Building Systems

insurance

Uncertainty leads to rising costs

The biggest challenge for many real estate owners in 2024 will be finding affordable insurance coverage to protect their buildings.

Maintaining a safe property through winter

Residential property managers need to be extra vigilant this time of year to ensure their buildings are safe and properly maintained.
Multifamily leads take-up of EV charger funds

Multifamily leads uptake of EV charger funds

Multifamily landlords and condominium corporations have claimed more than a third of the funds the Canadian government has thus far allocated through its Zero Emissions Vehicle Infrastructure Program.
Canadian vehicle market

The changing Canadian vehicle market

The Canadian vehicle market is changing at a rapid pace, with the projected sales for electric vehicles (EVs) forecast to rise dramatically to align with Canada's goals.
heat pumps

Retrofitting with heat pumps  

Since 2019, retrofitting with heat pumps has been rising in popularity among Canadian REITs and large residential landlords looking to invest in cleantech.
Cooling deemed key amenity for Ontario renters

Cooling deemed key amenity for Ontario renters

Conceptually, the proposed rules establish air conditioning as a protected option that tenants cannot be prevented from obtaining rather than an essential that landlords would be compelled to supply.
decarbonization

Investing in the greater good

As the world seeks to eliminate harmful emissions that contribute to the climate crisis, the known benefits of decarbonization are piling up.
New oversight regime set for Ontario elevators

New oversight regime set for Ontario elevators

A new oversight regime for Ontario’s elevators and escalators will come into force on March 1, bringing shorter timelines for rectifying an extensive list of designated high-risk deficiencies.
tax incentives

Tax incentives key to driving housing innovation

As commercial finance conditions tighten, government tax incentives like SR&ED are becoming more important to the multifamily construction sector.
tornado First Onsite

In the event of a tornado

Important steps and precautions for residential property managers in the build-up and aftermath of a tornado.
cyber security

Why facilities must be proactive to improve cyber security

Research found cyber attackers increased their targeting of internet-connected OT devices by 2,204% between January and September 2021.
healthy building strategies

The health of your building matters

A new report from CfAD, in collaboration with QuadReal Property Group, points to the positive ways healthy building strategies can drive value in real estate.
water

The future of water in buildings is smart

Water creates levels of risk throughout all stages of a building’s life cycle and is a major cause of loss during and after construction.
elevator

Study finds elevator fans fail to eliminate pathogens

The confined space inside an elevator cabin creates a large risk of transmission despite standard ventilation.
winter maintenance

Winter maintenance strategies that work

With experts predicting an earlier start to Canada’s cold season, the time to get started on winter maintenance is now.
Multifamily fire risk factors evolve over time

Multifamily fire risk factors evolve over time

The combination of improved suppression and ignition source depletion has reduced the risk of fire-related fatalities within residential high-rises, and all dwellings in general, since 1980.
private balconies

Private balconies are in demand

In the wake of COVID-19, multifamily housing developers are emphasizing outdoor amenity spaces more than ever with private balconies now at the top of many tenants' wish lists.