Regulations

Ontario capital markets set for modernization effort

Ontario capital markets set for rule revamp

Proposals address a range of issues that are likely to be of interest to listed real estate entities and their investors, as well as start-up ventures and other publicly traded service providers to the industry.
15-minute city

 ‘15-minute city’ making a comeback

As urban planners re-evaluate the way our cities were designed through the lens of today’s health and wellness needs, the concept of 'the 15-minute city' is making a comeback.
residential rents

Ontario announces plan to freeze rents

Rental housing sector responds to Ontario's announcement that it intends to freeze rents in 2021, a move that has blindsided the industry.
density

Building better density key to future development

Dev Mehta, Senior Associate at Quadrangle, explains how building better density leads to healthier, happier occupants.
Input sought on quantifying life cycle GHGs

Ontario consults on next conservation framework

Residential consumption is identified as a primary concern and opportunity for the 2021-24 period, along with a continued emphasis on reducing system-wide peak demand
average rent

Rental demand in Canada’s major urban centres

Measures to limit the spread of COVID-19 and protect Canadians’ health are contributing to a significant interruption in rental demand.
Many hydro accounts for common areas in large multi-residential buildings will no longer qualify for the Ontario Electricity Rebate as of November 2020

Ontario Electricity Rebate applied unevenly

Many hydro accounts specifically tied to the common areas of multi-residential buildings will no longer qualify for the 31.8 per cent rebate beginning in November 2020.
form changes LTB

The pros and cons of Bill 184

Ontario’s Bill 184 has raised the ire of tenant advocacy groups over concerns it will drive renters further into debt while making evictions easier for landlords.
multi-residential building design

COVID-19’s impact on multi-res building design

Jonathan King, principal at the architectural firm BNKC, discusses the future of multi-residential building design in the aftermath of COVID-19.
Public disclosure of energy use and GHG intensity holds little appeal for building owners concerned about uninformed scrutiny

Public disclosure could foil energy reporting

The City of Winnipeg has invited commercial building owners and institutional facility managers to affix their Energy Star Portfolio Manager results on a publicly accessible map.
Proposal for mandatory airtightness testing withdrawn from pending 2020 version of National Energy Code

Canada wavers on airtightness testing

The timing might have been opportune for uptake of the measure — provided it was adopted into provincial and territorial building codes — because it would have applied broadly in what is currently Canada’s most buoyant commercial real estate sector.
COVID-19 outbreaks

The keys to reopening multi-res operations

As Ontario prepares to reopen the economy, what will the upcoming months look like for multi-res operations? Legal expert Joe Hoffer shares important tips to help landlords manage the risks as they navigate their way into "new normal".
cleaning frequency

Rigorous cleaning protocols now big safety priority

Cleaning has taken on a new meaning since the words coronavirus and COVID-19 became part of our daily language. But precisely how have cleaning protocols changed?
senior housing during COVID-19

Senior housing in the age of COVID-19

From Vancouver to Bobcaygeon, Ottawa to Montreal, facilities catering to seniors have been battling surging infection rates since COVID-19’s devastating path began. Even robust protocols don't seen to be enough to stop the deadly spread.
Postponed reassessment delays Ontario's next property tax cycle

Ontario to delay next property tax cycle

The move was announced in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, but additionally opens a window to adjust the mechanics of the assessment process itself.
proposed code changes

Sights and sounds of proposed code changes

A package of proposed changes to Canada's National Building Code aims to improve navigability and safety in large buildings for people with mobility, vision and/or hearing constraints.
Colliers

Windows and doors in the net-zero frame

A wider selection of high-performance windows and doors is expected to hit the market as Canada's National Energy Code continues to push the envelope toward net-zero-energy-ready development.