Ryerson opens new MaRS science research facilities

Ryerson University has officially opened the doors to its new purpose-built Faculty of Science research facilities in the MaRS Discovery District. This space will help foster innovative collaboration, bringing together researchers previously located far from each other on campus.

The 20,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art collaborative space was designed by NXL Architects. It will house research teams conducting a variety of innovative projects on the topics of cell biology, biochemistry, microbiology and environmental toxicology.

“We’re thrilled to provide our researchers with new facilities to support and facilitate their research programs,” said the Dean of the Faculty of Science, Imogen R. Coe, in a press release. “These new facilities will allow collaborative and facilitated research, including more partnership opportunities, all of which are essential to scientific advancement.”

The facility is located on the 11^th floor of the MaRS West Tower at 101 College Street. It includes an open-concept wet lab with research pods for synergistic programs. The facility has a suite of technologies, instruments and equipment designed to support cutting-edge scientific analysis. It also features common, shared, core facilities that are built into the space, allowing for more efficient use of equipment by members of all research labs.

“We’re proud to invest in this space to foster truly incredible research. As a university, our role must be to push boundaries in all scientific fields, and creating this facility gives the next generation of researchers an opportunity to make their mark,” said Mohamed Lachemi, Ryerson president and vice-chancellor. “Valuable research is done best when different groups can come together to share their expertise, and MaRS facilities will create an ecosystem that will do just that.”

Chemistry and Biology researchers joining the space include Costin Antonescu, Michael Arts, Roberto Botelho, Jeff Fillingham, Debora Foster, Joseph McPhee, Sarah Sabatinos and Warren Wakarchuk.

EllisDon to build Manitoba’s tallest structure

EllisDon has been selected to build SkyCity Centre Winnipeg, which will soon become Manitoba’s tallest skyscraper.

Fortress Real Developments awarded the contract for the iconic 45-storey, mixed-use condo, apartment and office tower in downtown Winnipeg, that will feature 30,000 square feet of amenities. Construction is expected to start in 2017.

“EllisDon was at the top of our list knowing their capacity, expertise and track record,” said Vince Petrozza, chief operating officer of Fortress, “We have worked with them in other markets and believe they are the right team to bring this iconic tower to life.”

SkyCity Winnipeg, which is now 50 per cent sold, launched sales to the public in September 2015, in a $1 million presentation centre that featured a fully-furnished model suite, high quality digital displays and an eight-inch-tall scale model. Purchasers included first-time buyers, empty-nesters, millennial couples and investors.

“Fortress and Kirkor Architects have designed a striking tower, and we are excited to bring our vast experience to this signature building in downtown Winnipeg,” said Jamie Whaley, vice-president at EllisDon.

Over the last 65 years, Ellis Don has built prominent developments in four continents including the Art Gallery of Ontario and the Rogers Centre in Toronto, and Edmonton International Airport office tower and Eight Avenue Place in Calgary. In Manitoba, EllisDon’s portfolio includes the Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport, the Health Sciences Centre – New Women’s Hospital, the Selkirk Regional Health Centre and the Data Center construction.

Slate Office REIT reports leasing win in Moncton, N.B.

Slate Office REIT has completed a long-term lease extension with Medavie and one of its operating companies, Medavie Blue Cross.

Medavie currently occupies 155, 470 square feet in the Blue Cross Centre in Moncton, New Brunswick. This represents almost 50 per cent of leasable space.

“Blue Cross Centre is the largest and most prominent office complex in Moncton, New Brunswick and Medavie has been its largest tenant since the building’s inception in 1988,” said Scott Antoniak, chief executive officer of the REIT. “We value our relationship with Medavie and we are very pleased to have them continue their presence at the Blue Cross Centre in the heart of downtown Moncton.”

The revised lease commenced on October 1st, 2016 and matures on March 31st, 2029 with Medavie having further options to renew. The majority of the Medavie space would have expired at the end of 2018 with the balance in mid-2021.

“644 Main Street remains our largest location with more than 800 employees, even while we’ve grown to be one of Canada’s leading health companies with 6,000 employees in total,” said Bernard Lord, chief executive officer of Medavie. “We look forward to continuing a long-term relationship with Slate and our commitment to the downtown core.”

CRE Industry Coalition bashes proposed parking levy

The Commercial Real Estate Industry Coalition, a consortium of all of the major Toronto real estate associations, issued a report today outlining key disadvantages of a proposed parking levy on commercially-owned parking stalls in the City of Toronto.

According to the Real Property Association of Canada (REALPAC), the parking space levy is a poor financing tool to help the City fund its operating or capital budget gap. A parking levy is a tax applicable to all parking spaces occupied or unoccupied, above or below ground, at a set daily rate. It is levied against the owner of the parking space. It is to be distinguished from a parking sales tax, which is added to the charged cost of parking for a specific parking space actually occupied by a vehicle.

BOMA Toronto, one of the coalition partners, said the charge would essentially flow through to tenants under typical retail, industrial, and office net leases, and impose significant costs to large and small businesses, including small retailers and family businesses. Consumers would also feel these increased costs in the form of higher grocery bills, and higher cost of goods sold in retail stores.

The City’s KPMG report recommended a tax between 50 cents and $1.50 per day, per space on commercial parking spaces, which could generate about $575 million annually for infrastructure and transit. At the highest rate proposed, the parking levy could amount to a de facto 44 per cent commercial property tax increase on Toronto-based businesses. The resulting costs of doing business in the city would make relocating to 905 or elsewhere that much more attractive.

“The retail and office sectors are likely to bear most of the increased cost from a parking levy,” says Michael Brooks, chief executive of REALPAC. “At a time when Toronto’s competitiveness significantly trails other Ontario regions, a parking levy, as it has been proposed, would be another unfair burden on Toronto’s business community—especially real estate. The city needs to become more affordable not less so.”

City Council will make a decision on December 14, 2016, however it is unlikely that it will be implemented in 2017, as initially proposed.

Support staff in Windsor, Ont. schools vote to strike

Unifor support staff at the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board voted to support a strike, putting 370 workers in a legal strike position as of Monday, October 17.

“The Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board has been given every opportunity to seek a resolution,” said Deb Tveit, assistant to the Unifor National President. “Our members have been working without a contract for over two-years now and, as of today, the Board isn’t even coming to the negotiating table.”

Unifor Local 2458 represents two bargaining units that include technicians, custodians and maintenance staff.

“Wages have been frozen since 2012, and now the Board is seeking to retroactively claw back prior gains,” said Unifor National Representative Darlene Prouse. “Our members have had enough; it’s time for fairness.”

The strike mandate was authorized with votes of 92 per cent by the office, clerical and technician unit and 100 per cent by the custodial and maintenance unit. Unifor had been in ongoing talks to secure a new collective agreement, the strike vote was held after negotiations came to an impasse.

Both bargaining units have been without a contract since August 31, 2014. The expired contract was forced upon the employees under the Ontario government’s infamous anti-worker Bill 115; legislation that has since been ruled by an Ontario court to have “substantially interfered” with education workers’ right to collective bargaining.

The April 20 court decision found Bill 115 to be unconstitutional as it not only forced contracts on workers, it also froze wages, restricted the ability to strike and removed access to benefits for upcoming retirees. Despite the court decision, the Windsor-Essex Catholic School Board continues to stand by the conditions of Bill 115.

“We are appreciative of the impact a potential strike may have on students and parents,” said Bruce Dickie, president of Unifor Local 2458.This is the last available resort in our effort to pursue reaching a fair and reasonable agreement.”

Schools face risk of cockroach infestation

Reports of cockroach infestations have been circulating through high schools and elementary schools in the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) and The Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB). While the prevalence of cockroaches vary from location to location in Canada’s capital city, ten OCDSB schools and four OCSB schools have found pests on site and are currently using methods to eradicate them.

Finding cockroaches in schools is not uncommon. Earlier this year, a public school in Windsor, Ontario, reported cockroach sightings in a kindergarten room. Considering the amount of traffic that circulates these facilities on a daily basis, it makes sense to Dr. Alice Sinia, Entomologist/Quality Assurance Manager—Regulatory/Lab Services for Orkin Canada, who says there are a few different ways cockroaches find their way into schools, such as through personal belongings of both students and staff from an infested home.

“If there are 500 students in a school that is 500 different homes, and all it takes is one egg case from an infested home,” she says. “But it’s not just students; it’s the staff as well. They have to look at what packages are shipped to a school, such as food from a warehouse or processing facility. Some species just enter from the outdoors via cracks and crevices in a wall, around work-out doors, seals and window screens, or along utility lines.”

These pests are what Sinia calls a “cosmopolitan insect,” and are among the “most important structural pests associated with human habitats.” They can be found anywhere and in any city or environment where there are conducive factors to habour and sustain them. The German cockroach is the most common species found in schools, commercial facilities and homes. It’s smaller and prefers warm, humid areas with lots of water. They are typically found in a kitchen, behind an oven or fridge, or around food areas and sometimes in bathrooms.

“Once the pests find food and shelter, they will begin to reproduce and an infestation will occur,” Sinia notes. “It’s not just restricted to one geographical region or segments of a city, though it can be more prevalent in some segments of the population and city than others.”

Cockroach Hotspots

Roaches can easily move between building structures, especially within aging facilities. In multiple dwellings, like an apartment, cockroaches in one unit can move into another unit via wall voids or through openings in utility lines, such as pipelines. Since they like food, food handling and eating areas, such as cafeterias, kitchens and dining areas in schools are hot spots. A garbage room that isn’t well maintained or cleaned properly has a higher risk of infestation compared to cleaner spaces. Organization is also key—areas with a lot of clutter allow roaches to hide and protect them from control treatments.

“We know that when roaches come into a school, they will hide inside harbourage sites, such as voids, and cracks and crevices in walls, locker areas, and even desks,” adds Sinia. “So, maintenance becomes very crucial. Inspecting regularly for cracks and crevices and caulking them is very important. Now you’re taking away their home.”

Leaky water pipes and areas with standing water, such as bathrooms or kitchens or water taps, are also important to maintain because roaches love water and stay close to it because it makes a preferable habitat. Other hotspots include baseboard areas and behind unsealed bulletin boards. Space between the bulletin board and the wall can harbour roaches and will need to be sealed.

Cockroach Prevention

Besides maintaining the building structure and excluding cockroach entry and habourage points, sanitation and education are also part of a prevention strategy. Sanitation is the “foundation” for prevention, says Sinia. Eliminate food and water that is readily available by cleaning food spills. Keep food handling areas clean and limit eating areas to designated spaces for students. Use garbage receptacle with proper fitting lids and have garbage disposed regularly.

“Educating students and staff on what cockroaches look like, how they get in and what to do when they see one is also a very crucial aspect,” she says.

Controlling roaches in schools should be part of an overall Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program, based on active monitoring, correct identification of the cockroach species, habitat modification and use of the least toxic and highly specific control methods. Insecticide treatments, such as baiting, dusting and spraying should be undertaken by a trained and licensed professional, either in house or from a professional licensed pest control company.

“There’s no one specific control method that is best over the others, so you have to look at the species of cockroach and level of infestation; then you can decide on what strategy to use; you might use one or a combination of two or three.”

Before treatment even occurs, it is important to have a monitoring system in place to detect the early introduction of roaches, the level of activity and identify problem spots. This involves placing non-chemical based glue-board insect monitors in strategic hot spots, such as under a sink, inside a closet or behind a fridge. If one-three roaches are observed, a facility should begin baiting, while five or more spottings will require comprehensive treatment.

“The best approach, especially in schools, is to use different combinations of chemical and non-chemical control methods involving habitat modification,” she notes. “Roaches infest for three reasons: food, water and shelter. Modifying the habitat involves eliminating these three factors.”

The best method for low infestation—one or five roaches in a specific area of a school—is baiting. Baiting uses extremely lower doses of insecticide, formulated as insect food, in the form of a gel, liquid or paste.

“If used as per label instructions, it is very safe because it’s not airborne, very specific, highly targeted and usually put in a place where roaches are hiding away from people,” adds Sinia.

However, for a moderate to high infestation—five or more roaches—the best control strategy is to use a combination of treatments, including the use of appropriately registered and labeled insecticide to instantly “knock down the population.”

“Baiting alone might not mitigate the problem, so sometimes spraying and dusting are necessary,” Sinia adds. “The effectiveness of your treatment depends on how properly and thoroughly you perform. If you don’t use the correct strategies, you won’t succeed in controlling the cockroaches.”

Insecticide Treatments

Proper and correct use of appropriately registered and labeled insecticides for controlling cockroaches is sometimes necessary to effectively manage infestations in schools. However, facilities, such as schools and daycares that house a younger population, must take extra caution when using such treatments. Children, because of their “curiosity and tender development stages, are more vulnerable to such products.” As long as these products are used as per label directions, they are safe.

“It’s similar to a doctor’s prescription,” Sinia notes. “If you don’t follow the instructions of the prescription, it can be harmful and fatal. Insecticide products come with labels, and the labels are specific to the product and are provided by the manufacturer who has tested the products. They know the correct dose; they know where and how it should be applied and how it should be done. If those label instructions are followed, insecticide products are safe and beneficial, but if not, it can have an undesirable outcome.”

In the past, products like DDT were effective in controlling insect pests, but were also more toxic to the environment and non-target organisms, which is why they were banned and no longer in use. New generation insecticide products are less toxic, environmentally friendly and both safe and highly effective. They include products derived from plants, such as pyrethrins, inorganic salts like bric acid and naturallu occurring compounds such as Diatomaceous Earth (DE).

“Today’s insecticides are very target-based and specific to insects, so toxicity to humans is very low to none,” she adds. “There are a variety of products today that are meant to be environmentally friendly and we use products people consider green. Sometimes people have this perception that more is better or that some things in the past work stronger, but if you look at the products we now use, it is not quantity that determines effectiveness, but quality and how properly it is used.”

Insecticide application technology and techniques have also evolved.

“They have become more targeted, precise, efficient and more sustainable,” she adds. “The pest control industry has moved away from the general use of broad-based applications and space spraying in facilities to target-based applications where the treatment is directed and applied in specific areas where cockroaches hide.”

Cockroach Prevalence

Cockroaches reproduce quite rapidly. The female cockroach lays her eggs in an egg case—a small suitcase-type nest with a hard cover. There might be 10 to 60 eggs in that case, depending on the species. If one female roach enters a facility and deposits a case, that could amount to 10 to 60 baby roaches hatching, growing into adults, becoming sexually mature and reproducing.

“All it takes is one female with an egg case to start a population,” says Sinia. “Even if you see one cockroach on a monitor, be proactive. It’s very important to contact a licensed pest control provider to address the issue right away.”

Communicating Cockroach Infestations

“Everyone has to be on the same page, from the principal and staff to the custodian and people who prepare food, including the students,” Sinia emphasizes. “For that to happen, there has to be a clear communication channel. Students should know what a cockroach looks like, what they should be looking for, exactly what to do and who to report to.”

Communication is a useful component of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), a preventative broad-based approach that all schools should implement. Within this program, students should be informed of their responsibility to check backpacks, eat in designated areas and report a sighting if needed.

Sinia suggests schools “get kids engaged” rather than just communicating an issue to parents. Many students are more aware of head lice than cockroaches, she notes. While there is still a stigma around contracting head lice, the problem is communicated in the classroom and students know how they’re easily transferred through close contact and that they shouldn’t share brushes and hats. However, many don’t know what cockroaches look like or how to prevent them.

Tips for communicating facility cleaning issues

The cleanliness of a facility is often based on appearance. In some cases, cleaning professionals are often targeted because, until recently, there was no scientific way to tell whether a facility or areas within a facility were effectively sanitized and left in a healthy, clean state. At the same time, facility managers are trying to assess the current needs of their buildings, while also dealing with cleaning and maintenance issues on a day-to-day basis.

There are several instances where intervention is needed because facility managers are unsatisfied with the cleaning work being performed, while cleaning workers are unhappy with the managers, believing their criticisms are unjustified. At the same time, cleaning workers have issues with other cleaners and their supervisors. As a result, facilities can become highly dysfunctional and building occupants can suffer.

With the goal of streamlining cleaning operations, the following are some tips for expressing and receiving cleaning-related issues. Cleaning issues will always be prevalent in building maintenance, but when an issue isn’t addressed, a complaint is warranted. With this in mind, here are some suggestions to ease the process of voicing and resolving issues to ensure problems are addressed, to eliminate dysfunction and keep everyone focused on maintaining a healthy, clean facility.

Tips for building managers on addressing cleaning issues

Be sure to investigate an issue promptly and thoroughly before intervening. Communicating issues allows the contractor the opportunity to investigate and develop a solution. Given a day or two, if possible, the cleaning service may be able to rectify the situation on its own and eliminate the need for further action.
When an issue has not been addressed and a complaint is justified, building managers should know that diplomacy and professionalism always work best. The goal is to remain rational and clear-headed while speaking in a coherent manner.
Once a problem reaches complaint status, approach it as soon as possible. Give it appropriate time to be corrected on its own, but after that, the longer it festers, the more likely the issue will turn more personal. This is something you want to try to avoid. Ask the contractor when you can expect the correction to take place. Unless it is an unconventional problem, within 24 hours it should be corrected and a solution should be in place to prevent a reoccurrence.
How the problem is communicated should be described in the contractor’s proposal. A meeting, either by phone or in person, should be set with the contractor to agree on the process. Words and emotions often can be misconstrued in an e-mail, which mars the diplomacy and professionalism called for, creating an us-versus-them situation.
Once the problem has been discussed, give the cleaning contractor adequate time to address it. If the complaint has not been handled in an appropriate amount of time, then writing a letter is the next step. The letter should be sent to someone in a management position.

Tips for cleaning contractors on addressing issues

The first step is just to listen. A cleaning contractor or supervisor should carefully listen to the complaint stated. Becoming defensive or interrupting the facility manager will only make the process more difficult.
The first reaction from the contractor should be to empathize with the building manager. Put yourself in his or her shoes to better understand the situation.
One of the smartest things a cleaning contractor can do is apologize, even if the situation is not his or her fault. Apologizing is part of the empathizing process and helps to remove much of the tension often created in the situation.
Next, the cleaning contractor must handle the situation. As long as the issue is justified, thank the manager (or building user) for bringing attention to the problem and promise to follow up with a cause of the problem and solution.
If the investigation finds that the problem is not the vendor’s fault, the issue must be discussed with the facility manager in the same diplomatic and professional manner in which it was presented. However, if it is the fault of the contract cleaner, the problem must be addressed and corrected as soon as possible.

Ron Segura is president of Segura Associates. His company works with large cleaning contractors to help them build their businesses, as well as with corporate and university campuses, helping them streamline their cleaning and building operations so that they function more effectively and efficiently to realize a cost savings.

National crane skill test now available

The Asia Pacific Gateway Skills Table has released the National Mobile Crane Operator Demonstration of Skills Test (DOST), a turnkey package consisting of products now available for use by Canada’s crane industry.

DOST can be used to assess the practical ability of a mobile crane operator to safely operate cranes to Occupational Health and Safety requirements and industry standards. It is comprised of the DOST Protocol and Candidate Guide, each designed to complement the existing Red Seal endorsement. The DOST Protocol includes standardized questions for written assessments, an Assessor’s Guide and checklists. The Candidate Guide provides standardized information to candidates undertaking the DOST and includes information on the scope of the assessment.

For the past two years, the Skills Table has led a project committee of industry representatives to develop DOST. During the development phase, the project committee provided strategic guidance and sought input from a technical working group of industry and crane subject matter experts in jurisdictions across Canada, with testing completed by training organizations throughout the country.

“We are pleased with the final outcome of the report and are happy that our industry partners came to the table to assist us in the development of the DOST,” said Lionel Railton, project chair and Canadian regional director of the International Union of Operating Engineers. “We remain hopeful that the Canadian Council of Directors of Apprenticeship will adopt the DOST as part of the Red Seal Mobile Crane Operator program.”

Industry has long touted the need for a standardized DOST to increase employability for crane operators relocating for work, reduce red tape for employers, lower costs for all, and improve safety. The DOST is a solution for jurisdictions without existing tools, while those that have a DOST can use it to compare systems in place and make improvements. Employers can use DOST to conduct in-house assessments.

Efforts were made to include the DOST as part of the Red Seal assessment process for mobile crane operators. As the Canadian Council of Directors of Apprenticeship is focusing on harmonization of apprenticeship as its strategic priority, the Canadian Hoisting and Rigging Safety Council (CHRSC) will assume the position as steward for DOST. The CHRSC, a key strategic partner and project committee member since the inception of DOST, will continue its advocacy position for DOST as part of the Red Seal assessment for crane operators.

“Our stewardship of the DOST will provide oversight on the future development, ongoing implementation and review process, including advocating to the Canadian Council of Directors of Apprenticeship to include the DOST in the Red Seal assessment process,” said Tim Bennett, chair, Canadian Hoisting and Rigging Safety Council.

In addition, CHRSC has committed to actively communicate with industry and respond to DOST-related inquiries, and ensure the DOST Protocol and Candidates Guide is publicly available online. The CHRSC will also review the DOST Protocol at least every five years.

The project was managed by the Asia Pacific Gateway Skills Table and funded by the Government of Canada’s Sectoral Initiatives Program.

DOST Protocol and Candidate Guide documents are available for download by visiting cadmobilecranedost.com

CIBC Mellon adds Mississauga office

Growth is a common reason for companies to relocate. Indeed, it was one of two key drivers behind CIBC Mellon’s recent move into a Mississauga outpost. The financial services provider was in expansion mode after acquiring new business.

Risk management was the other key driver behind CIBC Mellon’s move. As a matter of business continuity, it selected a site in the large suburban centre rather than searching for additional space in downtown Toronto.

“We have several alternate backup locations for staff, but we wanted to separate the primary working locations of our team — in the event one office is impacted, we can more easily shift work around,” explained Johnny Fong, assistant vice president, corporate real estate and administration, CIBC Mellon.

“As an example, earlier this summer there was a brief power outage in downtown Toronto, so we proactively decided to shift some employees to our alternate locations and to the Mississauga office, which is well set up with hoteling stations for visiting staff.”

CIBC Mellon celebrated the opening of its new office, now home to more than 150 accounting, client service and operations staff, last month. Phase one of the project gave the financial services provider 35,650 square feet on the 10th and 12th floors of 55 Standish Crt.

This particular location in Mississauga provided proximity to highways 401, 407 and 401 as well as a planned light rapid transit stop at Britannia Road and Hurontario Street, said Fong. Plus, it gave employees access to free parking and the ability to run errands at the nearby Heartland Town Centre.

The building itself contained attractive amenities including a new tenant lounge and fitness facilities that offer massage therapy and yoga classes. It also contrasted CIBC Mellon’s downtown Toronto location in a historical building surrounded by skyscrapers.

The modern facilities benefited from natural daylight and unimpeded views, which WZMH Architects, who designed and managed the project, sought to accentuate.

“We basically took all of the spaces where people work on a day-to-day basis, and all their workstations, and we put them around the perimeter to have access to all the large windows,” said Zenon Radewych, principal, WZMH Architects. “Then we moved all of the spaces that required four walls around them — i.e. meeting rooms and special offices — and put them around the core.”

One aspect that was unique to designing for CIBC Mellon was the need to integrate the branding of both of its 50-50 joint venture owners, CIBC and BNY Mellon. The resulting palette incorporates blues, greens, oranges and yellows that double as wayfinding elements, said Jerome de Kauwe, designer, WZMH Architects

“There are punches of colour,” as he described it. “It’s not a dull, grey office with white furniture.”

This sort of effort to incorporate multiple stakeholders’ perspectives was fitting, given the project’s wider focus on promoting collaboration within the new office.

Not only are many workstations arranged in beehive-style configurations, but the space provides a range of collaboration-promoting spaces. Notably, the multi-purpose lunchroom expands to accommodate large gatherings thanks to a sliding glass door.

With its Mississauga office, CIBC Mellon hopes to retain the great staff it has, as well as attract professionals from the growing city’s talent pool.

“When a new employee comes into the space, they get to experience this bright and open area, with teams connecting around small tables or comfortable chairs, modern workstations, and people who clearly want to be here,” said Fong.

The project was completed on schedule over the span of roughly six months, split about evenly between design and construction.

A unique procurement process helped the financial services provider stick to its budget. Where possible, CIBC Mellon contracted directly with furniture vendors and others to avoid markups.

“They took advantage of their relationships with suppliers over the years and only tendered the work that had to be tendered through the general contractor,” said Radewych.

A second phase, scheduled for occupancy before the year is out, will give the company another 23,550 square feet on the fifth floor of 55 Standish Crt.

Michelle Ervin is the editor of Canadian Facility Management & Design.

Langara opens new Science and Technology Building

Langara College in Vancouver has officially opened its new Science and Technology Building. The ribbon-cutting event included Advanced Education Minister Andrew Wilkinson, Vancouver Deputy Mayor Heather Deal, Chief Wayne Sparrow of the Musqueam First Nation, and Langara students, board members, faculty, and staff.

“This new facility provides new spaces and opportunities to enhance our students’ learning. Our entire community is so excited about this beautiful signature addition to our campus,” said Dr. Lane Trotter, president, Langara College.

The state-of-art building will meet the growing demand for science and technology education. Adding more than 1,000 square metres of student space and 35 new laboratories and classrooms, the five-storey building is the new home for several programs including computer science, biology, physics, internet and web technology, nursing, and more. On the west side, a dramatic 16-metre cantilevered portion incorporates a skylight window that allows natural daylight to penetrate through to the ground below.

“Collaboration between the sciences is key. The pristine cantilevered volume of labs is disturbed by the vortex lounge which spirals up through the building around a glowing oculus, mixing students from all disciplines together in a dynamic social space,” described Stephen Teeple, technical and design Architect, Teeple Architects.

Principle architects on the project were Teeple and Kori Chan, Proscenium Architects. Construction of the new building began in April 2014, led by Bird Construction.

Advancing the College’s sustainability goals, the project is targeted for a Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design Gold designation by using highly-efficient building systems and fully integrating healthy living components.

LEED design features include energy efficient building envelope; low-flow fume hoods with adjustable sashes; and, energy-efficient mechanical and electrical systems.

The employed energy efficient strategies and systems have resulted in an overall annual energy cost savings of 45 per cent (over $74,000 in utility cost savings) compared to a conventionally constructed building.

Demand for engineers and geoscientists in B.C.

Opportunity is often the catalyst for innovation and change. It has led men and women to cross oceans, climb mountains and explore the unknown for the promise of something more. For those looking to pursue careers in engineering and geoscience, opportunity awaits in British Columbia according to a recent Labour Market Study. Over the next 10 years, the Labour Market Study estimates that there will be more than 31,000 job openings for engineers, geoscientists, and technologists.

The study was conducted in partnership between the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of BC (APEGBC), the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies British Columbia, the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of British Columbia, and the Asia Pacific Gateway Skills Table with support from the Province of BC and the Government of Canada.

It produced comprehensive information, which will be valuable to today’s youths as well as industry professionals, on anticipated future labour needs, as well as gaps and trends within the engineering and geoscience sectors. It includes a 10 year regional outlook for 31 occupations across four regions of B.C. as well as the province as a whole.

Three economic scenarios were analyzed in the study: low investment, moderate investment and high investment to best forecast future labour-market trends. For engineers, the labour supply is not substantially affected by the scope of economic investment in B.C. The difference between the high and low economic investment scenarios is under one per cent of the total supply.

Study findings suggest that new entrants to the profession will generate 50 per cent of the new supply of workers needed to meet the anticipated demand in the province. It’s estimated that a quarter of workers currently in engineering will leave the labour market by the end of 2024. As current industry professionals advance in their careers to fill more senior level positions, there will be opportunities for new post-secondary graduates to join the workforce. The Southeastern B.C. and the Vancouver Island Coast regions show even greater need as the study anticipates that 1 in 4 individuals will leave the labour market in these regions.

In addition to the current positions which will become available, 11,555 of the 31,150 projected jobs will be new jobs. The actual number of new job openings will be affected by large-scale projects which are anticipated between 2015-2024, in addition to normal economic growth. It’s estimated that supply of educated professionals will be lagging demand by as much as 10 per cent between 2015-2020.

The most significant supply pressure will be felt in the Northern and South Eastern regions of the province. B.C. engineers are densely populated in the Lower Mainland, with only 10 per cent residing outside of that region. This anticipated demand will present an opportunity for professionals currently in the Lower Mainland area to take their talent to other regions of B.C.

While the study indicates clear opportunities for new graduates entering the fields of engineering and geoscience, there are also opportunities to be had by international professionals. It is anticipated that 41 per cent of the total new supply of engineers will need to come from professionals trained in other countries. Due to the global nature of the engineering and geoscience professions, labour supply management trends are shifting away from more traditional models of supply. It is expected that employers will continue to outsource work to other provinces or countries as a means of meeting demand for engineering and geoscience services for B.C. projects.

As regulations vary between jurisdictions, it is a requirement that professional services performed for B.C. projects be directly supervised by an individual licensed to work within B.C. who has a comprehensive understanding of discipline specific provincial regulations, codes and guidelines.

Findings from the study made it apparent that there are other additional areas which would provide a better understanding of labour supply and demand for these occupations, as well as employers’ needs and expectations. As such, the federal government has provided funding to launch the second phase of the labour market study for engineers, geoscientists, technologists and technicians to provide more data on these areas of interest.

As new engineers and geoscientists seize this opportunity and embark along the path of those before them, it is important they maintain the values which have made this path so promising and keep public safety as their guiding principle.

Janet Sinclair is chief operating officer of APEGBC. For more information on the Labour Market Study please visit http://www.lmionline.ca/projects/egtt/.

GTA home sales climb 21.5 per cent in September: TREB

According to the Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB), Greater Toronto Area realtors reported 9,902 sales through the MLS System in September 2016, which is a 21.5 per cent increase compared to September 2015.

Across the entire GTA, strong annual rates of sales growth were experienced across all major home types. The pace of detached sales growth was slower in the city of Toronto and the number of semi-detached home sales declined compared to last year. In both cases, the year-over-year drop in new listings likely caused the issue.

“We continued to see strong demand for ownership housing up against a short supply of listings in the Greater Toronto Area in September,” said Larry Cerqua, TREB president, in a press release. “The sustained lack of inventory in many neighbourhoods across the GTA continued to underpin high rates of price growth for all home types.”

Both the MLS Home Price Index (HPI) Composite Benchmark and the average selling price for all home types combined showed strong year-over-year growth in September. The MLS HPI Composite Benchmark grew 18 per cent year-over-year, while the average selling price increased 20.4 per cent to $755,755.

“The Toronto Real Estate Board will be closely monitoring how the recent changes to the Federal mortgage lending guidelines and capital gains tax exemption rules impact the housing market in the Greater Toronto Area,” added Jason Mercer, TREB’s director of market analysis. “While these changes are pointed at the demand for ownership housing, it is important to note that much of the upward pressure on home prices in the GTA has been based on the declining inventory of homes available for sale.”

Canadian housing starts trend higher in September

In September, the trend measure of housing starts in Canada was 199,503 units, compared to 196,465 in August, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). The trend is a six-month moving average of the monthly seasonally adjusted annual rates (SAAR) of housing starts.

“Housing starts were on an upward trend in September, as residential construction increased across the country with the exception of Ontario, where the multiples segment softened to levels that are more consistent with household formation,” said Bob Dugan, CMHC chief economist, in a press release. “Quebec saw the largest gain in housing starts due to the development of new rental apartments intended for seniors. That said, Quebec’s growing apartment stock emphasizes the importance of inventory management.”

CMHC uses the trend measure to complement the monthly SAAR of housing starts to account for significant swings in monthly estimates and to obtain a better picture of the state of Canada’s housing market. Sometimes, analyzing only SAAR data can be misleading, as this data is largely driven by the multi-unit segment of the market, which varies significantly from month to month.

The standalone monthly SAAR for all regions in Canada was 220,617 units in September, an increase compared to August’s 184,201 units. The SAAR of urban starts increased by 19.7 per cent in September to 201,848 units. Multiple urban starts increased by 22.3 per cent to 137,803 units in September, while single-detached urban starts increased by 14.5 per cent to 64,045 units.

Although September saw the seasonally adjusted annual rate of urban starts increasing in British Columbia, Quebec, the prairies and Atlantic Canada, it decreased in Ontario.

Rural starts were estimated at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 18,769 units.

Hazel McCallion hosts GTHA summit over land planning concerns

Hazel McCallion, the former mayor of Mississauga and ex-officio Advisor to the Premier on issues within the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA), hosted a summit of GTHA mayors and chairs to hear from municipal officials on the province’s Co-Ordinated Land Use Planning Review. The meeting was called as a result of the GTHA municipalities raising concerns on Ontario’s proposed amendments to the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe and Greenbelt Plan.

“We heard consistent messages from the mayors and chairs, related to the proposed density targets being too high, about what their cities and towns will look like under the proposed plan, as that certain types of density will end up in areas that do not have the necessary planned or existing transit, infrastructure, community services and corresponding financial investments to support that type of growth,” said McCallion. “This comes with zero consideration for the financial and economic implications to the municipalities and regions. I am very concerned that these plans are absent of any direction or planning for economic growth.”

The summit allowed municipal colleagues to collectively share concerns and recommendations on the proposed draft amendments to the Greenbelt and Growth Plans, which Councils will be submitting to the province by October 31st.

“I heard overwhelming concern today from my municipal colleagues on the proposed density and intensification targets,” said McCallion. “Some municipalities are clear they just cannot support them. Some say that they should be applied to areas where it makes the best planning sense. What’s clear is that the province has not looked at the impact of the proposed policies on each municipality and it cannot be applied the same way across the GTHA. This is not evident-based planning.”

McCallion will use the summit findings to inform her report to the Premier on all of the issues impacting GTHA municipalities and their residents as a result of the Proposed Plans. Specifically, McCallion is concerned with how the plans will impact affordability and housing choice.

Among all the changes, the proposed amendments to the Growth Plan require the current Designated Greenfield Area density of 50 residents and jobs per hectare to be increased to 80 residents and job per hectare, and the intensification target for built areas is proposed to increase from 40 to 60 per cent.

“The message was clear – one size does not fit all. As a group, the municipalities are united in opposing this approach with does not respect individual city building process and differences across the GTHA regions,” added McCallion. “Local government is closest to the people. Municipalities need to make local decisions, and it will be the municipalities that are left to implement these plans at a time when we are only beginning to see the impacts of the first Greenbelt and Growth Plans. We recognize it’s very hard for the province to understand the differences among municipalities, but they cannot be ignored.”

Photo courtesy of Joey Coleman.

Brandy Lane Homes to help revitalize Robertson Davies Park

Brandy Lane Homes, the City of Toronto and Hydro One are working together to revitalize Robertson Davies Park after Hydro One crews recently cut down 29 Norway Maple trees in the park without prior consultation or permission.

Brandy Lane Homes, a GTA-based developer, is in the midst of developing The Davies Condominiums, a nine-storey, 41-unit building north of Robertson Davies Park on Avenue Road at Cottingham Street.

“I have had positive conversational with Ward 22 Councillor Josh Matlow and together with the City of Toronto and through community meetings and discussions, we are formulating a plan of revitalizing the park in the wake of this most disappointing development,” said David Hirsh, president of Brandy Lane Homes, in a press release.

The developer is working hard to assist in fixing the error made by Hydro One crews. They have retained award-winning landscape design firm NAK Design Strategies to enhance the look of the north side of the park, and they expect to work with the City of Toronto and Hydro One to ensure the south side of the park is aligned with the design firm’s vision of the north side.

“We will work with the city and area residents to achieve the best possible solution going forward for Robertson Davies Park, so it continues to be an important neighbourhood amenity,” added Hirsh.

Metro Vancouver home sales fall 32.6 per cent

September 2016 saw Metro Vancouver home sales fall to 2,253, a 32.6 per cent drop compared to the 3,345 sales recorded in September 2015. These levels are also 9.5 per cent below August 2016’s 2,489 home sales, marking a 9.6 per cent decline from the 10-year sales average for the month.

“Supply and demand conditions differ today depending on property type,” said Dan Morrison, president of the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV), in a press release. “We’re seeing more demand for condominiums and townhomes today than in the detached home market.”

There were a total of 4,799 new listings for detached, attached and apartment properties in Metro Vancouver in September 2016, a one per cent decline compared to the 4,846 units in September 2015 and an 11.8 per cent increase compared to August 2016, when there were 4,293 properties listed. The total number of homes currently listed for sale on Metro Vancouver’s MLS system is 9,354, which is 13.4 per cent less than September 2015’s 10,805 homes and 10 per cent higher than August 2016’s 8,506 homes.

The sales-to-active listings ratio for the month is 24.1 per cent, the lowest it has been since February 2015, indicating upward pressure is being exhibited on home prices.

“Changing market conditions are easing upward pressure on home prices in our region,” added Morrison. “There’s uncertainty in the market at the moment and home buyers and sellers are having difficulty establishing price as a result.”

The MLS Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in the region is currently $931,900, a 28.9 per cent increase year-over-year and a 0.1 per cent drop compared to one month before.

There were 666 sales of detached properties in September 2016, a 47.6 per cent decline compared to the 1,272 detached sales recorded in September 2015. The benchmark price for detached properties is $1,579,400, which is 33.7 per cent higher compared to September 2015, and 0.1 per cent higher compared to August 2016.

Apartment property sales reached 1,218 in September 2016, a 20.3 per cent decline compared to the 1,529 sales in September 2015. The benchmark price of an apartment property increased 23.5 per cent year-over-year to $511,800, which is 0.5 per cent lower than in August 2016.

Attached property sales in September 2016 totalled 369, a 32.2 per cent decline compared to the 544 sales in September 2015. The benchmark price of an attached unit increased 29.1 per cent to $677,000, which is 0.1 per cent lower than in August 2016.

Housing starts trend increases in September

Housing starts in Canada have trended upwards in September, according to CMHC. The trend measure of housing starts was 199,503 units this past month compared to 196,465 in August. The trend is a six-month moving average of the monthly seasonally adjusted annual rates (SAAR) of housing starts.

“Housing starts were on an upward trend in September, as residential construction increased across the country with the exception of Ontario, where the multiples segment softened to levels that are more consistent with household formation,” said Bob Dugan, CMHC Chief Economist. “Quebec saw the largest gain in housing starts due to the development of new rental apartments intended for seniors. That said, Quebec’s growing apartment stock emphasizes the importance of inventory management.”

CMHC uses the trend measure as a complement to the monthly SAAR of housing starts to account for considerable swings in monthly estimates and obtain a more complete picture of the state of Canada’s housing market. In some situations analyzing only SAAR data can be misleading, as they are largely driven by the multi-unit segment of the market which can vary significantly from one month to the next.

The standalone monthly SAAR for all areas in Canada was 220,617 units in September, up from 184,201 units in August. The SAAR of urban starts increased by 19.7 per cent in September to 201,848 units. Multiple urban starts increased by 22.3 per cent to 137,803 units in September and single-detached urban starts increased by 14.5 per cent to 64,045 units.