Q&A: Toronto unveils new development review plan

After its first year of operations, the City of Toronto’s development review division unveiled its new strategic plan at the executive committee. The division launched in April 2024 to reduce delays and ensure projects are developed at scale as people across the city search for affordable and suitable housing options.

According to Valesa Faria, the executive director of development review, last year, Toronto welcomed more than 140,000 new residents and approved over 46,000 residential units. “Each year, the city receives over 450 new development applications and 1,200 resubmissions—more than any other Canadian municipality,” she wrote in a recent memo. “Growth is accelerating, and so must the systems that shape it.”

Since its launch, the division has reduced major application decision times across all categories. This new plan builds on this success and aims to strengthen relationships across governments and with Indigenous Rights-holders, equity-deserving groups, communities and the development industry. The division also aims to create an easier system to navigate for applicants, staff and community members, while modernizing legacy systems, introducing performance dashboards, and updating the Application Information Centre.

As well, strengthening transparency and accountability extend to performance targets, satisfaction surveys, improved public engagement responses and tracking equity outcomes.

Here, Valesa Faria discusses more about the plan’s impact on Toronto’s development industry.

Q: How will the new development review strategic plan help achieve city-building goals?

A: At the heart of this Plan is a bold commitment to people-centred urban growth, which recognizes that development must respond to the diverse needs of residents and support the creation of complete, inclusive and livable communities. Aligned with this the introduction of a human rights-based approach to development review, which emphasizes that while technical compliance is critical, people and equity must also be embedded in the development review process.

Additionally, the Plan introduces something that we believe will be a game-changer: Toronto’s first Customer Service Charter for Development Review — to be co-developed with the industry, including the Indigenous and non-profit sector, over the upcoming months. This will help strengthen trust, clarify expectations, and create a more collaborative relationship between the City and our city-building partners. We have already reduced major application decision times by 80 per cent, and see our new Strategic Plan as an opportunity to utilize Development Review as a lever, not a bottleneck, for creating more housing for diverse residents across Toronto.

Q: How will it impact condo developers?

A: We streamlined our draft plan of the condominium process to be much more efficient. In our new process, we have created two review streams for condominium applications – routine and technical. This has reduced the number of studies that we request from applicants to as little as five for routine applications. So, this means faster approvals and less cost for applicants to support getting projects built in a challenging market environment. Not only that, but all condominium developers will benefit from our new strategic priorities such as implementing standard operating procedures, modernized tools and technology, and a problem-solving approach from an interdisciplinary team of city-building experts who want to collaborate with applicants to find solutions where needed.

Burnaby adopts new height-based zoning

Burnaby is one of the first cities in North America to adopt a height-based approach to zoning, a back-to-basics approach that scraps complex rules common to most jurisdictions in favour of a simple framework that will get new homes built much faster.

“Addressing the housing crisis in our region requires real leadership and a drive to innovate at every step of the development process,” said Mayor Mike Hurley. “Switching to a height-based framework is part of our comprehensive approach to accelerating the number of homes we build in Burnaby – while also making it simple for everyone to understand how their neighbourhoods can develop.”

Burnaby’s 1965 zoning bylaw was initially effective, but over time accumulated layers of rules that ultimately made it increasingly complex and inefficient.

To address this problem, and in response to calls from the provincial and federal government for municipalities to speed up development approvals, the City of Burnaby launched a Zoning Bylaw Rewrite in 2023. The first action, earlier this year, simplified zoning in single- and two-family areas of the city by collapsing 12 different development zones into a single (R1) zone for small-scale multi-unit housing.

Now, Burnaby’s Height-Based Development Framework tackles high density areas such as the city’s town centres where, instead of using complicated floor area ratio (FAR) calculations, the city now uses building height to guide development.

This new system is easier for everyone to understand. By defining development potential by the number of building storeys, architects and developers can save both time and money, and focus their efforts on creating projects with good design and form. It also allows residents to easily predict what their neighbourhood will look like over time.

Burnaby has already given preliminary approval for the first project under the new Height-Based Framework, a 50-storey rental project proposed as part of the BC Builds program at 7135 Walker Avenue, with 384 market and 96 non-market rental units.

Fengate closes on transit-oriented rental site in Etobicoke

Fengate Asset Management closed on a purpose-built rental development site at 4–10 Beamish Drive in Etobicoke, a transit-oriented parcel located just steps from the Kipling Transit Hub.

Set to begin construction in 2026, the site is zoned for a 44-storey, 509-unit residential tower, which will offer a range of units from studios to three-bedroom units in one of Toronto’s most rapidly transforming neighbourhoods.

Located at the intersections of Dundas Street West, Bloor Street West, and Kipling Avenue, the site has direct access to TTC subway lines, GO Transit, and MiWay bus services, providing seamless connectivity across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA).

The project will complement the broader Six Points Redevelopment Plan, a transformative initiative by the City of Toronto that aims to improve roadways, pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, and create mixed-use destinations such as the new Etobicoke Civic Centre.

“This development represents a significant step forward in our commitment to delivering dynamic, transit-connected rental housing in vibrant urban communities,” said Jaime McKenna, president, Fengate Real Estate. “With its proximity to major transit, retail, and civic amenities, 4–10 Beamish Drive is poised to become a cornerstone of the Six Points neighbourhood revitalization, creating more jobs and bringing more homes to Toronto’s housing market.”

The project will target the Toronto Green Standard for sustainable building design and LEED Silver certification.

Fengate is managing this investment on behalf of the LiUNA Pension Fund of Central and Eastern Canada (‘LiUNA’), as well as another Canadian pension fund.

Ontario correctional facilities expanding with modular builds

Correctional facilities across Ontario will increase capacity through a $180-million government investment. The Niagara Detention Centre in Thorold, the Cecil Facer Youth Centre in Sudbury and the Vanier Centre for Women in Milton will be expanded to create 150 new beds and a safer workplace for frontline staff.

Kinga Surma, minister of infrastructure, said the province is modernizing its procurement processes and using modular construction methods to help speed up delivery of the infrastructure.

Bird Construction Inc. was awarded the contract to design and build the innovative modular expansions, with construction scheduled to begin in 2026. The expanded facilities will also offer enhanced rehabilitation programs, including literacy, job skills and technology training.

Since 2024, 110 additional beds have been added to adult correctional facilities across the province, with 665 more to be added by the end of 2026. By 2028, the Cecil Facer Youth Centre in Sudbury will be repurposed into an adult correctional facility to boost capacity and programming in northern Ontario.

Province allocates $10M for Sudbury rec centre

Upgrades to sports and recreation facilities across northeastern Ontario are part of a $12.6-million investment from the province, however, $!0 million of that funding is being allocated for the new Valley East Twin Pad Multipurpose Sports Complex in Greater Sudbury.

The facility will feature two NHL-sized accessible rinks, 18 change rooms, a multipurpose gymnasium, support spaces, daycare, administrative offices, a heated viewing area, café and concession area and a public concourse. The complex will also create jobs and support economic development as a community hub and events hosting venue.

Other infrastructure investment include $1,000,000 to replace the aging refrigeration system at the Espanola Arena with a CO₂ system. The upgrade will reduce energy consumption while ensuring continued service.

To support critical repairs of the Kashechewan Arena, including roof replacement, bathroom renovations and lighting and safety upgrades, the province is giving $614,600.

Another $585,250 for renovations at the Municipality of Markstay-Warren’s Multiplex will support expanded programming such as floor hockey, pickleball and Zumba, while $484,100 will replace the roof at Don Shepherdson Memorial Arena in Temiskaming Shores.

“At a time when Ontario families are facing rising costs due to tariffs, our government is proud to support organizations focused on delivering better services for people while breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for children and young people,” said Minister of Sport Neil Lumsden.

Microplastics and commercial cleaning

Sustainability in cleaning means taking an overall greener approach to products, practices, and creating partnerships that support your company’s ESG goals. While many business owners may focus on strictly limiting chemical use, everything from packaging to disposal also play an important role in minimizing your carbon footprint.

Microplastics are mostly used in cleaning products as abrasives, thickeners, or opacifiers, often with the promise of improved cleaning performance, a stable consistency, or better-looking results. These microplastics are not degradable and can pollute water sources as waste, affecting the environment and our health, which can cause inflammatory responses, hormonal concerns, and stress on internal organs.

As well as limiting chemical and VOC use to get greener, there are a few steps cleaners and businesses can take to limit their use of microplastics when cleaning:

Research shows that fibres from cleaning products release trillions of toxic microplastic particles globally each month as they wear away with use and break down into smaller pieces. Some of the possible products that contain or shed microplastics include laundry and dishwashing detergent pods and liquid capsules, toilet bowl cleaners, synthetic scrubbers and melamine sponges, scrubbing agents that contain microbeads, surface wipes that contain synthetic polymers, and some furniture polishes and waxes.

Some of these products use microplastic particles to give the product a certain abrasive effect or to add a fragrance, while others (such as melamine sponges and cleaning wipes) shed microplastics as the product degrades. Knowing which ingredients or products contain microplastics (and what they are used for) can help cleaners and their clients make more environmentally focused decisions.

Focusing on IAQ can help mitigate the effects microplastics while helping to provide a healthier indoor space. Using products like HEPA filters for the vacuum can also help eliminate microplastics in the air, mitigating human ingestion and improving indoor air quality.

Reading the product labels on your detergents and cleaning products will help you avoid microplastics in the product or packaging. To determine if cleaning products contain microplastics, check the ingredient list for specific names like polyethylene, polypropylene, polyurethane, acrylates, and polymers. Labels using words like “microplastic-free” or “biodegradable” can also help you choose products that are sustainable.

By choosing eco-friendly cleaning products, businesses can significantly reduce the impact of harmful chemicals on the earth, its inhabitants, and aquatic ecosystems. Taking small steps by opting for products that are biodegradable, phosphate-free, and free from microplastics can help companies get closer to reaching their ESG goals, while lowering their negative impact on the environment.

Microplastics seem to be everywhere, but limiting your use while cleaning helps you achieve your environmental goals, increases sustainability, and makes the environment safer for everyone.

Oxford breaks ground on purpose-built rental milestone

Oxford Properties Group broke ground on Scarborough’s first major purpose-built rental development in over a generation.

Situated on a 3.4-acre parcel of land on the west side of Oxford’s Scarborough Town Centre (STC) shopping mall, the development will consist of three residential towers made up of 1,285 purpose-built rental units, 268 of which are affordable. The towers will sit atop two seven-storey podiums featuring both residential and retail space. The project is the largest single-phase rental development currently under construction in Toronto.

The community, which will be named Alta, will accommodate a broad unit mix of 51 studios, 693 one-bedrooms, 411 two-bedrooms and 130 three-bedroom units, including 23 townhomes. The project will be in close proximity to Scarborough Centre TTC station, which is also serviced by GO Transit, and the future Scarborough Subway Extension.

The entire project is being designed to promote wellbeing and community building through the inclusion of extensive indoor and outdoor amenities, such as lounge areas, co-working spaces, a children’s playroom, fitness facilities, and a new 22,000-square-foot public park at the south end of the development. The completed project seeks to reduce its environmental impact by using a geothermal heating and cooling system that will reduce overall energy use by 55% and greenhouse gas emissions by 74 per cent.

“This generational project signifies a model we hope to replicate across Canada in the years to come, and with CMHC as a funding partner, we’re confident it will serve as a prime example of the power of public-private partnerships to work together to address the housing challenges in Canada’s largest cities,” said Daniel Fournier, executive chair at Oxford Properties.

The project is backed by a $650 million loan through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s Apartment Construction Loan Program. This represents the largest single loan issued out of Toronto that CMHC has approved and committed to through the ACLP.

Alta marks the first development within Oxford’s recently approved master plan for STC.

Feature photo: Oxford executives Steve Nightingale, Sherif Masood, Tyler Seaman, Liz Murphy, Daniel Fournier, Lena Choi, Alysha Valenti along with The Honourable MP Michael Coteau.

Congress includes ISSA priorities as part of a major tax bill

Earlier in July, President Trump signed into law the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The legislation includes several important 2025 ISSA Policy Priorities that will directly benefit the cleaning and facility-solutions industries.

ISSA priorities included in the bill:

Expanding 529 accounts for workforce training: The legislation expands qualified expenses under 529-savings plans to include post-secondary training and credentialing, such as licenses and professional certifications like those used for cleaning workers.
Making the Small-Business Deduction permanent: Solidifying the Section 199A deduction (20 per cent) will provide tax certainty for pass-through businesses, allowing them to reinvest in their operations and workforce without the threat of future tax hikes.
Restoring 100 per cent bonus depreciation: Renewing immediate expensing of capital investments through 100 per cent bonus depreciation will encourage cleaning companies to invest in new equipment and technology, spurring productivity, healthy spaces, and economic growth.
Reviving expensing of R&D costs: The bill permanently restores the ability of businesses to immediately deduct domestic research and experimental expenditures, providing critical support for innovation in the cleaning sector.

How this was achieved with the help of the ISSA membership and their hard work:

More than 250 ISSA members met with more than 175 members of Congress as part of the 2024 and 2025 Clean Advocacy Summits. Over the last two years, more than a dozen of the legislators – equal parts Republicans and Democrats – who summit attendees met with ultimately signed on to the legislation expanding eligibility for 529-savings plans following our meetings with them.
Additionally, ISSA advocates sent nearly 150 messages to their members of Congress urging them to support ISSA’s legislative priorities, including transforming 529 college-savings plans into career-savings plans.
ISSA was an early leading member of the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Coalition, a broad group of organizations that advocated for beneficial workforce-development policies to strengthen the economy.

ISSA staff and contract lobbyist DCLRS worked hard to ensure that our priorities were included in the legislation. Learn more

Building a scalable cleaning and maintenance business model

Scalable isn’t just a buzzword in the cleaning and maintenance world – it’s the difference between building a business that lasts and one that hits a ceiling far too soon. Whether you’re just stepping into the commercial cleaning space or you’re already managing multiple accounts and growing a team, your ability to scale efficiently and intelligently will determine your long-term success.

For first-time business owners, the excitement of landing that first client often overshadows the groundwork needed to build a sustainable operation. The early days are filled with the hustle of quoting jobs, buying supplies, and handling client requests personally. However, the businesses that eventually grow beyond the owner’s capacity are the ones that prioritize systems from the start.

Be the success you hope to achieve

Even if it’s just you and a mop today, treat your operation like a team of 50. Document how jobs are priced, how customer feedback is managed, and how cleaning supplies are ordered. These processes may feel excessive when you’re small, but they form the backbone of scalability. When the time comes to hire, onboard, and delegate, you’ll be ready.

For seasoned operators, the challenge isn’t usually about getting started; it’s about growing without breaking what you’ve already built. At a certain point, more clients can lead to increased confusion if internal systems haven’t kept pace, and that’s where standardization becomes critical. Every cleaner, technician, or site manager should follow the same playbook. Uniform procedures ensure that every job meets your quality standards, regardless of who performs the work or where.

But standardization doesn’t mean becoming generic. The most scalable companies often specialize in high-demand niches. Whether it’s post-construction cleanup, hospital-grade sanitation, or hood and duct cleaning in commercial kitchens, businesses that specialize tend to scale faster. Why? Because specialization creates clarity for clients, for your team, and your bottom line.

The workforce is your most significant investment

Of course, people are at the heart of every commercial cleaning and maintenance business. Hiring remains one of the biggest hurdles for operators at all levels. New owners may struggle to find their first reliable cleaner. Veteran business owners may struggle to build a strong bench of future managers. The solution lies in hiring not just for skill, but for attitude. It’s easier to train someone to follow your process than to teach them reliability, professionalism, or customer care.

Retaining good people also requires intention. A culture of accountability, development, and appreciation helps reduce costly turnover. Offering team members a path to growth within your company, whether through promotions, skill-building, or recognition, pays dividends as your business expands. The employees who stick with you through growth become your brand ambassadors and operational anchors.

When it comes to scaling smartly, data is your ally. Most operators track invoices and payroll, but few dive deeper into analytics that reveal inefficiencies or opportunities. How long does it take to complete specific job types? Which locations have the highest rates of rework or customer complaints? Where are your profit margins thinnest, and why?

Stay informed about your industry

Data doesn’t need to be complicated. Even a well-kept spreadsheet that tracks job costs, completion times, and client satisfaction can illuminate trends that inform better decision-making. More advanced tools, such as CRM software, route optimization platforms, and business intelligence dashboards, can help transform raw numbers into actionable strategy. The more you understand your business, the better you can scale it.

And let’s not forget about brand perception. It’s easy for service operators to focus solely on what happens on-site, but your brand exists far beyond the buildings you clean. A professional website, consistent messaging, and sharp branding all contribute to your credibility, especially when bidding on larger contracts or targeting enterprise-level clients. As you scale, ensure that your marketing and identity grow in tandem with you. A well-positioned brand can open doors before a sales pitch is even made.

Ultimately, consider the broader perspective. If you’re expanding into new service areas or geographies, you’ll need to consider logistics, culture, local regulations, and labour dynamics. For some businesses, franchising or licensing becomes a viable path to scalability – but only if your operational playbook is bulletproof. Even if you’re not there yet, building with that kind of replicability in mind will make every future step easier.

In the commercial cleaning and maintenance industry, scalability is never just about growing bigger – it’s about growing smarter. Whether you’re just starting or leading an established operation, the formula is the same: build strong systems, invest in people, stay data-informed, and never stop refining your processes. In doing so, you create a business that’s not only ready for growth but built to handle it.

Mark and Susan Cashman are the Master Franchise Owner for Anago of Baltimore, part of the Anago Cleaning Systems brand supporting over 1800 franchises across the U.S. and Canada. For more information about Anago of Baltimore, visit www.AnagoCleaning.com/Baltimore.

Mass timber roof complete at Kelowna airport

The mass timber roof structure for the Kelowna International Airport’s (YLW) Terminal Building expansion project is complete.

The use of mass timber throughout the 86,000 square foot Airport Terminal Building (ATB) Expansion highlights the airport’s commitment to sustainability, innovation and community reflection in this project.

YLW received $500,000 from the province’s Mass Timber Demonstration Program, which aims to grow B.C.’s mass timber and engineered wood products industry and position B.C. as a world leader in wood design, engineering and construction.

Designed by the Office of Mcfarlane Biggar Architects + Designers, the expansion reinterprets the airport’s 1960s modernist aesthetic with a sustainable, future-ready approach.

An important design consideration for the ATB expansion is to incorporate characteristics that showcase the local community. The use of mass timber plays a meaningful role in conveying the region’s natural beauty, heritage and character. The structural concept of creating a wood waffle-slab is a connection to the character of the original terminal building but reinventing it in a natural modern material, using 21st-century technologies.

The mass timber panels were manufactured at Kalesnikoff’s state-of-the-art facility in Castlegar, B.C. This facility is equipped with advanced machinery that allowed for precise machining, finishing and assembly of the panels. YLW used a digital construction twin to complete advanced computer modeling for prefabrication of the wood panels and beams. This enabled the coordination of all openings for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing to be manufactured at Kalesnikoff’s facility, and delivered ready for installation, ensuring accuracy and efficiency at the construction site in Kelowna.

PCL began construction in fall 2023, with Phase 1 scheduled to complete in 2026. Phase 2 is scheduled to start construction in 2030.

Ultra-luxury condos in high demand

Across Canada’s key luxury markets — Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and Halifax — properties priced between $1 million and $1.99 million continue to lead transaction volumes and hold steady amid economic uncertainty.

Key findings from the Canadian Luxury Real Estate Market Report, by Engel & Völkers, also show that the ultra-luxury market is accelerating as wealthy boomers downsize.

In Toronto, condos priced over the $5 million mark are experiencing strong demand. Four of the seven sales in the first half of 2025 closed in under 30 days, well below the market average. These units, often priced between $5 and $7 million, cater to a distinct buyer: ultra-high-net-worth individuals seeking long-term wealth preservation and exclusivity. These buyers prioritize scale, privacy, and design and favour boutique buildings with large, customizable suites. In Vancouver, while overall high-end condo sales remain sluggish, the same principle applies: rarity, prestige, and architectural distinction are essential.

Regional divergences are also emerging as market conditions are increasingly varied across provinces. Neighbourhood segmentation has become the new norm, with home prices varying dramatically— even from street to street — based on a complex mix of factors ranging from school zones to lifestyle amenities.

“One thing is clear — today’s Canadian market is hyper-local,” said Andrew Dinsmore, chief financial officer at Engel & Völkers Americas. “It’s no longer just about city averages — it’s about the block, the view and the school zone. From street to street, values can shift dramatically and buyers are more focused than ever on pinpointing the right fit.”

In the mid-luxury market, properties in Ottawa priced between $1 million and $1.99 million accounted for 10.8 per cent of all real estate transactions in the first half of 2025. This is up from 8.6 per cent in the second half of 2024. Other cities showed notable stability, with Toronto’s and Montréal’s average prices matching 2024 levels. Halifax saw a modest decline of just one per cent.

Immigration caps slow demand

Immigration caps are beginning to temper demand from new international buyers. Over the past decade, investors and wealthy newcomers have been a major driver of luxury sales. The latest population growth numbers (effectively flat for early 2025) reflect this policy shift.

Meanwhile, international buyers purchasing property as non-residents — often as investment holdings or secondary residences — remain subject to ongoing federal and provincial taxes on foreign buyers.

The federal Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act remains in effect through January 1, 2027, further restricting non-resident activity at the top end of the market.

Regional overview

In Toronto, average prices for two-bedroom condos dipped slightly compared to the first half of 2024, to $1.25 million, while one-bedrooms showed a slight gain, averaging $1.29 million. High inventory, long days on market and tight mortgage qualification rules contributed to a wait-and-see mentality among buyers. The resale condo market continued to outperform new construction, largely due to the disparity in value.

In Vancouver, two-bedroom condos also remained resilient, with average prices between $1.23 million and $1.27 million, highlighting their enduring appeal among entry-luxury buyers.
In Montreal, condo transactions in the $4 million-plus range doubled, rising from two to four, highlighting a modest rebound in luxury vertical living, despite municipal taxation on non-occupied properties dampening some investor activity. New listings in this tier decreased, down 8.5 per cent from 118 in January to June 2024 to 108 in the same period in 2025.

Advisors in Ottawa noted a shift toward what they are calling “micro-bursts,” pockets of intense activity in high-demand areas, where properly valued, well-located homes attracted multiple offers. Across the broader market, the days-on-market lengthened, and negotiation margins widened.

Halifax’s premium housing market saw a delayed but determined spring surge, with buyer momentum expected to continue in the summer months. The $1 million to $2 million price band accounts for the highest volume of sales above $1 million. Well-maintained detached homes continue to drive the luxury market.

Canada steels for infrastructure building boom

The Canadian government has pledged to rely extensively on domestically produced construction materials and products for its envisioned infrastructure building boom. A newly unveiled three-pronged strategy to support the beleaguered steel industry also promises new restrictions on steel imports and financial assistance for manufacturers and workers.

“Our steel industry will be central to Canada’s competitiveness, our security and our prosperity,” Prime Minister Mark Carney maintains.

It’s proposed the government will wield its influence to “ensure” Canadian steel and other construction materials are “prioritized” for major infrastructure projects and home building. New rules for government procurement will also require contractors to source steel from Canadian companies wherever practically possible. Exceptions would only be granted if contractors can show that no Canadian suppliers are capable or willing to meet project specifications or that the use of Canadian steel would escalate costs prohibitively or delay the delivery of equipment or projects related to defence, national security or other national imperatives.

“By prioritizing Canadian steel and other materials in our projects, we are taking important steps to prioritize Canadian suppliers, protect well-paying jobs, strengthen our supply chain and support our industry in the face of unjustified U.S. tariffs,” says Joël Lightbound, Canada’s Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement.

The directives related to steel follow just days after a new interim policy on reciprocal procurement came into effect for Lightbound’s department, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC). As of July 14, prospective bidders may be blocked from access to federal tenders if they are based in a country where Canadian companies face restrictions or are prevented from bidding on government contracts. This replaces the heretofore open-by-default procurement system, in which foreign bidders were only barred if they were subject to international sanctions or other specified policies or conditions.

“The policy on reciprocal procurement will help leverage our purchasing power to support Canadian businesses and workers impacted by unjustified American tariffs,” Lightbound says.

The newly announced restrictions on steel imports lower the threshold for the application of tariffs and introduce a new measure. A 50 per cent tariff will apply on incoming steel and steel products from countries with which Canada has no free trade agreement once imports surpass 50 per cent of 2024 levels. The same 50 per cent tariff will apply on steel imports from countries with which Canada has a free trade agreement once they surpass 100 per cent of 2024 levels, with the exception of Mexico and the United States.

“Existing arrangements with our CUSMA partners will remain the same, including no changes to our current trade measures with the U.S.,” a release from Prime Minister Carney’s office states. “Canada will reassess its existing trade arrangements with respect to steel, consistent with progress made in the bilateral discussions with the U.S. and taking into account broader steel negotiations.”

As well, an additional 25 per cent tariff will be applied on steel imports from all countries, except the U.S., that contain steel that has been melted or poured in China before Aug. 1, 2025.

Improving IAQ in the summer

The warmth of summer brings humidity, pollen, and pollutants, often disrupting the air quality of our indoor spaces. IAQ is a vital part of cleaning to minimize allergens, mitigate the spread of germs, and provide safe and healthy indoor environments. How can maintenance managers and janitorial staff focus on improving IAQ in the building during the summer months?

HVAC plays a big part in whether your building’s air stays clean and fresh, so regular maintenance like changing the filters means that the dust and dirt trapped there is not recycled back into the air. Create a regular schedule to perform routine maintenance that ensures your system is performing optimally.
Testing your IAQ reveals the presence of mould, VOCs or carbon monoxide so you can take the appropriate corrective action. Test kits are available for purchase, or you can call a professional to conduct the test for you. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advocates testing indoor air quality every second year, so schedule these tests to stay on track and ahead of any potential issues.
Instituting a rigorous and regular cleaning schedule helps eliminate dust and pollen in the air, which can settle on your floors and get tracked through the building.
Humidity creates an environment for bacteria and mould growth, so ensure that your humidity falls within the recommended level of between 30 and 50 per cent. Use a dehumidifier or heat pump to regulate the humidity in the building.
Air purifiers with HEPA filters can help trap airborne particles like dust, pollen, and smoke. Placing air purifiers in strategic locations throughout the office can help improve the IAQ throughout your building.
Introducing a non-smoking policy, inside and outside the building, can help keep the air clear and allow you to open some windows to increase ventilation if needed.
Adding plants to your work environment can help create an inviting atmosphere, as well as remove some of the impurities from the air. Research shows that there are several plant types that can help, such as spider plants, snake plants, peace lilies, aloe vera, Boston ferns, English ivy, rubber plants, and more.

Creating a strategy to improve the IAQ in your building is necessary for the health, wellbeing, and productivity of the people in your building.

South African regulator partners with IREM

South Africa’s Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority (PPRA) is adopting the accredited residential manager (ARM) certification as a professional development option for property managers in that country. The move arises from PPRA’s relationship with the Institute for Real Estate Management (IREM), which oversees a number of globally recognized industry certifications.

Real estate agents in South Africa must fulfill the PPRA’s professional development requirements as a condition of their practices, and IREM has already been providing content for the continuing professional development (CPD) modules they must complete. About 1,200 practitioners have thus far applied IREM courses toward PPRA’s certification for principal real estate agents.

Under a new PPRA-IREM arrangement, holders of PPRA certification will now be eligible to pursue ARM accreditation.

“This gives professionals a chance to add a global certification to their credentials and opens more opportunities in the local sector and beyond,” observes Dawn Carpenter, the 2025 IREM president.

IREM is headquartered in the United States, but boasts a global membership. Its first South African chapter was established in 2018, and that chapter’s Johannesburg-based president, Patrick Katabua, has served as instructor for IREM courses.

“The IREM modules have already been well attended and received good reviews,” reports Thato Ramaili, chief executive officer of the PPRA.

MGA named best sustainable firm in the world

Vancouver-based Michael Green Architecture (MGA) has been honoured as the Jury Winner for Best Sustainable Firm at the 13th Annual Architizer A+Awards. This prestigious recognition underscores MGA’s unwavering commitment to advancing sustainable design practices and pushing the boundaries of innovation in architecture.

Founded in 2012 by Michael Green, and co-led by principal Natalie Telewiak, MGA has consistently championed the use of mass timber and other bio-materials and technology to create buildings that are not only environmentally responsible, but also support the well-being of communities.

The firm’s recent portfolio includes groundbreaking projects such as: Google’s first mass timber developments in Sunnyvale; California-Google’s first ground-up mass timber developments; Gallivare Multiaktivitethuset – a 250,000 sqft community and recreation centre in Gallivare, Sweden; and the Royal BC Museum PARC Campus – a mass timber collections and research buildings on Vancouver Island in Canada.

“We are deeply honoured to receive this award from Architizer,” said Michael Green, founder and principal of MGA. “This recognition reflects our team’s dedication to creating architecture that serves both people and the planet. But we can do more, and now is the time for our profession and our society to take action.”

The Architizer A+Awards is the world’s largest awards program, celebrating the year’s best architecture and spaces. Winning the Jury Award for Best Sustainable Firm places MGA among the global leaders in sustainable architectural design.

B.C. makes changes to development cost charges

The B.C. government is making changes to development cost charges (DCCs) to help developers manage costs and encourage housing construction.

Eligible projects now will be protected from increases to development cost charges for 24 months instead of the previous 12. This will help to ensure that homebuilders, future homebuyers, renters and tradespeople in Metro Vancouver will have more certainty that housing projects, which are planned or under construction, will continue to be built.

The change supports the Metro Vancouver Regional District’s eligibility for $250 million in federal infrastructure funding, while granting eligible homebuilders an extra year to access the lower development cost charge rates. Using federal funding in this way ensures that Metro Vancouver can continue to upgrade critical infrastructure without increasing costs for residents or future homebuyers.

“Development cost charges are essential for funding the critical housing enabling infrastructure and aligning to the commitment of growth paying for growth — such as water, wastewater treatment, and parks — that keeps our region livable, while balancing affordability. Allowing more time to continue paying 2024 rates offers developers more financial certainty for eligible developments, which can help to advance housing, support local jobs, and stimulate the economy,” said Mike Hurley, chair, board of directors, Metro Vancouver.

This builds on recent changes to another provincial regulation to further reduce the cost of delivering new homes for people by allowing B.C. homebuilders to delay paying 75 per cent of development fees as long as four years or until occupancy, whichever comes first.

“Extending the instream protection period for Metro Vancouver’s DCC increase is a meaningful step that reflects the realities of today’s development environment. Current high-cost conditions have placed significant pressure on project viability, and without this change, many projects would not have been able to proceed. This change demonstrates a practical understanding of the barriers facing the industry and helps ease some of the immediate pressure on projects, so they can move forward,” said Anne McMullin, president and CEO, Urban Development Institute.

Ukraine’s besieged energy grid needs bracing

Canada is among world nations calling for assistance for Ukraine’s besieged energy grid, which is projected to need €630 million (CAD $1 billion) worth of repairs and troubleshooting ahead of the coming winter season. A joint Canada-European Union communique, issued in conjunction with the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Paris last week, praises efforts thus far to keep the electricity system functioning, but underscores that there is still a “significant gap” in the funds required to restore and stabilize infrastructure.

“The European Union and Canada reaffirm our steadfast commitment to supporting Ukraine in establishing a resilient, decentralized and green energy system, aligned with European standards and climate neutrality objectives, and closely integrated with the EU,” the communique states.

As co-chairs of the G7 & Ukraine Energy Coordination Group, Canada and the EU are working to mobilize funding and technical expertise. That’s occurring through the Ukraine Donor Platform, established in 2023 to coordinate resources for immediate needs and eventual reconstruction.

In the short term, funds are urgently needed to patch and maintain energy infrastructure, and augment precarious supply with low-capital generation from renewable sources. Eventually, more comprehensive fixes and rebuilding will be part of the estimated €430 billion (CAD $684 billion) price tag for post-war reconstruction.

“The co-chairs reaffirm an unwavering commitment to supporting emergency repairs, fast-tracking deployment of distributed generation, physical protection and scaling-up of renewable energy. These efforts are firmly rooted in the idea that an energy system that is more resilient to Russian attacks and guarantees Ukraine’s energy independence will necessarily entail maximizing energy efficiency, along with a vast expansion of Ukraine’s renewable electricity generation,” the communique states.

IDS Vancouver

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