Quebecers most optimistic about Canadian economy

Quebecers feel the most confident about the country’s current economy. compared to all other provinces. According to a new Royal LePage survey, conducted by Burson, all Quebec markets recorded year-over-year price gains in the first three months of the year, a trend contrary to the markets in Ontario and British Columbia. Royal LePage expects prices to rise 7 per cent, despite the uncertain economic environment.

“Quebecers are often more optimistic about the economy compared to the rest of Canada,” noted Dominic St-Pierre, senior vice-president of business development, Royal LePage. “For one thing, our real estate market has historically been less subject to major fluctuations, given the relative stability of its immigration and interprovincial migration flows. Quebec is less exposed to the sudden movements that can amplify boom and bust cycles in other major provinces. This contributes to a more positive perception of the market, even in times of uncertainty.”

Of those Quebecers looking to purchase a property this year, almost half (48 per cent) have chosen to postpone their plans as a result of the ongoing trade conflict with the United States, which is in line with the national trend.

“The effects of the trade war with the United States will vary from region to region,” concluded St-Pierre. “However, Quebec can count on a diversified economy, which should mitigate widespread job loss, unlike other Canadian provinces. Although consumer confidence will inevitably be put to the test in 2025, we expect housing needs to support the province’s residential real estate market.”

By region

In the Greater Montreal Area, there was an exceptionally active first quarter followed by a slight moderation entering the spring. The real estate market in Quebec City continues to lead the country in price appreciation, while market trends vary by housing type and region in Gatineau. In Sherbrooke, there is strong price growth, yet buyers are more cautious, while in Trois-Rivières, the market continues to gain momentum, boosted by the effect of cumulative rate cuts.

Corporate environmental transparency grows with emissions reporting

Five states generating nearly one-third of U.S. economic output are implementing laws requiring detailed greenhouse gas emissions reporting, marking a significant advancement in corporate environmental transparency.

California, New York, Illinois, New Jersey, and Colorado – collectively representing $6.6 trillion in GDP – have established timelines for implementation:

California: Mandates take effect January 2026
New York: Regulations will be phased in from December 2026 through January 2028
Illinois: Reporting requirements phased in by 2028
New Jersey: Companies with over $1 billion in revenue to begin reporting emissions within four years
Colorado: Reporting to be phased in by 2029.

“This coordinated push represents a significant advancement in corporate environmental transparency and sustainability requirements,” report Brad Molotsky and Duane Morris, attorneys active in helping organizations execute sustainability programs.

“They also ensure that large corporations as well as small- to medium-sized enterprises [such as those in the professional cleaning industry] will be accountable for their environmental impacts.”

Steve Ashkin of The Ashkin Group, co-chair of ISSA’s Sustainability Committee and leading voice for sustainability in the cleaning industry, adds:

“Businesses are now required to disclose environmental data, a critical step for compliance. ISSA members must gather this data not only to comply but also use sustainability initiatives strategically to reduce costs and outperform competitors.”

According to Ashkin, the most important takeaway is that “While the federal government may be discontinuing reporting on climate risks, states are filling the gap. They are establishing their own mandatory reporting requirements, which will likely spread nationwide.”

Hilton hotel expanding into Surrey tech campus

ICT Group and Lark Group announced that Homewood Suites by Hilton will anchor Surrey’s Health and Technology District’s City Centre 4 building, which is set for completion in late 2025.

The all-suite extended-stay hotel brand will be managed by Aquilini Group.

“The arrival of a Homewood Suites to Surrey is a tell-tale sign of the incredible growth and magnetism of Surrey as a modern, world-class metropolitan city and a regional economic powerhouse especially here in the downtown core where the Health and Technology District is located,” said Kirk Fisher, CEO of Lark Group. “We are privileged to partner with the Aquilini Group to bring the Homewood Suites by Hilton, to Surrey and increasing the city’s expanding hospitality amenities to support continued growth and investments to the region.”

Homewood Suites will be integrated within the City Centre 4 building, taking the top nine floors from levels 17 to 25 with 132,000-square-foot total space including an elegant 6,000-square-foot rooftop amenity space offering a bar and patio, BBQ area, fire pit, and backyard lawn areas. The hotel will feature a range of 189 spacious studio and one-bedroom suites with separate living and sleeping spaces and fully equipped kitchens designed to allow guests to live, work and explore the local community.

“The Homewood Suites by Hilton represents an exciting step forward for the Aquilini Group and our hospitality brand as we continue to expand our presence across Canada,” said Walther Lauffer, VP Hospitality, Aquilini Properties LP. “We believe that the integration of Homewood Suites to the Health and Technology District in Surrey will provide exceptional amenities for visitors, tenants and guests to the region, and significantly increase the opportunities for health, education and commercial spaces by creating a dynamic environment where businesses can thrive.”

The mixed-use 24-storey, 350,000-square-foot City Centre 4 building is part of the Health and Technology District, a unique innovation ecosystem where a cluster of business, health, academic, and technology-based organizations have been focused on supporting growth across B.C.’s emerging business and innovation economy.

New rent-setting criteria draws ire of Quebec tenants association

The Coalition of Housing Committees and Tenants Associations of Quebec’s (RCLALQ) announced it opposes the amendments to the rent regulation announced earlier this month by Housing Minister France-Élaine Duranceau. The reform introduces a new calculation method for setting rents that factors in cost-of-living increases and major building renovations.

“Contrary to what the Minister claimed last January – when she said that ‘her hands were tied’ – Duranceau demonstrated today that she does indeed have the power to amend the regulation and protect renters,” the coalition wrote. “However, the Minister’s reform only pretends to repair the broken regulation that would have continued to fuel an unprecedented spiral of rent increases. The new version of the regulation will actually benefit landlords to the detriment of tenants.”

The group goes on to argue that the reform “in no way” responds to tenants’ demands for real rent control in Quebec, rather it opens the door for landlords to increase their profits “on the backs of tenants.”

RCLALQ asserts the new formula allows for increases that aren’t based on the actual costs of managing a building, but on the potential market value of the property to the greater benefit of landlords. “If the reform had been applied from 2015, rent increases would have been much higher over the last 10 years than they were with the previous version of the regulation,” it wrote.

The new standardized method provides for increases of 5 per cent on the cost of major works in response to demands of landlords associations who’ve argued they should be entitled to charge more in the wake of costly upgrades.

“Today’s reform is clearly a missed opportunity to curb the housing crisis and abusive property speculation,” wrote RCLALQ. “What’s more, the government continues their refusal to introduce measures such as compulsory rent control and a public register to prevent abusive rises, particularly when tenants change.”

The RCLALQ is urging Quebec residents to join the national demonstration for the right to housing on Tenants’ Day in Drummondville on April 24, and to participate in its email campaign demanding real rent control.

New GTHA condo sales slowest in decades

New condo sales in the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area (GTHA) are the slowest in more than 30 years.

According to a report from Urbanation, there were a total of 533 sales in Q1-2025, declining 62 per cent year-over-year and 88 per cent below the 10-year average to reach the lowest quarterly total since 1995. The 215 new condo sales in the City of Toronto in Q1 fell to its lowest level since 1990.

“The new condo market is currently working through its most challenging period to date, which has become further impacted by the uncertainty and cost escalations caused by the trade conflict with the U.S.,” Shaun Hildebrand, p resident of Urbanation. “With the Toronto region relying on condos for more than one-half of its total housing development, the magnitude of this slowdown will result in severe supply repercussions.”

Only two projects launched for presales in Q1, totaling 275 units. Since the beginning of 2024, 28 presale projects totaling 5,734 units were either put on hold, cancelled, placed in receivership, or converted to purpose-built rental, including four projects totaling 1,042 units in Q1-2025.

Unsold inventory amounted to 23,918 units, increasing 6 per cent from a year ago and 58 per cent higher than the 10-year average. Unsold inventory was equal to 78 months of supply based on the pace of sales averaged over the last 12 months, a record-high that was approximately seven times greater than a balanced level of 10-12 months of supply.

There were 10,934 unsold units in pre-construction projects, 11,073 unsold units in under construction projects, and 1,911 unsold units of standing inventory in completed projects. The number of completed and unsold units more than doubled compared to a year ago to reach its highest level since Q1-1993.

Completed and unsold inventory is expected to continue rising this year as an additional 2,411 unsold units are currently scheduled to be completed by the end of 2025. This is in addition to any presold units that ultimately fail to close.

Of the new condo sales that occurred in the first quarter of 2025, selling prices averaged $1,151 psf, down 7 per cent from a year ago when units were selling for an average of $1,232 psf. For the projects generating sales activity, incentives were heavily employed, including significant cash back credits at closing, rental guarantees, and extended deposit payment schedules. Overall, asking prices for unsold inventory averaged $1,339 psf, a 2 per cent decline from a year ago. This illustrates the large gap between prices that buyers demand versus prices that most developers need to sell for in order to build.

During Q1, a total of 497 condominium units started construction, dropping 79 per cent from a year ago and 88 per cent below the 10-year average to reach its lowest quarterly total since 1996.

While condo completions decreased 16 per cent from the record high last year to 9,495 units in Q1-2025, they remained 67 per cent higher than the 10-year average. Condo completions are projected to total 31,396 units this year, surpassing last year’s record of 29,671 units, before falling to 17,487 units in 2026. As of Q1, there were 69,042 condo units under construction, a decline of one-third over the past two years.

Data centre investment rests on solid energy

Canada could be well positioned to capture more data centre investment if the United States government continues to antagonize its trade partners. A new report from the International Energy Agency (IEA) tracks soaring power requirements to enable artificial intelligence (AI) applications and underscores several potential supply vulnerabilities in the U.S..

Global electricity demand for data centre operations is projected to jump nearly 128 per cent over the remainder of this decade, climbing from 415 terrawatt-hours (TW-h) or 415 million megawatt-hours (MW-h) last year to 945 TW-h (945 million MW-h) by 2030. In 2024, data centres accounted for 186.75 TW-h of electricity load in the U.S., far surpassing data centre consumption in China (103.75 TW-h) and Europe (62.25 TW-h).

The largest share of new data centre development is likewise set for the United States. If the manufacturing sector remains relatively static, it’s anticipated data centres will be consuming more energy by 2030 than the combined production processes for aluminum, steel, cement, chemicals and all other energy-intensive goods. However, that’s a scenario contingent on adding generation and transmission capacity in an environment of rising costs, increased competition for key materials and equipment, and eroding goodwill of offshore suppliers if the U.S. government’s harsh new tariff regime remains in place.

The U.S. data centre development pipeline is set to channel about half of planned new facilities into five regions where such infrastructure is now prominently clustered, creating still more pressure on an already constrained transmission system. In north Virginia, for example, IEA analysts point to timelines of up to seven years for a new data centre to obtain a connection to the electricity grid. Meanwhile, AI diminishes one heretofore major influence on site selection that could prompt prospective developers to look farther afield.

“Data centres used for training AI models are less latency-sensitive. They don’t need to be located as close to the end-user. However, they do require a lot greater computational power,” Daniel Thorpe, a research director with JLL and co-author of the firm’s recent report on global data centre trends, advised during a webinar earlier this year. “As a result, we’re starting to see a shift in site-finding strategies. We’re seeing a bring-the-data-centre-to-the-power approach.”

Complicating costs and constraints

The IEA projects that additional power capacity to serve growth in data centre demand will primarily come from solar, onshore wind and gas-fired sources throughout the remainder of the 2020s since those generating facilities can typically be developed in less than five years. However, to be adequately reliable, the variable renewable sources will need to be paired with energy storage, which, for now, comes with cost premiums, technological challenges and other possible hindrances given the U.S. government’s retreat from its predecessor’s green energy agenda.

Natural gas costs could be increasing since 99 per cent of U.S. imports come from Canada and a 10 per cent tariff is threatened. As well, IEA analysts warn of supply chain disruptions that could significantly lengthen the schedule for project development. Based on information from the three leading manufacturers of gas turbines — GE Vernova, Siemens Energy and Mitsubishi Power — orders are now so backlogged that developers of new power plants may face waits of “several years” for this essential component.

“These extended delivery timelines cast doubt on the ability of utilities and energy companies to scale up natural gas-fired generation as quickly as planned to meet rising demand, especially in the near term. They are also driving up capital costs for the developers of new gas-fired plants,” The IEA report states. “High demand and constrained supply increase the pricing power of the turbine manufacturers. Longer delivery timelines lead to increased financing costs and can disrupt construction schedules, increasing the risk of cost overruns.”

Perhaps the most ambitious expectations are attached to small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) among other types of generating facilities with generally longer development horizons. The technology is still in early stages of commercialization, worldwide, and the first projects are not slated to come online until at least 2030, but the concept is considered highly promising for producing a scalable output of 1.5 to 300 megawatts (MW), which could be connected to dedicated power loads, at much lower development costs than conventional nuclear power.

“If SMRs materialize as a credible power alternative, they could provide data centres with abundant green energy,” JLL’s report observes. “Several notable agreements were reached in 2024 between SMR companies and data centre operators. In 2025, look for an acceleration of SMR announcements, with the total amount of gigawatts committed likely to double.”

JLL identifies Canada as one of the world’s most active players for commercial SMR facilities, albeit none of which are yet under construction. Canada ranks third — behind the United States and Russia and ahead of China — for SMRs in the planning stages, while only Russia, China and Argentina have facilities under construction and only Russia and China host operational SMRs.

Drilling down to an imperative element of SMR operations, Canada is the world’s second most prolific exporter of uranium (after Kazakhstan) and the top supplier to non-military nuclear reactors in the United States. The U.S. Energy Information Administration confirms that American nuclear power plant operators have imported almost all of their uranium fuel since 1992, and the most recently available stats show Canada as the source of 27 per cent, or nearly 11 million pounds, of incoming supply in 2022.

Importers now face a threatened 10 per cent surcharge as part of the U.S. government’s currently paused tariffs on Canadian energy. As well, a new 10 per cent tax is now in place on uranium imports from four other prevalent sources — Kazakhstan, Russia, Uzbekistan and Australia — under the U.S. government’s separate reciprocal tariff manoeuvres.

Empowering policy instruments

The U.S. government’s continued tariff machinations could conceivably trigger electricity supply constraints in certain U.S. regions since some Canadian provincial government leaders have hinted that they will consider curtailing electricity exports in retaliation. In turn, Canadian power producers might be looking for new customers for surplus baseload, while data centre development and related energy projects should align with various federal, provincial and municipal strategies to spur innovation and economic development.

For example, the Manitoba government recently directed Manitoba Hydro not to renew an expiring contract for 500 MW of power with the U.S. based publicly traded private utility, Xcel Energy. An accompanying media release characterizes the move as repatriating and redeploying power to serve domestic priorities and ambitions.

“There is no better time to be partnering with other Canadian provinces and territories to build the infrastructure we need for a strong domestic economy,” asserts Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew.

Nor are governments alone in looking for partners.

“We’re seeing joint ventures becoming the most popular route to the market for many investors,” JLL’s Daniel Thorpe told webinar attendees. “These are very specialized sectors so there can be a lot of benefits gained if you partner with an experienced data centre operator or a developer.”

Ted Betts, a lawyer and head of the infrastructure and construction group with Gowling WLG in Toronto, suggests governments can play a strategic role in “de-risking” infrastructure investments — citing Canada Infrastructure Bank’s approach to inducing investment through assurance of more viable returns, or Infrastructure Ontario’s track record in fostering public-private partnerships. He also commends governments, in general, for their response to recent upheaval.

“They are genuinely trying to find ways to get confidence back in investment and to ease the burden, harm and damage being caused by the tariffs,” Betts reflects. “It’s one of those times, I think, government is stepping up to fulfill its proper role.”

KPU’s Wilson School of Design among the best

The Wilson School of Design at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) has been ranked as one of the top global institutions in design education.

The Wilson School of Design secured second place in the latest World Brand Design Society Best Design Education Ranking, and the sixth spot in the Global Design Education Ranking — the only Canadian institution to rank in the top 10. The rankings highlight the university’s commitment to nurturing exceptional talent and fostering a creative learning environment, with points tabulated based on student award submissions.

A standout is the Wilson School of Design’s Graphic Design for Marketing program, which has produced graduates who have earned several prestigious awards for the university.

“This year marks a significant milestone for our program and school,” said program chair Carley Hodgkinson. “This acknowledgment highlights the achievements of our alumni, the dedication of our faculty, and the school’s continued growth and relevance in the ever-evolving field of graphic design.”

The prestigious rankings place the Wilson School of Design alongside world-renowned institutions such as the School of Visual Arts in New York, ArtCenter College of Design in California, and ELISAVA Barcelona School of Design and Engineering in Spain.

“The instructors at the Wilson School of Design are industry professionals who are still actively working in the design field,” said Cali Martin, a graphic design for marketing graduate whose individual work received several World Brand Design Society awards. “You’re learning from people who know what’s happening now, not years ago. This makes a huge difference in the quality of education you receive.”

Martin, who recently completed an internship and started a full-time role at a design studio, also emphasizes the importance of small class sizes and an intimate learning environment within design education.

The Wilson School of Design offers an array of programs, including Foundations in Design, Fashion and Technology, Product Design and Interior Design. Students can select from four bachelor of design degrees, three diplomas and one certificate program. The school’s hands-on approach and the guidance of industry professionals help students develop the skills needed to succeed in the competitive design field.

Mastering the bidding process

Building your business means becoming an expert at pricing, and competition is fierce. It can be a complicated endeavour because sometimes being the “lowest bidder” might mean winning the job but compromising your profit at the same time. Getting good at finding a balance and mastering the bidding process can improve your results and help your company grow.

In a recent edition of ISSA’s Straight Talk! with Jeff Cross, Troy Harrison, the Sales Navigator, provides strategies to help cleaning companies increase their success when bidding becomes part of the process.

Bidding is often a necessary part of the commercial cleaning and janitorial space, but Harrison describes it as “Playing chicken with other vendors to see who’s going to take the least amount of profit on a job.”

He explains that understanding the process is an important place to start. Often, when you receive an RFQ to bid on a job, that package has been put together by the client, along with an advisor. If your company wasn’t consulted on the bid, your chances of winning that job have significantly decreased. He advises that companies try and have a conversation with the decision-maker before the bid closes to try and avoid bidding altogether.

Harrison recommends removing the word “bid” from your company’s vocabulary completely, because it implies that there is an auction with multiple participants and that the final decision will be made based solely on price. Based on his opinion that the word “bid” devalues your company, he advises cleaners to switch to using the word “proposal” both internally and externally.

Often, companies say that they are looking for the lowest price during the bidding process, but a good salesperson will try to get in front of the decision-maker to ask important questions like ‘what is your definition of success for this purchase?’

Going into every sale expecting not to be the lowest price and finding other ways to offer the best value is the way that cleaning companies will find success. Harrison maintains that every hour cleaners spend on submitting a futile bid not likely to result in business for their company is a wasted hour they could have spent on someone who could bring them business.

Rather than participating in the bidding process, the best strategy for maintaining a high price in your business is a full sales funnel, where your salespeople can maximize their prospects, giving you the option to choose what makes the most sense for your company.

According to Harrison, “Business that starts good, stays good.” There are companies out there that will pay for what they need and not focus on price, so cleaning companies need to focus on value and building relationships with their customers to grow the business.

EllisDon launches Base Design

EllisDon Community Builders has launched Base Design, an innovative solution to address the urgent need for rapid housing development across Canada. This licensable, scalable ‘kit-of-parts’ template is designed to expedite the creation of affordable housing.

The adaptable templates of Base Design lay the groundwork for multi-unit developments up to 10 storeys high, effectively filling the void between low-rise buildings and high-density residences.

Aiming to abbreviate the design process for non-profits, Indigenous groups, and government agencies, Base Design enhances their ability to execute housing projects more efficiently. By utilizing standardized designs, housing providers and their development partners can now complete projects with greater speed, lower costs, and less risk.

“Bringing Base Design to the affordable housing sector is an important milestone,” said Nick Gefucia, senior vice president, EllisDon Community Builders. “As part of our suite of development services, it is the head start housing providers need to tackle Canada’s huge supply gap and will make a meaningful impact on communities nationwide.”

Fully compliant with Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) Affordable Housing Fund criteria, Base Design meets the high standards required for energy efficiency, greenhouse gas emissions, and accessibility. It also accommodates specific regional housing needs. Gaining recognition for its potential, Base Design was a finalist in CMHC’s Housing Supply Challenge and has garnered endorsements from housing providers across Canada.

Base Design is complemented by a new, free proforma tool. This tool generates a swift, accurate assessment of the viability of affordable housing projects.

Housing providers can use the tool to gain early clarity on technical and financial aspects of their projects, enabling them to present well-founded proposals to funders and stakeholders.

Port Coquitlam opens Leigh Square

The City of Port Coquitlam celebrated the grand reopening of the transformed Leigh Square, part of its downtown revitalization project.

After extensive redevelopment that began in fall 2023, Leigh Square has been reimagined as a vibrant, accessible, and welcoming public space.

The revitalization of Leigh Square are part of a wider $11.85 million plan to revitalize Port Coquitlam’s downtown core — which include upgrades to Veterans Park, Donald Pathway and McAllister Avenue, and the opening of the Port Coquitlam Community Centre.

“Leigh Square is now a true community hub, designed to bring people together at all times,” said Mayor Brad West. “This revitalized space has many new, unique features and things to do, which will give residents more reasons to visit regularly. Not only will Leigh Square be able to host more community events, festivals, live music and performances, it also will be a great place to connect with our community any day of the week.”

The space now features an interactive fountain with lights and music, a new stage, accessible pathways, and inviting spaces. Other features include:

Fully accessible pathways and surfaces.
Improved lighting and clear sightlines for enhanced safety.
New seating areas for relaxation and social interaction.
A designated area for a future playground feature, designed for family enjoyment.
Landscaping and a refreshing water feature.
Rehabilitated streetscape on Leigh Square Place.
A new stage facing City Hall for optimal viewing and event hosting.

Despite challenges posed by weather delays and supply chain issues, the city successfully completed the project. Wilco Civil was the contractor.

“Leigh Square’s transformation is an investment in the future of our downtown core,” noted Cllr. Dean Washington, council’s designate for downtown. “This space will not only host events and provide relaxation, but it will also drive economic activity and enhance the overall well-being of our downtown community.”

Amexon announces new rental project ‘e-lofts’

Toronto-based Amexon Development Corporation is embarking on a new rental project, e-lofts, bringing contemporary loft-style living to the Eglinton Avenue East and Don Mills area. Designed in collaboration with CORE Architects and II BY IV DESIGN, e-lofts will replace an existing 15-storey office building.

“e-lofts represents an environmentally sustainable approach to modern urban loft living,” said Deni Poletti, Founding Partner at CORE Architects, who leads the architectural design of the project. “Our design introduces bold, authentic loft character and seamlessly blends contemporary style with environmental responsibility.”

Offering direct access to major transit lines, including the new Eglinton Crosstown LRT and the future Ontario Line subway, future residents will benefit from efficient, low-impact commuting across the city. The property is ideally located near the Don River and a vast network of walking and cycling trails. The loft-style suites will feature 12-foot floor-to-ceiling windows, polished concrete floors, exposed spiral ductwork, and structural elements for an industrial-chic aesthetic. Planned amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness centre, expansive co-working spaces, a pet daycare, and a 12,000 sq. ft. rooftop patio with panoramic views of the skyline.

The “e” in e-lofts is intended to represent both the development’s environmental focus and the energy of Eglinton Avenue. The project integrates a range of sustainability features, including copper-toned exterior façades with integrated solar panels — enhancing the building’s energy efficiency while creating a “bold and contemporary” architectural identity.

“Working on e-lofts allows us to craft living spaces that take full advantage of the building’s great ‘bones’ — the high ceilings, ideal floor plate, and exposed concrete elements,” said Dan Menchions, Principal at II BY IV DESIGN. “The interiors are inspired by the expansive ceiling heights and views of the neighbouring Don River and are elevated by evoking the spirit and connection to the surrounding green spaces.”

For more information on this and other Amexon developments, visit: Amexon – Leaders in the area of tenant satisfaction

Colliers Canada absorbs Triovest operations

Colliers Canada will add 36 million square feet of commercial space and $2.5 billion worth of projects under development to its portfolio through a newly announced deal to acquire Triovest Inc. from the private asset manager, Coril Holdings. Triovest staff and business lines have now merged into the global firm’s platform, boosting its Canadian operations to 3,000+ employees, 95 million square feet of commercial real estate and more than $15 billion worth of projects under development.

“The addition of Triovest cements our position as the largest real estate services firm in Canada,” says Brian Rosen, president and chief executive officer of Colliers Canada. “We are excited to welcome the highly respected and experienced team from Triovest and look forward to their contributions in the years ahead.”

Established in 1995, Triovest has grown into a leading private commercial real estate services firms, providing asset management, property management, development and advisory services across all major property sectors in Canada. The company generated roughly CAD $70 million in revenues for the year ending Dec. 31, 2024.

“After many years as a privately held company, we believe now is the time to accelerate Triovest’s growth by merging its operations with Canadian-based Colliers,” says Deanna Zumwalt, president and chief executive officer of Coril Holdings. “Our firm has worked with Colliers for many years as a client and we are confident that Triovest will now have access to greater resources and global client relationships that will benefit our clients and our people.”

U of A sciences building to undergo major redevelopment

Alberta is investing $100 million over three years to turn the 56-year-old Biological Sciences building at the University of Alberta into a world-leading STEM and life sciences research and education hub.

The facility will transform into the Life Sciences Innovation and Future Technologies (LIFT) Centre, a shared laboratory complex where researchers, students and industry partners can work together to solve urgent problems facing Alberta and the broader world. The facility is expected to double much-needed laboratory spaces for hands-on experimentation and increase access to high-demand programs across the university.

The project will be built in five phases and enable the University of Alberta to double the number of laboratory seats from 1,600 to 3,200, allowing for almost 2,500 new domestic students to access undergraduate programs in the faculties of Science, and Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences. There will also be about 700 additional graduate student spaces.

“This substantial investment will advance Alberta as a global leader in STEM and life sciences research and education,” said Bill Flanagan, president and vice-chancellor, University of Alberta. “It’s an exciting time at the university, as this investment enhances our position as an internationally renowned centre of innovation and knowledge and increases our capacity to educate the next generation of leaders and changemakers.”

New college network aims to STEM tariff fallout

A newly launched network of Ontario community colleges is aiming to STEM tariff fallout and support economic development in the province’s mid-sized regional centres, particularly in strategic northern areas. Leadership behind the new Ontario Regional Economic Workforce and Innovation Network (OREWIN) emphasizes the importance of technical training to meet the demands of growth industries within their own communities and the broader provincial economy.

The 11 community colleges have united in response to the potential disruption of the United States government’s tariff regime. Building on the college system’s history of supplying technicians for key STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) sectors, OREWIN members commend the Ontario government’s planned expansion of STEM and skilled trades training capacity and investment in new infrastructure projects. OREWIN members have pledged to work collectively to maximize the value of that spending.

“Together we can strengthen the industries that drive Ontario’s economy — like forestry, agriculture, mining and renewable energy — while training skilled labour and supporting local businesses as they explore new production methods, enhance efficiency and compete in new markets,” says George Burton, president of Canadore College in North Bay, ON, and OREWIN’s first chair.

Other participating colleges with main campuses in northern Ontario, include: Confederation College, Thunder Bay; Sault College, Sault Ste. Marie; Northern College, Timmins; and Cambrian College and Collège Boréal in Sudbury. Elsewhere in the province, Loyalist College, Belleville; St. Lawrence College, Kingston; Fleming College, Peterborough; Lambton College, Sarnia; and Collège La Cité, Ottawa are also part of the network.

Salto’s smart intercom system simplifies condo communication and access

Today’s crowded real estate market relies on strategic solutions to elevate guest experiences and simplify operations for property managers, owners, and tenants. As technology continues to revolutionize so much of the condo experience, modern intercom systems, like Salto’s XS4 Com iGO leverage new tech like smartphones and QR codes to allow for convenient two-way communication and simplified access. As a hardware-free solution, XS4 Com iGO facilitates secure visitor access and communication for a seamless, superior resident and guest experience.

Along with improving day-to-day condo living, modern tools like this one provide a tech-forward impression of the building that can raise perceived value, save time, and attract a greater number of tenants.

“XS4 Com iGO is a practical solution for properties looking to enhance visitor access without the need for costly video panels or new cabling infrastructure,” explains Preston Grutzmacher, Residential Business Leader, Salto North America. ” Visitors use their smartphones, while residents have the XS4 Com iGO app, ensuring an incredible and secure access experience.”

How does XS4 Com iGO better serve condo owners?

By integrating a video door intercom system with the latest in access control technology, XS4 Com iGO makes life easier for owners.

Convenience: The system makes communication effortless with hassle-free access. Using your smartphone instead of a dedicated intercom panel inside your unit means that no physical installation is required. There’s also no need to pay for replacement keys, fobs, or a locksmith fee for emergency lockouts, so it’s simpler all around.

Remote access management: Managing access to your unit is easy, even when you’re not home. This system allows owners to answer door calls, receive notifications when someone is at the door, let in visitors for package deliveries, cleaning services, or maintenance workers, and share temporary access with guests without needing physical keys or fobs.

Enhanced security: Rather than relying on the traditional intercom voice access, video verification is complete before allowing access, granting you complete control over who is coming and going into the building as approved guests. Not only can you see guests, but historical data is available for your reference with a complete audit trail showing who accessed the building and when.

XS4 Com iGO saves property managers time and money

Modernizing your building with smart solutions like the XS4 Com iGO means simplifying your life, increasing perceived value, and saving time and money. Here’s how:

Simplified management: Along with easily adding or removing residents through the cloud platform, this system streamlines managing multiple entrances from a single system and configuring different access levels for various users (residents, staff, visitors), saving property managers precious time.

Reduced infrastructure costs: Without expensive wiring required throughout the building and no need to maintain traditional intercom hardware in each unit, XS4 Com iGO requires significantly lower installation costs compared to traditional systems.

Professional appearance: The condo market is competitive and first impressions matter. Modern technology like XS4 Com iGO creates an upscale impression and a clean, minimalist entrance without bulky hardware.

Enhanced building security: The system offers heightened security by eliminating unauthorized key duplication and a complete digital audit trail of all visitors, along with swift and simple deactivation of access for moved-out residents.

Emergency services access: Emergencies happen, and property managers want to be able to act swiftly and efficiently. This system allows property managers to grant immediate access to emergency responders remotely for critical situations where quick entry is needed.

How does XS4 Com iGO simplify short-term rentals?

XS4 Com iGO is particularly valuable for condos used as short-term rentals by speeding up check-ins, making management easier and limiting the time it typically takes for administration with features like:

Seamless check-in: Eliminating the need for physical key handoffs and easily sending digital access credentials directly to guests enhances the experience for everyone. To further simplify the operations, time-limited access can be controlled after the rental period, offering a worry-free way to manage the process.

Remote management: Managing rentals can be demanding when you need to oversee guest access and monitor entry on-site. This system is accessible remotely, even allowing managers to provide assistance via video call if guests have trouble entering. And with the audit trail that monitors exit and entry, all bases are covered for seamless remote management.

Operational efficiency: Saving time benefits all parties and eliminating key management between guest stays, remotely coordinating check-ins, and preventing lockouts reduces the amount of staff required, allowing better time management and labour allocation.

Technology is vital to today’s condo living. The XS4 Com iGO system transforms condo building entry from an outdated, hardware-dependent process to a modern, smartphone-enabled solution that benefits managers, owners, and tenants while enhancing security and convenience.

Salto is a leading global access solutions provider, developing facility access, identity management, and electronic locking technology providing seamless, reliable, and secure experiences. For more information about Salto’s XS4 Com iGO, please visit their website.

Calgary’s Scotia Place starts foundation work

The City of Calgary announced that Scotia Place has officially marked the start of below-ground and foundation construction. Calgarians will soon see the new phase take shape as crews work to stay on track for a Fall 2027 opening.

“This concrete and rebar work will support the entire Scotia Place structure; it is the literal foundation for all that is to come for Scotia Place as the new heart of entertainment for Calgary,” said Bob Hunter, Scotia Place Project Team.

By early 2025, crews had installed more than 1,100 structural piles surrounding the footprint of the site — a critical step in ensuring Scotia Place’s stability. Crews have begun to stand up rebar panels and pour concrete into 35-foot-tall forms for the first series of foundation walls.

“This work supports more than the foundation though — it’s the groundwork for a new destination for celebration, connection and community in Calgary’s emerging Culture + Entertainment District,” says Hunter.

Moving forward structural concrete and steel work will continue to take shape across the site, starting with foundation walls, followed by underground columns, stairs, elevator cores, and access ramps throughout the year. This year will also see underground mechanical, electrical and plumbing connections installed.

The new event and ice surface is 35 feet below ground, allowing for seamless access to the ground floor amenities that include indoor and outdoor spaces and accessible seating options. Beyond hosting sporting events and concerts, Scotia Place also includes a 1,000-seat community arena, indoor and outdoor public plazas and gathering spaces, multiple dining options available year-round, and The Calgary Flames Store, attracting visitors from near and far to the The District.

Once built, Scotia Place will have removed more than 308,000 cubic metres (123 Olympic swimming pools) of dirt to make space for more than 41,000 cubic metres (24 hockey rinks filled one metre deep) of concrete and 9,000 metric tons (weight of 1,500 elephants) of rebar that will reinforce the structure and more than 4,450 kilometres (a round trip from Calgary to Chicago) of wire throughout the walls.

Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke calls for land back reform

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) has issued a statement reaffirming its sovereignty over its current land base, which includes the south shore of the Saint Lawrence River, referred to as Kaniatarowanèn:ne. One of several groups that comprise the Mohawk Nation, the MCK has long advocated for reforms to Canada’s Specific Claims Policy and the UNDRIP Act Action Plan, focusing on land back initiatives and resolving historic grievances.

“Federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh’s proposal to use surplus federal lands for housing must prioritize collaboration with Kahnawà:ke and other First Nation communities,” said Ohénton Írate ne Ratitsénhaienhs Cody Diabo. “Canada has a land debt – and we have a land grievance. It is imperative that citizens, voters, and residents of our unceded territories across Turtle Island, recognize the lands they are settling on, and to urge their decision-makers to resolve these issues with the true caretakers of the land. We declare an end to the era of disregard over our lands.”

According to Seigneury of Sault St. Louis Land Grievance and Indigenous Rights & Research Portfolio Lead Ratsénhaienhs Ross Montour, both the Quebec and federal governments have failed to implement legislation or policies that facilitate the return of lands to Indigenous communities.

“While Canada’s international actions often dominate headlines, the true measure of its commitment to justice lies in how it addresses longstanding issues here at home,” he said. “It’s time for governments to honour their commitments—past and present—and actively support the land back approach,”

Ahead of the federal election, the MCK is recommending policy changes to remove restrictions on settlements that displace third parties; prioritize land return over financial compensation; and emphasize the role of provinces in resolving specific claims. The group is urging “immediate action” to address these issues, and calling for citizens to hold leaders accountable in recognizing Indigenous sovereignty.

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