Dialog and Rockliff announce merger in Edmonton

Dialog and Rockliff Pierzchajlo Kroman (RPK) Architects announced the merger of their design practices. With a history of successful collaboration and strong Edmonton roots, their combined expertise enhances their strength in designing spaces that reflect and serve the local community. The combined operations will be based out of the Dialog’s Edmonton studio.

“We’re thrilled to join forces with RPK Architects – a firm with a deeply-rooted reputation for delivering community-focused and socially impactful projects,” said Antonio Gómez-Palacio, chair of Dialog. “Bringing our teams together strengthens our ability to work with clients and communities across Western Canada and the Territories – particularly on delivering innovative, complex projects that demand both creativity and regional expertise.”

As part of the merger, Jan Kroman, formerly principal at RPK Architects, joins DIALOG as a partner. Kroman brings extensive experience that spans both international and local design contexts, having worked in Holland, Japan, Toronto, and Calgary. With a background in engineering and architecture, Kroman is skilled in balancing strong design intent with pragmatic considerations. Additionally, he holds a deep interest in the intersection of art, urbanism, and architecture, and has contributed to the profession in both practice and academia.

“At RPK, our work has always focused on designing spaces that empower communities and elevate their experiences. By joining Dialog, we look forward to continuing that legacy – combining our efforts and expertise to deliver innovative design solutions and solve architectural challenges,” he said. “Together, we’re better positioned than ever to take on projects that will shape the future of our cities in meaningful ways.”

Jonathan Rockliff, principal architect at RPK, joins Dialog as a consultant partner, while Jan Pierzchajlo, principal emeritus, retired from RPK in 2022 but continues to lend his expertise as an advisor on select projects.

New $27.5M Bear Creek Stadium opens in Surrey

The new $27.5M Bear Creek Stadium in Surrey is officially open. The facility includes a covered grandstand with three times the seating, an upgraded track and new changerooms.

The stadium was designed with accessibility and adaptability in mind, featuring extra wide passageways, accessible public washrooms, universal change rooms with accessible showers, and an elevator to bring spectators and sport officials to the upper levels of the grandstand.

“The completion of the upgraded Bear Creek Stadium is an exciting milestone for our community and will serve as a premier venue for sporting events for the Lower Mainland,” said Mayor Brenda Locke. “With 2,200 seats and a track that meets international standards, we’re positioning ourselves to host major events that will bring visitors and economic benefits to our community. Our council is committed to ensuring the sports and recreation amenities in Surrey are keeping pace with the tremendous growth of our city. That’s why we continue to make historic investments, including our $710 million capital program, to ensure our growing city has the amenities it needs to thrive.”

Since the 1950s, the track and field at Bear Creek Park has hosted countless sporting and community events and has seen various improvements over the decades. The new stadium will position Surrey to bid on major sport tourism opportunities through organizations like Athletics Canada and World Athletics that can generate significant economic benefits to the community.

Pending Class 2 Facility Certification, Bear Creek Stadium will be eligible to host high-profile events, including World Athletics Continental Tour Gold and Silver events, Bronze-level meets, and Challenger Series events. Key organizations including BC Athletics and BC School Sports will also benefit from this new facility, which will support a wide range of provincial and regional level events. This will help strengthen the athlete development pathway and enhance Surrey’s overall hosting capacity.

The new stadium also includes a new plaza, utility connections for food trucks, and a concession stand and ticket booth that can be adapted in the future to accommodate other uses.

Pomerleau awarded Belleville Terminal Phase II

Pomerleau has been awarded a $304 million design-build contract by the British Columbia Ministry of Transportation and Transit for the Belleville Terminal Redevelopment Project Phase II.

The design-build delivery of this replacement ferry terminal in Victoria includes major new marine works to replace the old wharf as well as a new passenger building and adjacent civil works.

“At Pomerleau, we believe great infrastructure builds great communities”, said Philippe Adam, president and CEO at Pomerleau. “The Belleville Terminal Redevelopment Project is critical to the region and will provide a safe and secure modern port of entry – we are very proud to bring our technical expertise and collaborative approach to the table”.

The Belleville Terminal Redevelopment Project – Phase II will create a safe, secure, and state of the art international gateway for both passengers and goods traveling between British Columbia and the United States. Designed to comply with Canada-U.S. Land, Rail, Marine and Air Transport Preclearance Agreement, the terminal will make travel faster and easier by allowing passengers to complete the customs and immigration process in Victoria prior to disembarking in the U.S. Pomerleau will work closely with the province, Indigenous Nations, and key project stakeholders to finalize the terminal design and deliver this critical infrastructure.

Stantec will serve as the lead designer for Phase II of the project as part of the design-build team with Pomerleau. This phase will demolish the existing Clipper Terminal infrastructure and construct a new consolidated preclearance terminal building with modern border security standards.

The new terminal will be located within Victoria’s Inner Harbour, on the existing site of the Belleville Terminal. It will include new passenger waiting areas, a commercial goods processing facility and commercial retail space.

Construction of the new landmark terminal will begin later this summer. The project is expected to be completed in 2028.

Canadian rent prices continue to cool

The average asking rent for residential properties across the country fell 2.7 per cent year-over-year in June after nearly a decade of surging rents, According to the latest National Rent Report from Rentals.ca and Urbanation, this marks the ninth consecutive month of annual declines, providing some relief for renters.

“Rent decreases at the national level have been mild so far, with the biggest declines mainly seen in the largest and most expensive cities,” said Shaun Hildebrand, President of Urbanation. “However, it appears that the softening in rents has begun to spread throughout most parts of the country.”

Condo apartments experienced the steepest annual decline at 4.9 per cent, while houses and townhomes fell by 6.6 per cent. Purpose-built rentals proved more resilient, dipping a modest 1.1 per cent. Over three years, purpose-built rentals have actually grown strongest, with rents rising 24.6 per cent, compared to just 1.6 per cent for condos and a 0.2 per cent decline for houses and townhomes.

The decline in rent prices was also evident across unit sizes. One- and two-bedroom units saw year-over-year drops of 3.5 per cent, while studios slipped only 0.4 per cent, though studio rents have soared an impressive 19.3 per cent over three years. In contrast, three-bedroom purpose-built apartments bucked the trend, jumping 4.4 per cent annually to an average of $2,755, making them June’s strongest-performing segment.

Regional insights

Provincially, British Columbia and Alberta led the declines at -3.1 per cent, followed by Ontario at -2.3 per cent. Saskatchewan was the outlier, with rents up 4.2 per cent—the only province posting an annual increase—and still offering Canada’s lowest average rent at $1,396. Over the past three years, Alberta (+32.8%) and Saskatchewan (+36.2%) have seen the fastest rent growth in the country.

Among major cities, Calgary experienced the steepest drop in rents at -7.9 per cent, while Vancouver rents fell 7.0 per cent and Toronto’s by 4.7 per cent. Ottawa and Edmonton were the exceptions, recording modest increases.

Shared accommodations

Average asking rents for shared units dropped 5.1 per cent to $939. Vancouver saw the steepest decline at -11.6 per cent, while Ottawa bucked the trend, leaping 12.8 per cent to $1,058 due to a shift toward pricier co-living spaces.

Despite recent declines, affordability remains a concern, especially in the context of long-term increases. While the market appears to be cooling, many households are still feeling the pressure of elevated rents.

Four Dispenser Facts Facility Leaders Need To Know

While restroom dispensers might blend into the background, they are actually critical lifelines of any facility, essential for improving hygiene and user satisfaction. These often-overlooked fixtures are the backbone of proper hygiene practices, ensuring restroom users have the resources they need for a clean and positive experience.

Guest experience is paramount, impacting everything from tenant satisfaction and employee morale to operational efficiency and overall facility reputation. Keeping dispensers well-stocked and ensuring ease of access are critical to reducing user complaints. Let’s explore four key facts that highlight the hidden power of the humble restroom dispenser.

1. Dispenser design: Thinking beyond functionality to accessibility and inclusivity

The assumption that all dispensers are created equal is a common misconception. While basic functionality is essential, thoughtful design features can significantly enhance usability, accessibility, and the overall user experience. Consider, for example, the force required to dispense paper towels or toilet paper. This seemingly minor detail is a crucial factor for users of all abilities, including children, the elderly, and those with limited hand strength or dexterity. While the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) sets specific pull force standards in the United States, similar considerations are essential for promoting inclusivity and accessibility in Canadian facilities.

Choosing dispensers with ergonomic designs and appropriate pull force can significantly improve the restroom experience for everyone. Furthermore, design elements like clear product visibility windows and intuitive refill mechanisms can simplify maintenance and reduce the likelihood of outages.

2. Better packaging: A small change with a big impact on staff efficiency

The packaging of dispenser refills is likely not top-of-mind for many facility managers, but it has a direct impact on staff efficiency. Ergonomic features, such as perforated handles for easier carrying and clearly marked product information, can streamline the refill process, reducing physical strain on cleaning staff and saving valuable time. This seemingly small improvement can significantly enhance workflow efficiency, allowing staff to focus on other essential tasks.

Moreover, providing staff with easy-to-handle and efficient refill systems demonstrates a commitment to their wellbeing and can contribute to a more positive work environment, particularly crucial in today’s competitive labour market. Products like the Tork PeakServe® Continuous™ Hand Towel Dispenser with the highest capacity on the market, holding up to 2,100 towels, and the Tork OptiServe® Coreless Toilet Paper Dispenser, with its high-capacity coreless system holding up to twice as much paper, contribute to reduced refill frequency and increased staff efficiency. Investing in smart packaging is a small investment that yields significant returns in terms of staff satisfaction and operational efficiency.

3. The rise of the smart dispenser: Data-driven efficiency and optimized restroom management

Smart technology is revolutionizing restroom management, and the rise of the smart dispenser is at the forefront of this transformation. Large facilities across Canada are increasingly adopting connected dispenser technology like Tork Vision Cleaning that provides real-time usage data, enabling proactive refills, preventing frustrating outages, and optimizing cleaning schedules. These intelligent systems monitor product levels and alert cleaning staff when refills are needed, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual checks and ensuring consistent product availability.

This data-driven approach empowers cleaning teams to prioritize their efforts, focusing on areas with the highest demand and ensuring a consistently clean and hygienic restroom environment. The insights provided by smart dispensers can also inform purchasing decisions, helping facility managers optimize inventory and reduce waste.

4. Sustainability in the restroom: Meeting the growing demand

With a growing awareness of environmental responsibility, sustainability is no longer a trend but a necessity. Research indicates that 67% of guests would like public restroom managers to be more considerate about sustainability and the environment when it comes to restroom solutions or management.

Choosing dispensers and products made from recycled materials is a crucial first step. Equally important is considering the entire product lifecycle, from production and packaging to disposal, minimizing the environmental impact at every stage. Opting for coreless products or refills with optimized packaging further reduces waste and contributes to a circular economy.

By prioritizing sustainability in the restroom, facility managers demonstrate a commitment to environmental responsibility, meeting the growing demand for eco-conscious practices and enhancing their facility’s reputation

Restroom dispensers are far more than just functional fixtures; they are integral components of a well-managed and user-centric facility. By considering user experience, operational efficiency, and environmental sustainability, facility managers can leverage these often overlooked elements to enhance their facilities, optimize resource allocation, and create a positive and efficient restroom experience for everyone. Choosing the right dispensers, optimizing refill processes, and prioritizing sustainable practices are crucial steps towards achieving these goals. Discover how Tork can help you deliver on a better guest experience at torkglobal.com/ca/en.

Tork, an Essity brand, is a global leader in professional hygiene and a committed partner to customers worldwide. Tork products include dispensers, paper towels, toilet tissue, soap, hand sanitizers, napkins, wipers, as well as software solutions for data-driven cleaning. For more information, visit torkglobal.com.

Purported U.S. flag maker draws accusations

The United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has instructed a Florida-based business to prove its claims that it is a flag maker. A July 8 warning letter to Americana Liberty LLC dba Stand Flag Poles points to evidence suggesting that flags purported to be made in the U.S.A. have actually been wholly imported.

Under the Federal Trade Commission Act, products must “all or virtually all” originate in the United States in order to carry that label. Only negligible amounts of foreign content or components are allowed, and final processing and assembly must occur in the U.S..

The warning letter cites marketing materials referring to “American craftmanship” and the Americana Liberty’s use of the “American made” and “Made in the U.S.A” labels, and gives the company five days to respond with proof. Failure to do so could trigger legal action, including a federal lawsuit and civil penalties of up to USD $53,088 per violation.

“Consumers want to have confidence that when they buy something labelled ‘Made in the USA’ they are actually supporting American workers and the American economy,” maintains FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson. “Companies that falsely claim their products are ‘Made in the USA’ can expect to hear from the FTC.”

Vancouver approves Rupert Renfrew Area plan

Vancouver City Council approved the Rupert and Renfrew Station Area Plan, which will guide growth around the two SkyTrain stations for the next 30 years.

The plan focuses on new and diverse housing, job space, public spaces and cultural amenities, and includes a series of nature-based solutions to manage flood risk and restore Still Creek.

Land use changes align with four distinct neighbourhood types. Rapid transit areas near Rupert and Renfrew SkyTrain stations will see high-density towers up to 45 storeys. Incentives will support projects that include below-market rental housing or other public amenities. These changes will be implemented through privately led, site-by-site re-zonings. The areas will also include shops, services, hotels, and improved connections to the transit stations.

Villages will expand with new shops and services and a range of housing types including buildings up to six-storeys and multiplexes. Multiplex areas furthest from the stations will maintain current residential inclusive zoning with multiplexes up to six strata units, or eight rental units. The plan allows for development of corner stores in these areas through privately initiated re-zonings.

The city is aiming to preserve employment lands and encourage community-serving spaces such as artist studios and non-profit facilities. Portions of the Still Creek corridor will expand to reduce flood risk, improve local green space and habitat, and support growth. The plan will also limit underground parking to keep groundwater flowing and recharging this important waterway.

The plan will be carried out through a mix of site-by-site re-zonings, city-initiated re-zonings, and development permits under existing zoning. In the coming months, city staff will be seeking council approval to move forward with city-initiated re-zonings in targeted low-rise and village areas with the goal of streamlining approvals and facilitating the timely delivery of housing and amenities.

NS vendor disclosure now embeds flooding risks

Prospective purchasers can now expect information about flooding risks on Nova Scotia properties as a basic element of vendor disclosure. The Nova Scotia Real Estate Commission has updated its property disclosure statement (PDS), a standardized form that sellers use to convey their knowledge about a property, to include information about coastal flooding and erosion, general flooding and pooling or drainage issues.

The Commission is the regulatory body for Nova Scotia’s real estate brokers and agents. While it is not mandatory for prospective sellers to prepare a PDS, realtors are required to use the standardized form if a PDS is offered. In practice, the Commission reports that most sellers do opt to provide a PDS, as it is seen as an instrument that can protect them from later liability claims.

“I applaud the leadership of the real estate commission, who, with this change, are helping property buyers make informed decisions and investments with respect to potential impacts of climate change,” says Timothy Halman, Nova Scotia’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change. “This is the type of all-hands-on-deck approach to adapting to global climate change that is needed to ensure our communities and homes are sustainable and safe.”

The updated form was adopted as of July 1.

Multifamily sector reacts to Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill

The ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’, signed into law by President Donald Trump on July 4, 2025, is a sweeping piece of legislation that combines major tax cuts, spending reforms, and conservative policy priorities into a 900-page package. For U.S. apartment owners and developers, the legislation offers a mix of new opportunities, financial incentives, and long-term structural changes that are likely to influence investment strategies and property management decisions for years to come.

According to Buddy Hughes, Chairman at the National Association of Home Builders, the legislation will “help spur economic growth and allow our members to invest more resources in multifamily rental construction, land development to build more single-family homes, and new equipment to expand their businesses.”

In turn, he added, “It will create a better business climate that allows builders to increase the nation’s housing supply, which is crucial to help ease America’s housing affordability crisis. We urge the House to move quickly to pass this bill.”

Financially, the bill offers several perks for property owners and investors. The 20 per cent deduction on net rental income—originally introduced in the 2017 tax reform—has been made permanent, improving after-tax returns. Additionally, new deductions for repairs and maintenance have been introduced, helping to lower operational costs for building owners. Mortgage insurance premiums are now permanently deductible as well, offering further tax relief for owners with financed properties.

That said, the One Big Beautiful Bill is not without its trade-offs. Critics argue that it disproportionately benefits high-income investors and developers, while offering limited direct relief to renters or first-time homebuyers. Some initiatives overseen by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), promoting housing access, affordability, and community development, are expected to experience adverse effects, while others face outright elimination.

In March, the Green and Resilient Retrofit Program (GRRP), a $1 billion initiative launched under the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act to fund energy-efficient and climate-resilient upgrades in affordable housing, was officially terminated under the Trump administration. Reportedly, the program had supported improvements at over 25,000 affordable housing sites, including floodproofing, insulation, HVAC upgrades, and green energy retrofits, while requiring recipients to maintain affordability for up to 25 years. The move has since been criticized as a major setback for climate resilience in low-income communities, with HUD removing references to the program from its website and offering little public explanation.

Meanwhile, several prominent housing and civil rights organizations have voiced strong opposition to the Trump administration’s policy changes, including the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) and the National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA).

“Slashing funding to vital housing programs and transforming proven programs into block grants–with added constraints of time limits and work requirements–will lead to significant funding decreases over time, reduce the number of households receiving assistance, and shift responsibility for deciding which households will lose the assistance to remain stably housed to state and local administrators,” a spokesperson for NFHA said in a statement. “It will also put the most vulnerable and marginalized communities at increased risk of housing instability and homelessness. “

CAO launches smart proxy form

The Condominium Authority of Ontario is piloting enhancements to make the proxy form easier for condo owners to complete.

Proxy forms allow owners to appoint a representative, or “proxy”, to their upcoming condo owners’ meetings. These proxies count towards quorum in the meeting and vote on behalf of owners, thereby allowing condos to conduct business.

The new Q&A method uses a guided, step-by-step questionnaire that asks owners to use information found in the notice of meeting issued by their condo corporation. Once all the questions are completed, a completed proxy form is automatically generated in PDF format that is ready to print, sign and deliver. The smart proxy form was designed to reduce errors and improve completion rates.

The CAO said this is part of its ongoing efforts to enhance the usability and accessibility of condo forms. Feedback on the form is encouraged through a short survey that is available at the end of the process. Input from users will help guide future improvements to this and other forms provided by the CAO.

New Brunswick launches property tax consultation

A promised overhaul of New Brunswick’s property tax system has been launched with a public survey and stakeholder consultation process. Provincial officials expect to develop some proposed policies by this fall, with an eye to applying new approaches to taxation and assessment for the 2027 tax year.

“This overhaul is intended to support a long-term transformation that is sorely needed,” says New Brunswick’s Minister of Finance and Treasury Board, René Legacy. “I encourage residents to take the time to participate.”

Interested New Brunswickers can respond to the survey online or via phone, by calling a toll-free number. It will be open for submissions until Aug. 10. As well, the government plans to engage with business organizations, other ratepayer and interest groups, local governments and municipal associations.

Canada polices cruise ship effluent

Canadian ports may be welcoming cruise ships this summer, but not so much their effluent. A recent federal order under the Canada Shipping Act establishes parameters for where and how sewage and greywater can be discharged into Canadian waters.

Release is confined to an area within three to 12 nautical miles from shore, an ice shelf or fast ice, unless the cruise ship has sanitation controls on board that can meet thresholds for maximum allowable coliform counts and other required specifications. This includes stricter stipulations for arctic waters. River cruise boats travelling through waters that cover less than six nautical miles from shore to shore must have treatment facilities on board or holding tanks with adequate volume to store the sewage and greywater produced during the voyage.

The order, which went into effect June 10, also sets out requirements for certification, reporting and record-keeping. Canadian-registered ships and ships flagged under nations that are party to the International Maritime Organization’s treaty and regulations for the prevention of pollution by sewage must have a certificate of compliance on board.

Discharges outside the specified area will be allowed if deemed necessary for saving lives, securing or preventing the loss of the vessel, or if they occur due to a navigational accident that damages the ship or its equipment. In all cases, ships must follow reporting and record-keeping protocols whenever sewage or greywater is discharged.

For ships with on board treatment facilities, that includes keeping required information as part of the ship’s logbook for a minimum of two years. The Ministry of Transportation may also compel testing of effluent samples, which must be conducted in accordance with standard scientific procedures.

Maintaining Safe and Reliable Housing

Black & McDonald (B&M) is proud to play a key role in the Single Room Occupancy (SRO) Renewal Initiative, a project dedicated to revitalizing 13 heritage hotels in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. With approximately 900 residential units, this initiative provides stable, reliable housing for individuals facing complex challenges.

Our team is responsible for Facility Maintenance, ensuring the functionality and safety of these essential buildings and enabling residents access to stable housing with integrated support services. Through a combination of self-performed services and strategic subcontracting, B&M delivers comprehensive mechanical, electrical, and plumbing solutions, as well as general maintenance for building systems, fire safety, and structural integrity.

A MULTI-TRADE APPROACH TO FACILITY MAINTENANCE

B&M’s scope of work encompasses a diverse range of services, ensuring every building remains operational and safe. Our responsibilities include:

Technicians performing all HVAC, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing services to the units
Extensive major maintenance, repairs, and replacements
Fire alarm and fi re safety systems upkeep
Cold water plumbing systems
Building make-up air supply and filtration
Base building maintenance

Through our Central Call Centre, we provide a streamlined response system for maintenance and repair requests. This communication method has ensured effective and efficient services. The Call Centre is also paramount in acting as the checkpoint for all work requests and prioritizing and dispatching them to ensure effective response to demand maintenance.

SUPPORTING BC HOUSING WITH RESPONSE & SPECIALIZED SERVICES

B&M is not only responsible for routine maintenance but also plays a critical role in responding to additional work requests. These requests vary from making additions to CCTV camera systems, rebuilding equipment damaged by fire or flood, and electrical upgrades to support the addition of cooling on site. By leveraging both self-performance and trusted subcontractors, we maintain service quality across all properties.

Our commitment to service excellence is further demonstrated through our ability to handle projects of varying sizes. Minor projects under $300K are efficiently executed while larger-scale renovations and system upgrades are carefully planned and managed to ensure a smooth project experience without interruptions.

INNOVATION AND EARLY INVOLVEMENT FOR BETTER OUTCOMES

One of B&M’s key strengths in this initiative is our proactive approach to project management. The contract has stringent requirements in place, requiring working with BC Housing and the non-profit service providers that are delivering services to residents who face complex challenges. By engaging with BC Housing from the bid stage, our operations team has helped shape the contract in a way that ensures maintainability, reliability, and serviceability. This early involvement has allowed us to anticipate challenges, optimize maintenance strategies, and contribute valuable lifecycle insights for ongoing renovations.

A LASTING IMPACT ON VANCOUVER’S HOUSING INFRASTRUCTURE

B&M’s continued involvement in the SRO Renewal Initiative demonstrates our expertise in heritage building facility management and our ability to provide solutions that support the infrastructure needs of BC Housing. By maintaining a balance between reactive and proactive maintenance, we ensure that each facility remains functional. Our team is committed to upholding the highest standards of service while adapting to the unique challenges of this initiative. By leveraging our technical expertise, we are not only meeting contract expectations but also supporting BC Housing in maintaining these important heritage buildings.

For more information, visit www.blackandmcdonald.com or reach out to [email protected]

Photo courtesy of: Sama Jim Canzian

The changing state of green buildings

The green building industry has made significant strides over the past two decades, but current market dynamics are presenting challenges. While there’s been progress in building standards and the adoption of high-performance technologies, concerns remain about the pace of retrofitting existing buildings, the need for deeper decarbonization, and the potential impact of market fluctuations due to U.S. tariffs.

“2025 has been off to a rough start. There is a lot of uncertainty in the marketplace,” said Thomas Mueller, Canada Green Building Council (CAGBC) CEO, at the Building Lasting Change conference in Vancouver.

Mueller said the impacts of the U.S. tariffs and global tensions are not fully known during his state of industry overview, but present potential challenges for rising material costs, supply chain disruptions and reduced consumer demand.

The U.S. is also set to end the Energy Star Program as of Oct 1, 2025. The Energy Star program is widely used in Canada, most notably Energy Star Portfolio Manager, which is used to benchmark building energy performance and is tied to many energy efficiency policies and rating systems, explained Mueller.

“We want to make sure the program stays in Canada and that the Portfolio Manager stays accessible,” he said.

Another concern is ESG pushback, particularly south of the border, with companies stepping back from climate commitments.

“In Canada, there is a new term called ‘greenhushing’ – basically saying that we deliberately avoid communicating about environmental efforts,” said Mueller.

The focus for companies has shifted from public commitments to refining internal strategies, managing risks and prioritizing measureable outcomes. Investors are prioritizing actionable business impacts over broad ESG narratives. The good news, however, is that CAGBC members and stakeholders stand firm on ESG despite the greenhushing trend, according to Mueller.

He said it’s not only U.S. issues impacting the green building industry – pointing out the introduction of Bill C 59 in Canada, which is reshaping corporate climate commitments.

“The last 10 years, the government was very pro climate change and encouraged the building sector to be ambitious. Now we have a new prime minster and the government’s priorities on climate change are not clear right now,” he said, underscoring that green buildings contribute significantly to the Canadian economy with CAGBC expecting the sector to generate $150 billion in GDP by 2030.

He cited another concern is the new Ontario Bill 17, which removes municipal authority to create green building standards. Unfortunately, “green is still considered an impediment to housing development,” he said, adding it is understandable that public sentiment has shifted to affordable housing and strengthening the economy. So the focus needs to be on “tangible, measurable solutions to drive the industry forward.”

Other barriers to decarbonization include: access to clean and reliable low carbon energy; a skilled and robust workforce and access to cost effective technology. The rate of retrofitting existing buildings is also lower than required.

Mueller went on to highlight the recently launched LEED v5 and the Zero Carbon Building Design Standard which is being expanded to include Part 9 buildings as a limited pilot. The Zero Carbon Building – Performance Standard v3 is also set to be released, reflecting the latest approaches, data, and best practices in carbon accounting and zero carbon performance.

“Moving forward, I think it’s important that whatever we do is outcome based and real,” he said, stressing the need for common metrics and that access to whole building data is critical in the business case for green buildings. “We have to work harder to increase energy efficiency and incentives. A lot of work still needs to be done. ”

Cheryl Mah is managing editor of Construction Business

Portable ramps tapped to help Toronto step out

Eight years after the initial consultation, Toronto business operators could be getting the okay to install portable ramps to improve accessibility at storefronts and other public entrances. Proposed new rules would allow the apparatuses provided they comply with guidelines to be set out in the City’s municipal code.

The Ontario building code mandates accessible entrances, incorporating permanent ramps, in new construction and when major renovations occur. Otherwise, upgrades to existing structures are largely left to owners’ discretion. A 2017 study identified thousands of storefronts throughout Toronto where patrons had to navigate steps to gain access, while current rules prohibit structures or protrusions that could potentially obstruct the public right-of-way on sidewalks or streets.

The City’s consultation, also conducted in 2017, found that business operators were generally interested in implementing measures to improve accessibility to their premises, but wary of any associated requirements to obtain permits and pay fees. A new report to Toronto Council’s infrastructure and environment committee instead recommends formal, consistent citywide rules for the design, placement, structural integrity and maintenance of portable ramps so that they can be categorized as a “permitted encroachment” with relatively little extra administrative burden for business owners or City staff. The same approach is already in place to govern small seating areas and marketing displays.

“The proposed amendments aim to balance the need for improved accessibility with the necessity of maintaining clear pedestrian pathways,” the report states. “The approach avoids the introduction of new permitting processes that could impose additional financial and administrative burdens and reduce the appeal of building owners or leaseholders providing this accessibility feature.”

As proposed, a minimum pedestrian clearway of 1.8 to 2.1 metres (6 to 7 feet), depending on characteristics of the street, would have to be maintained adjacent to the ramp. Nor could it intrude into neighbouring properties. It must be slip-resistant; stable; clearly visible in a highly contrasting colour to its surroundings; and moved indoors outside of business hours.

Building owners and/or leaseholders would be responsible for maintenance and ensuring safety. As well, there would be a maximum allowable slope.

“Some entrances may be too elevated to accommodate a temporary ramp, which is intended only for small height differences. This means there will be buildings for which no temporary accessibility ramp is possible,” the report states.

If adopted, City staff recommends that new rules be optional for business owners. Enforcement would be triggered through complaints rather than active inspection. The report also acknowledges that portable ramps could create challenges for visually impaired pedestrians who may follow a consistent edge along the sidewalk or building frontages to navigate.

“While temporary ramps address one accessibility barrier, they may also inadvertently create another. However, given current regulatory gaps that do not require buildings to construct permanent ramps unless undergoing renovations, and the lack of an incentive or grant program to support such upgrades, allowing temporary ramps remains a positive measure at this time,” it maintains.

The infrastructure and planning committee will consider the issue later this week, before the full City Council weighs in at a later meeting.

U.S. House of Representatives passes WIPPES Act

Recently, the Wastewater Infrastructure Pollution Prevention and Environmental Safety (WIPPES) Act was passed in the U.S. House of Representatives. The bipartisan, bicameral legislation requires wipe manufacturers to label their products as non-flushable to protect wastewater infrastructure from damage.

“This common-sense, practical legislation will prevent rate hikes and protect water infrastructure,” said Chairwoman of the act Lisa McClain (R-Michigan).

Chairwoman McClain reintroduced the bill for the 119th Congress with Rep. Kevin Mullin (D-California), Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Oregon), and Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine).

“Improper disposal of wet wipes damages wastewater infrastructure, costing California utilities and consumers tens of millions of dollars a year,” Mullin said. “That’s why water professionals nationwide strongly support the WIPPES Act, which mandates clear ‘Do Not Flush’ labelling. This commonsense legislation is a critical step in protecting our infrastructure and the environment. By providing consumers with clearer guidance, the WIPPES Act will help reduce strain on our wastewater systems and safeguard taxpayer resources. I am pleased to see this bipartisan, bicameral legislation move forward.”

“When non-flushable wipes back up our wastewater system, it hurts our infrastructure, our environment, and our wallets,” Merkley said. “Accurately labelling wipes and other products as ‘non-flushable’ is a necessary step to help consumers appropriately dispose of their waste. The House passage of our bipartisan WIPPES Act brings it one step closer to becoming law and protecting our water supply and wastewater infrastructure.”

“Many consumers who use wet wipes are unaware that flushing these products creates significant problems for plumbing, wastewater treatment equipment, and septic systems,” Collins said. “This bipartisan legislation would require manufacturers to label non-flushable wet wipes, providing consumers with the information they need to safely dispose of them, and helping prevent homeowners and taxpayers from having to pay for expensive repairs.”

The bill is supported by many outside groups and local government, including ISSA, the worldwide cleaning association. Using the ISSA Advocacy Action Center, ISSA encourages industry professionals to email their senators to follow suit by passing this legislation to reduce utility costs, consumer confusion, and pollution. Click here for more information.

Truman to deliver three hotels in Calgary

Alberta-based developer and builder Truman and Marriott International have announced plans to change Calgary’s skyline with a trio of new buildings. The two companies revealed their plan to open three hotels in Calgary, the W Calgary, JW Marriott Calgary and an Autograph Collection Hotel on Stampede Park.

The development of the Autograph Collection, W Calgary, and JW Marriott Calgary, expected to open in 2028, 2029, and 2030 respectively, will be led by Calgary-based joint-venture partners Truman and Louson.

The W Calgary and JW Marriott Calgary will be located at 15 Avenue and Macleod Trail S.E., in what is planned to be two of the tallest residential towers in Western Canada. The 69-storey W Calgary will include 157 hotel rooms and 239 residences, while the 62-storey JW Marriott will offer 248 hotel rooms and 120 residences.

“We are incredibly excited to announce our newest hotel development right here in our hometown of Calgary,” said Tony Trutina, chief operating officer of Truman. “Truman and Louson, as Calgary-based and family-owned companies, have a deep commitment to this city, and we believe this project will be a significant catalyst for the local economy. Beyond creating numerous construction jobs, these hotels are expected to generate substantial long-term employment opportunities, boost tourism, and support local businesses through increased visitor spending. We are immensely proud to invest further in Calgary’s future and contribute to its vibrant growth.”

The third property, a 320-room hotel at Stampede Park, will operate under Marriott’s Autograph Collection brand. It will feature 15,000 square feet of meeting space, multiple restaurants, rooftop amenities, and leisure terraces, including an outdoor bar and pool area overlooking downtown Calgary.

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