Industry News
New grants for COVID-19-related expenditures
Small business operators could receive up to $5,000 to be used for physical modifications to comply with public health requirements, PPE or upgrading digital/e-commerce capabilities.
New grad program at McGill to shape ‘retail leaders of the future’
The COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of e-commerce is driving rapid technological innovations in the retail sector. A new program at McGill aims to equip students with tools to handle this rapidly evolving industry.
Ontario to defray costs of public health controls
Further details are promised soon on a $300-million fund to help defray property tax and utility costs for businesses forced to curtail or shut down operations due to COVID-19 concerns.
New subsidy tagged for fixed property expenses
Qualifying commercial tenants and businesses operating in owned premises will be eligible for direct subsidies of up to 65 per cent of their fixed property expenses through the new Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy.
Slim prospects for industrial space seekers
Toronto records North America's lowest industrial availability rate, while Montreal and Vancouver also boast rates below 3 per cent coming out of the third quarter of 2020.
Office vacancies on par with recessionary events
Canada-wide, CBRE pegs the total office vacancy rate at 12 per cent across the nine major markets it surveys, ranging from a low of 5.4 per cent in Vancouver to nearly 26 per cent in Calgary.
Edge computing centres put a cloud in a cabinet
Seen as the next big thing in data services, small hubs located near end-users are also more vulnerable to the encroaching outdoor environment than are vast temperature-controlled data centres.
Flatiron condo unveiled for Galleria on the Park
The 31-storey flatiron mixed-use condo will rise at Dupont and Dufferin streets at the foot of Galleria on the Park.
No lockdown on GTA development land sales
Demand for housing and warehouse/distribution facilities drove transactions, keeping April-to-August sales volume largely on par with the same period in 2019.
Throne Speech pledges to build back better
Infrastructure investment and climate risk mitigation are key to the Canadian government’s goal to create one million jobs and rebound from the economic slump of COVID-19.
Fitwel Viral Response module launches
Fitwel's Viral Response module requires that companies follow a set of baseline strategies—actions that are necessary to mitigate the spread of infectious respiratory diseases such as COVID-19.
Ontario adds two-month reprieve for rent arrears
Provincial intervention in the commercial sector is limited to tenants who meet the prerequisites for Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance, but whose landlords have not applied for the relief.
Oxford warms to cold storage sector
The CAD $475 million investment aligns the Canadian pension fund with the largest global player in cold storage logistics as momentum builds for digital commerce in grocery retailing.
Biogen pledges to go fossil fuel-free by 2040
Biogen is embarking on a 20-year journey to eliminate fossil fuel emissions across its global operations and promote health equity.
Concordia U bolsters real estate studies
Students pursuing a degree through the John Molson School of Business can earn a minor in real estate, aligned with the new academic centre to support teaching and research.
Amazon Canada opening fulfilment centre in Hamilton
Amazon Canada has announced plans to create a fulfilment centre and delivery station in Hamilton, located near the airport in Mount Hope.
Brightwater community launches in Port Credit, Ont.
A 72-acre site that sat vacant for nearly 30 years in Port Credit, Ont. is closer to its new life as the Brightwater master-planned community.



