public facilities of all municipalities in Canada.
The RHF rating system, which was designed to bring a national accessibility standard to Canada, is used to determine the accessibility of commercial, institutional and multi-family residential buildings.
“The City of Surrey believes in providing equal opportunities for all and we are proud to receive the first RHF Accessibility Certified Gold rating for a public space,” said Mayor Linda Hepner. “This certification reinforces our belief and commitment that our innovative programs ensure accessibility and inclusion are considered in order to inspire participation, create social connections, and foster lifelong learning.”
According to the Rick Hansen Foundation, currently 1 in 7 Canadian adults identifies as having some sort of disability, which may include mobility, communication, sensory, vision and/or hearing challenges. With an aging population, this is anticipated to increase to as high as one in five Canadians by 2036.
Accessibility features at Surrey Arts Centre include a lowered box office counter, wayfinding signage including directional arrows to ramps, free use of wireless listening devices for those who require hearing amplification and VocalEye described performances.
“Removing barriers and ensuring accessibility to physical surroundings, services and overall experiences ensures that everyone is able to fully participate in city programs and services, including important cultural opportunities,” said Councillor Judy Villeneuve, chair, City of Surrey Culture Development Advisory Committee. “Fostering community connections and having open and accessible facilities is a critical aspect of enjoying a high quality of life.”
The Surrey Arts Centre, located at 13750 88 Avenue, hosts live performing arts presentations at Surrey Civic Theatres Main Stage and Studio theatres, and is home to the Surrey Art Gallery and Surrey International Children’s Festival. It also features interactive public artworks, art courses for all ages and, in October, will host Surrey’s Inclusive Employer Awards.
BIFMA announces new product conformance requirements
The Business & Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association (BIFMA), the voice for the commercial furniture industry, has released new criteria for Product Conformance Requirements. Complimentary copies of the document, called BIFMA PC-2018, is available for order on BIFMA’s website.
The BIFMA Board of Directors and Engineering Committee worked together to develop these new requirements, which replace a one-page guideline called ‘Statement of Conformance to BIFMA Standards’, which covered the most basic rules for making compliance claims to ANSI/BIFMA standards.
The Board determined there was a market need for more specific criteria to establish conformity. BIFMA PC-2018 Product Conformance Requirements offers detailed guidance on test planning and protocols, sampling and making claims of compliance.
The association recommends that all manufacturers, specifiers, testing labs and users of office and institutional furniture obtain a copy of the new conformance requirements to enable all industry stakeholders to share a common understanding of Product Conformance.
Ontario shopping centre announces expansion
Square One Shopping Centre has announced a new expansion at its site in Mississauga, Ont.
With construction well underway, the ‘West Expansion’ is expected to open its doors in November 2018, beginning with the arrival of clothing retailer UNIQLO.
Square One is also set to become home to The Rec Room, a popular concept which brings together dining and gaming under one roof.
Additionally, Square One has announced their plans to build a 34,000-square-foot food court in spring 2019.
“The Food District is in response to the growing interest in today’s food culture, with a focus on offering local, handmade and high-quality foods in a setting that embraces both new- and old-world food emporiums,” Oxford Properties, Square One’s landlord, said in a press release.
Oxford revealed that The Food District will offer customers an outstanding array of specialty products as well as a space to meet, explore and share the love of food through tastings, cooking classes, dinner parties, book signings and other special events.
“In the coming months, we will reveal more details surrounding the West Expansion,” said Square One director and general manager Greg Taylor. “Square One continues to be a premier location for world-class retailers and for the discerning consumer. The Food District will provide an inspired, fulfilling and unforgettable experience for food lovers and adventurers in a setting that encourages discovery, community, and culinary indulgence.”
Karim Rashid headlines IDS Vancouver
Karim Rashid, famed industrial designer and prolific visionary, will be the keynote speaker at the 2018 Interior Design Show Vancouver (IDS Vancouver). He will be speaking on the Caesarstone Stage on Sunday, September 23.
With more than 4,000 designs in production, nearly 300 awards to his name, and client work in 40 countries, Karim’s ability to transcend typography and dedication to democratizing design make him one of the most unique voices in his field today. In collaboration with BoConcept and IDS Vancouver, Karim has designed a limited-edition tote, available exclusively to the first 2,000 visitors of the fair each day (September 20-23).
The week-long design fair kicks off on Tuesday, September 18 with a series of offsite events running until Sunday, September 23. Among the offsite series is the return of THE MIX: West Coast Best Coast, a unique program that includes displays, installations and talks both onsite at the fair and off. Presented in partnership with the LA Design Festival and Design Milk, the program has paired two relevant, leading Los Angeles-based designers, Leah Ring (Another Human) and Bari Ziperstein (BZIPPY & CO.), with two celebrated, contemporary Vancouver designers, Riley McFerrin (Hinterland Design) and Ben Barber (Ben Barber Studio).
Entering its 14th year, IDS Vancouver will also be releasing its first published book, Currents: Contemporary Pacific Northwest Design, making it the first design book focused on the Pacific Northwest region. Curated by IDS Director, Jody Phillips, and published by New Heroes & Pioneers, Currents: Contemporary Pacific Northwest Design explores the design boom in the area, the similarities and differences in fundamental principles within the creative field, and over 40 remarkable makers behind this hotbed of design.
Designed by Daniel Zachrisson and featuring contributions from ANDlight, Base Modern, fruitsuper, John Hogan, molo, Studio Gorm, and more – Currents navigates the landscape and settings which inspire this area. The book is available for pre-order to pick up at the fair.
All presentations and exhibits will be available for viewing onsite at the Vancouver Convention Centre West or offsite at various designers’ studios from September 18 to 23. More information at IDS Vancouver.
Financing the Future: $3.75 Billion in Loans to Build Rental Housing
Canada is overdue for a new generation of affordable rental housing.
Currently, around 1.7 million Canadian families don’t have a home that meets their basic needs and that they can afford. Renting can be a good option, but only if there are units available in the right places and price ranges.
Experts agree that having a stable supply of rental housing is critical to our nation’s housing future. That’s where the Rental Construction Financing Initiative (RCFI) comes in.
Part of the National Housing Strategy (NHS), the RCFI provides low-cost loans to encourage the construction of rental housing which is affordable to middle class Canadians across the country. The initiative has a total of $3.75 billion in loans available to encourage the construction of more than 14,000 new rental housing units.
“Canada’s middle class will benefit from the construction of new rental housing,” states David Charron, National Director, Multi-Unit Affordable Rental at Canada Mortgage & Housing Corporation.
“As part of Canada’s first-ever National Housing Strategy, this initiative provides low-cost loans to support new construction projects, relieving pressure in rental markets that are experiencing low vacancy rates and high rents,” he continues. “It will allow more middle-class Canadians to spend more time with their children by living closer to public transit, schools and services.”
By supporting construction and early operations with low-cost loans, the initiative will help expand the number of housing developers, non-profit organizations and municipalities able to access financing for rental housing projects. The focus is on supporting sustainable apartment projects in areas where there is an acute need for additional rental supply.
Prioritizing the housing needs of Canadians
These new rentals are one part of the 100,000 total new housing units the $40-billion National Housing Strategy aims to help create over the next 10 years.
Through a variety of construction and research funding and social programs, the NHS is designed to address a wide range of housing challenges and find solutions across the entire housing continuum – including the rental market. It aims to promote diverse, accessible, sustainable and livable communities while, among other objectives, cutting chronic homelessness in half.
The RCFI, specifically, will prioritize standard apartment projects that meet or exceed certain requirements for financial viability, affordability, energy efficiency and accessibility, and those that support vibrant, socially inclusive neighbourhoods, are close to public transit, and are developed through partnerships or collaboration. Projects that are closer to breaking ground are also more likely to be prioritized.
To be eligible, projects must include at least 5 rental units, respond to a demonstrable need for rental supply, and have zoning in place, a site plan in process and a building permit available.
Projects must decrease energy use and greenhouse gas emissions at a level at least 15% below requirements in the 2015 National Energy Code for Buildings or the 2015 National Building Code. In addition, at least 10% of the project’s units must meet or exceed accessibility standards and have barrier-free common areas as regulated by local codes.
Loans for projects that meet the eligibility requirements are offered on a 10-year term at a favourable, fixed interest rate that is locked in at first advance for greater cost certainty. They can be amortized up to 50 years, and are insured by CMHC at first advance.
You can learn more about the RCFI, eligibility requirements, and how to apply online at cmhc-nhs.ca/financinginitiative. Loan commitments are available through December 2020.
Quebec urges energy retrofits and fuel switching
Conservation is the top priority in Quebec’s recently unveiled plan to reduce province-wide energy consumption, increase low-carbon supply and embrace technologies like electricity storage and smart grid applications. A new centralized agency has been proposed to lead the efforts, which would include distributing $4 billion over 15 years to fund energy retrofits and fuel switching in residential, commercial and institutional buildings.
“It is time to review our priorities in light of the current global context. Quebec possesses all of the tools necessary to become a leader in renewable technologies, energy efficiencies and innovation,” Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard states in the introduction to the 2030 Energy Policy, released earlier this month. “Together, we must be forward-looking and alter energy consumption habits.”
The plan reflects Quebec’s solidarity with the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change and the national target to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to 30 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030. It was one of the first Canadian provinces to implement carbon pricing — through a shared cap and trade system with California and the later, presumably short-lived, participation of Ontario — which will underwrite the 2030 Energy Policy.
Five targets, beginning with a 15 per cent increase in energy savings, set the framework for the policy. The others include: a 40 per cent reduction in consumption of petroleum products; boosting renewable energy to nearly 70 per cent of the total supply; a 50 per cent increase in bio-energy production; and the shutdown of coal-fired generation.
“Energy efficiency, energy substitution and behavioural change are the three linchpins that, taken together, will enable Quebec to successfully achieve the energy transition necessary to attain the targets,” the policy document advises.
The new agency is envisioned to provide one-stop administration and oversight of various government, utility and organizational players. The policy outlines a multi-part mandate: program design, implementation, performance monitoring and verification; public outreach; financing options such loans and loan guarantees; advising government; and addressing the carbon footprint of publicly owned facilities, including in the healthcare and education sectors.
“The new agency draws inspiration from structures established by States that have already successfully undertaken the energy transition,” the policy document states. “The future agency will pinpoint regulatory or normative barriers to private or public initiatives that are in keeping with the objectives of this energy policy and propose the appropriate changes to the government departments responsible. Energy distributors will also be asked to disseminate information and promote energy efficiency programs among their clienteles.”
In tandem, a review and revamp of Quebec’s Régie de l’énergie is planned to give it an auditing and reporting role similar to the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario’s function in assessing progress toward environmental and energy goals in that province. Currently, the Régie is more straightforwardly an equivalent to the Ontario Energy Board, defined as “a public economic regulator that has a mandate to reconcile the public interest, consumer protection and the fair treatment of the electric power carrier and energy distributors.”
For now, the priority placed on energy efficiency is more of a macro-level directive than a detailed agenda of initiatives. Release of the 2030 Energy Policy is the first step, ahead of some required legislative amendments. Three follow-up action plans for the periods of 2016-2020, 2021-2025 and 2026-2030 are promised.
Nevertheless, some key areas of concern are identified in the residential and commercial sectors. The policy calls for programs to encourage homeowners to switch out fuel oil sources for heating and hot water and upgrade to more energy-efficient appliances. It also promises to update building and energy codes for new construction, provide incentives to retrofit existing buildings, and establish an advisory council in partnership with the construction industry.
“We wish to ensure that consumers benefit from the potential offered by the transition to a green, more eco-efficient economy,” observes Pierre Arcand, Quebec’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.
Stronger condo sales boosted GTA’s new home market in May
In May, the GTA’s new home market saw another increase in the prices of condominium apartments with condo sales close to the 10-year average and remaining condo apartment inventory falling, announced the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD).
The benchmark price for new condominium units in low-, medium- and high-rise buildings, stacked townhouses and loft units climbed to $758,370, which is 25.4 per cent higher than last May’s levels, according to Altus Group, BILD’s official source for new home market intelligence. The benchmark price of new single-family homes, including detached, linked and semi-detached houses and townhouses (excluding stacked townhouses), fell 6.4 per cent year-over-year to $1,144,191.
In addition to strong demand from new home buyers looking for more affordable housing options, the continuing increase in condo apartment prices can be somewhat accounted for by an increase in average unit size from 814 square feet one year ago to 892 square feet in May 2018. This change reflects a demand for family-sized units, and an increase in the average price per square foot from $743 last year to $850 this year.
“It is doubtful prices [of new single-family homes] will continue to moderate, considering embedded government fees, taxes and charges, and high land costs due to regulatory constraints,” said David Wilkes, BILD’s president and CEO, in a press release. “Leading up to the October 22 municipal elections, as part of our Build for Growth campaign, we will be putting forward a four-point plan on how municipalities can help tackle the issues of housing supply and affordability in the GTA. We are encouraging residents to send letters calling for action on these issues to their candidates for municipal office.”
Condo apartments accounted for 2,003 of the 2,345 total new home sales in May 2018, which is only one per cent below the 10-year average for condo apartment sales in May. However, this figure was a 47 per cent decline compared to May 2017’s record-high 3,766 condominium apartment sales. Meanwhile, there were 342 single-family home sales, a drop of 33 per cent compared to May 2017 and 78 per cent below the 10-year average.
“May’s new condominium apartment sales were very strong,” said Patricia Arsenault, Altus Group’s executive vice-president, research consulting services. “Not only was it the strongest month since last November, but the sales of 2,003 units are impressive in historical terms: there have only been five other years where May new condominium apartment sales topped this year’s performance.”
The increase in condominium apartment sales and only five openings, representing 719 units, in the month of May meant that remaining inventory for condos had fallen to 9,345 units. Remaining condominium inventory includes units in preconstruction projects, in projects currently under construction, and those in completed buildings. The remaining inventory for single-family homes climbed slightly to 4,505 units in May.
New 46-storey office tower set to be built in downtown Toronto
A 46-storey office tower is set to be built in downtown Toronto.
The new building will be located at 160 Front Street West, on the northeast corner of Front Street and Simcoe Street and is a joint venture from Cadillac Fairview (CF) and the Investment Management Corporation of Ontario (IMCO).
The development features 1.2m square feet of office space, 339 parking stalls, 12,290 square feet of retail space and is slated to open in the fall of 2022.
“This city continues to experience record-low vacancy rates, fueled by demand for quality, sustainable office space across a broad array of clients, and in particular the tech and financial sectors,” said John Sullivan, president and CEO at Cadillac Fairview.“With space availability in downtown Toronto at the lowest level in over 25 years, we see tremendous opportunity for this development.”
The building’s inaugural client is CF’s owner, Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, which will relocate their head office from North York to 160 Front Street.
“Toronto is a vibrant and international city, and the downtown core is a major hub of finance. We believe this is the right time to plan our move closer to our partners and the pool of talent we will need to see us into the future. This new building will have many attractive elements to help foster teamwork and innovation, in a healthy and sustainable environment that is close to many different transit options,” said Ron Mock, president and CEO at the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan. “We are very pleased to be moving into a building run by Cadillac Fairview, our real estate subsidiary and a global developer of leading-edge office space.”
According to CF, this latest development reflects the demand for high-quality, amenity-rich office environments across the country.
“Our current momentum in commercial development speaks to a trend where best-in-class employers are seeking prime urban locations, and we take great pride in our ability to ultimately work with our clients to meet those needs,” said Sullivan.
Calgary and Edmonton show strong real estate performance in differing sectors
Alberta’s two largest cities enjoyed considerable real estate investment in 2017 in differing sectors.
While Edmonton saw strong investment in the retail and office sectors, Calgary saw declines in this area, with the latter receiving interest from investors in residential land.
Newly released reports from the Altus Group revealed a detailed breakdown of investor activity in the two markets.
Calgary:
- Total investment property sales volumes in the Calgary Market Area increased to $3.4 billion in 2017, the highest annual volume since 2013.
- Declines in the investment sales volumes in the Office, Retail and Land sectors in 2017 were more than offset by stronger sales activity in the remaining sector.
- The Residential Land market posted the largest absolute volume year-over-year increase – more than doubling to $561 million. This pushed the total value of land sales over the $1 billion threshold for the first time since 2014.
- The Apartment sector saw a notable improvement in 2017, increasing by 17% on the back of a particularly strong fourth quarter.
- The Office sector suffered the largest dollar drop 2017, falling by $230 million.
Edmonton:
- Total investment volumes in the Edmonton Market Area increased to $2.89 billion in 2017, the second consecutive year-over-year increase.
- The Retail sector accounted for the largest share of investment, with 136 transactions contributing $586 million toward overall investment volumes
- The Office sector posted the largest absolute increase in dollar volume year-over-year, almost tripling to $425 million.
- The total value of Land sales was relatively flat from 2016 to 2017. An increase for the ICI Land sector (up by $55 million) was offset by lower sales of Residential Land (down by $38 million).
- The Industrial sector saw the largest decrease in 2017, falling by 14%, however it was still the second most significant contributor to overall property sales volumes (after the Retail sector).
Options for Homes to launch Toronto’s first smoke-free condo
This summer, non-profit developer Options for Homes is launching its latest development, The Humber, bringing Toronto’s first smoke-free condo building to market that will limit the consumption of tobacco and cannabis to vapourizers.
The aim of the smoke-free building is to help create a predominantly family-friendly development, as research suggests that the use of vapourizers over smoking is an effective harm-reduction strategy. It also eliminates the problem of smoke pollution, smoke transfer between suites and balcony fires in multi-unit residences.
Homeowners will be able to smoke tobacco or cannabis using a vapourizer in their own suite or on their balcony. The building’s ‘smoke less’ policy will restrict smoking and vaping in any common areas of the development, including elevators, stairwells, hallways, parking garages, laundry facilities, lobbies, outdoor spaces and entertainment rooms. It will also restrict growing cannabis on balconies or in homes.
“We know from surveying our potential purchasers that there’s a deep interest in smoke-free buildings. We think this idea of ‘smoke less’ speaks to people’s concern about the impact of smoking while respecting individual choice and understanding that we’re on the cusp of a major cultural shift when it comes to cannabis,” said Heather Tremain, CEO of Options for Homes, in a press release. “We feel that restricting smoking while permitting vaping strikes the right balance between the best interest of many and the personal rights of the few.”
The Humber, which will be located on the banks of the Humber River at Lawrence Ave. and Weston Rd., will rise 22 storeys and feature 232 suites in a mix sizes, including five townhome-style suites, with two-thirds of suites in two- and three-bedroom configurations suitable for families. Located steps from the new Weston UP Express station with service to Union Station in 15 minutes, the development will be built by Deltera.
The Humber is Option for Homes’ 13th development in the GTA.
Boardwalk honoured by CRRA for best renovations
Boardwalk was honored at the 2018 Calgary Residential Rental Association’s (CRRA) Awards Gala on June 7th, winning the 2018 Best Renovation of the Year Award for its newly enhanced Centre Pointe West community.
Originally built in 1981, Centre Pointe West is a 121-unit, 10,600 square foot, concrete mid-rise in the beltline of Calgary.
In collaboration with Paul Lavoie Interior Design, Centre Pointe West underwent a significant transformation/modernization, which included updates to all its common areas, the construction of new amenities, and the introduction of luxury specification, high-end apartment units.
Some highlights include:
• Newly renovated apartment units with luxurious specifications
• Renovated front entrance and vestibule
• An inviting, open concept lobby with community focused sitting area/lounges, Wi-Fi bars, featuring designer lighting fixtures, furnishings, and artwork
• A new designer show suite that showcases home for perspective residents
• Professional, inviting presentation/experience centre with a modern sales office
• State of the art fitness facility
• Rentable guest suite for friends and family to visit residents
• Party/Community Room with a private outdoor terrace/deck
• Renovated hallways, with modern suite doors and hardware
The Best Renovation of the Year Award recognizes a property owner who demonstrates excellence in enhancing the appeal of a community. Boardwalk was nominated by Ian Newman, a thirteen-year resident of Centre Pointe West, and was selected by the CRRA to present the award at the annual gala.
Mr. Newman provided the following description of the newly renovated community:
“Wow! That is the word I would use to describe the transformation of the property that is so deserving of this year’s Renovation Award. The open concept lobby is outfitted with designer fixtures, furnishings and artwork which could be on the cover of an architectural magazine. The new amenities such as the wi-fi bar, fitness facility, party room, and outdoor deck sets it apart from other rental communities. No details were overlooked to create its beautifully renovated spaces. It’s hard to tell the difference between luxury hotel and apartment living. I’m proud to call Centre Pointe West my home.”
Sam Kolias, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Boardwalk REIT commented: “We are so proud and cannot thank our entire team enough for their commitment and tireless efforts to create and enhance our three brands which vary in features from affordability and value to high-end luxury. Centre Pointe West was one of Boardwalk’s first communities, which was branded under our affordable luxury brand: Boardwalk Lifestyle and has since been one of the most desirable luxury communities in Calgary.”
Rob Geremia, President of Boardwalk REIT added: “We are pleased with the success of our renovation and re-positioning program across our three brands: Boardwalk Living, Boardwalk Communities, and Boardwalk Lifestyle. As Sam mentioned, we would like to thank our entire team for this award, however would like to take this opportunity to recognize the Boardwalk Design Team for their vision and commitment to executing on one of Boardwalk’s core strategies of high-grading our portfolio.”
Safe Software anchor tenant at City Centre 2
Safe Software will be the anchor tenant at City Centre 2 building, developed by Lark Group. The tech firm will occupy the top five floors and 54,000 square feet of space. City Centre 2, the newest addition to the Health and Technology District in Surrey, is a 185,000 square-foot, 12-storey LEED Gold certified building.
The Lark Group developed the Health and Technology District in anticipation of the rapidly growing health and technology sector in B.C. with plans for up to eight buildings in the immediate area.
“Our District generates a robust economy and exponential opportunities for children, families and residents of Surrey, enabling future leaders and skilled talent to flourish. Lark Group’s goal is to provide an eight-phase hub of health and technology that will have impact on the lives of people around the world,” says Larry Fisher, president of Lark Group.
Upon completion, the overall District will consist of more than 1.5 million square-feet and estimates over 15,000 jobs, and will contribute over $1.1 billion annually into B.C.’s economy.
Their brand new office space includes a state-of-the-art 4,000 square-foot cafeteria, a 6,000 square-foot roof-top garden terrace and green space with a multi-level deck and walking path, a well as a fully equipped fitness centre and amenities for their employees.
“Expanding our headquarters into the Health and Technology District is a pivotal move for Safe Software that will grow our company and take us to the next level,” says Don Murray, president and co-Founder of Safe Software.
Safe Software will be moving into their new City Centre 2 space in the Fall of 2018.
Waste management tips for avoiding unwanted pests
Summer is fast-approaching, which means annoying pests will soon be out in full force. These buzzing, whirring and stinging creatures can become a big nuisance for your facility if left unchecked, and one of their favourite places to gather is a spot you may not often think about—the waste disposal zone.
While this area of a facility isn’t exactly an ideal hangout for humans, it can provide everything pests need to thrive, including warmth, food, water and shelter. Waste disposal zones are also a main source of disease-causing pathogens, which pests can pick up and readily transmit to humans. The unsanitary conditions can attract harmful or undesirable pests that can put staff, guests, tenants and potential customers at risk and drive away business.
Some of these pests include cockroaches, which can spread germs such as coliform, staphylococcus and streptococcus; flies, capable of carrying and transmitting more than 100 pathogens, including Salmonella and E. Coli; wasps, scavengers by nature that are drawn to garbage cans to find meat and sugary foods; and rodents, which can transmit multiple diseases (or dangerous parasites) and find their way indoors through holes as small as a dime. Waste zones are also known to attract birds, raccoons and skunks.
With so many possible intruders waiting to make their home in your waste disposal zone, it’s crucial to implement proper waste management procedures ahead of their arrival.
Here are six waste management tips to prevent these pests from ever becoming a problem:
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Move dumpsters as far away from buildings and outdoor communal spaces as possible and locate on a concrete pad
The closer these disposal units are to large concentrations of people, the more likely that pests will arrive and disturb your guests or employees. Plus, if pests do become an issue, they can be more easily contained in an isolated area away from your facility. The concrete pad will prevent leaking and seepage underneath, which can become a major breeding ground for flies.
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Leave all trash chutes and outdoor trash cans closed
An open waste disposal unit is an enticing proposition for a host of pests large and small. That’s why it’s best to make sure units are sealed as tight as possible. You may also wish to invest in large capacity containers with latching lids and side doors. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a trash can is rodent-proof only if there is less than six millimetres between the container and the lid.
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Check on the disposal zone daily
While inspecting, ensure that the area around dumpsters, trash cans or chutes contains no trash or discarded foods. It’s important to keep all waste within closed units. Make sure there is no standing water pooling in the area.
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Remove waste and sanitize disposal units on a frequent basis
Clean units often using a decreasing agent and high water pressure to remove any leftovers that could attract pests. If working with a contractor, make sure you are communicating about and documenting how often the units are emptied and being cleaned. Waste removal frequency is very important as well. Weekly removal helps to eliminate odours, overflow and prevent pest attraction.
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Install insect light traps and rodent monitoring stations
This will help you to surveil the area for pests and help keep them from spreading. The more you know about which pests are invading your disposal area, the better the decisions you can make about how to eliminate them.
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Talk with a pest management professional about odour-neutralizing products
Instead of masking the problem, these products can eradicate pest-attracting odours at the source, including trash chutes, garbage rooms and dumpsters. Smell is a powerful attractant that can have your disposal units full of pests quickly and without warning if left unchecked.
When it comes to preventing pest infestations, especially during the hot summer months, the best approach is a proactive one. Follow the tips above to help ensure that cockroaches, flies, wasps, rodents and other pests stay where they belong—away from your property and out of sight.
Alice Sinia, Ph.D. is Quality Assurance Manager – Regulatory/Lab Services for Orkin Canada focusing on government regulations pertaining to the pest control industry. With more than 20 years of experience, she manages the Quality Assurance Laboratory for Orkin Canada and performs analytical entomology as well as provides technical support in pest/insect identification to branch offices and clients. For more information, email Alice Sinia at [email protected] or visit www.orkincanada.com.
Cascadia Windows wins CaGBC Product of the Year
Cascadia Windows is the winner of the 2018 CaGBC Green Building Product of the Year Award for their Universal Series product line.
Product submissions are assessed based on four key areas: sustainability, transparency and verification, innovation, and application. Cascadia’s Universal Series was chosen by the jury because of its solid construction fiberglass and long life span rated at 50 plus years. They also noted that it’s a great Canadian success story – with most comparable windows coming from Europe – this is the first product line of its kind to be manufactured in Canada.
Fiberglass windows offer an 85 per cent improvement on the thermal performance of aluminum windows, which translates to a substantial reduction in heat loss through the building envelope. Studies have shown that windows have the potential to influence up to 50 per cent or more of the total energy used in buildings, making window improvements one of the easiest ways to reduce energy use and environmental impacts of buildings.
LEED certified buildings using Cascadia Windows have been located everywhere from San Diego to Nunavut, including projects directly adjacent to the ocean – demonstrating their applicability in both extreme cold and extreme hot climates.
“Cascadia Window’s team is very grateful for the fantastic acknowledgement from the CaGBC for naming our Universal Series windows and doors Product of the Year,” says Michael Blousfield, Technical Director and Operations Manager at Cascadia. “It’s a great made-in-Canada moment, and we are proud to be the first company in North America to be offering this innovative, leading-edge technology.”
The runners-up for the 2018 Green Building Product of the Year Award were Just BioFiber Structural Solutions Corp. for their Just BioFiber SSR block wall system and Greenstone Brandon Plant Ltd. for their Greenstone ICE Panel.
Montreal suburb moves to ban leaf blowers during summer
A city in Quebec has moved one step closer to banning the use of leaf blowers during summer months.
Beaconsfield, a suburb on the Island of Montreal, passed the motion at Monday night’s council meeting, with the council likely to cast its final vote on the measure at next month’s meeting.
“We started looking at this because of the noise,” Beaconsfield Mayor Georges Bourelle told CBC Montreal’s Daybreak Tuesday.
However, it’s not just the racket that comes from the machines, which are the problem, Mayor Bourelle added.
Their use causes debris particles to remain suspended in the air and have a “big impact on people with health issues — particularly children; particularly the elderly,” he said.
“We are talking about a threat to our health and to the environment,” Bourelle said. “We are talking about sweeping mould, sweeping fungal spores, sweeping insect eggs, weed seeds, fertilizers, animal feces and dust.”
The motion to ban the use of leaf blowers from June 1 to Sept. 30 is set to be adopted at the July council meeting and would go into effect, Jan. 1, 2019.
Parts of Vancouver already ban the machines, while similar restrictions have been put in place in California.
Makers of discredited firefighting foams sued
New York State is suing six manufacturers of discredited firefighting foams. The action, filed in the State supreme court yesterday, seeks to hold the companies liable for contamination that the toxins, perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), caused to soil and water in the vicinity of four airports.
The foams were manufactured and sold for a period of about 40 years, from the 1960s to 2000s, as extinguishing agents for flammable liquids released from aircraft. PFOS and PFOA accumulate and persist in the environment and have been found to cause severe harm to humans, wildlife and fish.
New York State’s suit alleges that the six companies should have known this fact as early as the 1970s. One of the subject companies has already paid a fine to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to acknowledge that it failed to disclose internal studies dating back to that era, which pointed to potential public health and environmental hazards related to the chemical formulas.
The State is asking, at minimum, for compensation of the USD $39 million it has spent thus far to respond to the risk in the affected areas. An accompanying release from the New York Attorney General Barbara Underwood tallies the components of those costs.
“Among other things, the DEC (Department of Environmental Conservation) or DOH (Department of Health) have tested public and private drinking water sources, groundwater, wildlife and other resources in the surrounding areas for contamination. Consistent with the results, the DOH has issued a ‘catch and release’ advisory to warn people about contaminated fish. DEC has also provided water treatment systems for public or private drinking sources and bottled water or connections to uncontaminated drinking water sources for several communities. The agencies have also communicated with members of affected communities through public notices, public hearings and door-to-door home visits when appropriate. DOH also has, when appropriate, offered blood sampling for people living in some affected communities,” it states.
The suit is also asking the court to award punitive damages, which would be determined at trial. New York is the first U.S. state to pursue legal action related to the firefighting foams.
“Only through our own diligence do we now know that the very products used decades ago to promote public safety, contained chemicals that pose a threat to public health,” observes New York Health Commissioner, Dr. Howard Zucker.
