Canadian Apartment Magazine - Building Systems
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Building Systems

Don’t flush money down the toilet

It is estimated that 20 to 25 per cent of all toilets in North America are experiencing leaks at any given time, making toilet leaks the number one cause of water loss in multi-unit residential buildings.

Keeping up with Ontario’s Electrical Safety Code

Insights from the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) on the new Ontario Electrical Safety Code and how it affects residential property owners.

Success in property management energy savings

It was a mix of energy insights, incentives, and advanced controls that helped Briarlane Rental Property Management Inc. optimize its natural gas consumption and increase occupant comfort across selected buildings in its portfolio.

A new dawn for Toronto Community Housing

Toronto’s crumbling community housing stock is receiving some much-needed financial support to the tune of 1.3 billion, making it the largest federal housing investment in the city's history.

Plugging in to the benefits of energy storage

A sharp rise in energy costs and strict sustainability mandates have been spurring business owners to explore alternative solutions for decades. Could on-site energy storage be the next green ticket?

Moving toward a zero carbon economy

In a changing world where “zero carbon” is the ultimate goal in building design, can retrofits alone make Canada’s aging apartment stock sustainable?

Lighting the way to happier tenants

Good exterior lighting will beautify a property while also enhancing security. Here are some low-cost tips from rental property managers looking to 'light the way' to happier tenants:

HVAC switch over snared by hot spell

Tensions boiled over last week at Toronto apartment buildings without air conditioning as temperatures soared into heat wave territory in late September.

Required upgrades to single-speed elevators lifted

The TSSA recently lifted the requirement to undertake certain upgrades to the controls of single-speed elevators, but it doesn’t mean building owners should abandon modernization.

Thermal metering regulations coming to Canada

While oversight of electricity and gas metering has been in place for quite some time, thermal metering has remained unchecked in Canada. But not for long.

A property manager’s guide to roof inspections

At least twice per year, property managers should conduct roof inspections and maintenance on their roofs.

Fire safety steps for high-rise building owners

A recent fire in a Toronto high-rise apartment building has put the spotlight back on fire safety after numerous residents had to be rescued by Toronto Fire Services. Though no injuries were reported, the incident is a reminder that Fire Safety Plans are critical—especially when building fire alarm systems are rendered inoperative due to repair and maintenance projects.

Stricter rules ahead for GTA apartment owners

Toronto city council has approved a plan for a new apartment licensing program that will impose stricter rules for building owners, but could inadvertently lead to higher rents for tenants.

Tapping into water savings

Many building owners today are familiar with electricity sub-metering and its proven energy and cost savings, but few understand the technology and the savings that can be incurred from water sub-metering.

Energy efficiency from the ground up

Energy efficiency is more than just buzz—it's the future of the rental property industry. From older buildings getting retrofits to newer builds being outfitted with the latest technologies, it's either go green or get left behind.

Cogeneration sparks apartment sector interest

Cogeneration in Canada is no longer just for hospitals and industrial facilities—multi-residential property owners are beginning to take note of this energy savings technology, too.

Affordable housing raises architectural bar

New residents of the West Don Lands affordable housing project are eager to begin their move into the neighbourhood that has undergone enormous transformation over the past four years. The 1.7-acre mixed-use development, constructed by Toronto Community Housing, will be welcoming its first tenants in August.