Environmental Management

fire code

Condos lag on fire code compliance

Fire plans may need an overhaul as the resident population ages, building systems are updated, and renovations alter the layout of floors or rooms.
real estate

Insurance crisis affecting reserve fund planning

The insurance crisis in condominiums is affecting how boards are planning for disasters in Ontario.
repairs

Condos in precarious spot if small repairs sit idle

Should the corporation move forward with certain maintenance repairs if the issue has the potential to become exponentially worse?
burnout

Condo managers face pandemic burnout

I am a licensed condominium property manager, I am in my early 30s, and I am completely burned out.
SAIT partnership

Digging into the coming geothermal boom

While the relevance of geothermal has been percolating for years, the buzz is that more developers are starting to pay attention.
mentorship

What the new Construction Act means for condos

Construction is a billion-dollar industry in Canada. While most large projects at condominiums proceed relatively smoothly, there is always risk of friction for contractors and
hydro

Gaps flagged in new CDM programs

After 2022, companies must use their own funds to reimburse embedded energy managers, but will be offered “an enhanced level of technical support and resources.” It's a move some see as more short-sighted.
skills gap

Closing the condo manager skills gap

This pandemic has helped condo managers to identify relevant skill gaps in relation to being prepared for the unexpected.
curb appeal

Condo landscaping tips for curb appeal

Careful planning and high and low-design cost options will quickly transform any curb-appeal project into improved real estate value.
green building

Creating a condo sustainability plan for 2021

A sustainability plan and budget should be made with the mindset of plan and prevent, instead of react and pivot.
fall-planted bulbs

The bright idea behind fall-planted bulbs

Plugging fall-planted bulbs into the right design will illuminate them to their fullest and brightest potential in the spring landscape.
design

Interior design trends in 2020 and beyond

From alloys to metal and glass to non-porous and non-absorbent surfaces, choices of materials and design are precautionary measures for better infection control
insurance

Canada’s condo insurance crisis

Impacts of the hard insurance market are trickling into condominium corporations across Canada, challenging boards and managers in their wake.
roofing

A guide to finding the right roofing contractor

Low-slope roofing systems, on top of most residential towers, will typically require replacement following a service life of 20 to 30 years.
benchmarking

Why benchmarking small buildings still matters

While building codes and standards help regulate efficiency in new buildings, existing buildings have been operating with little oversight and, in fact, no insight at all into how energy and water was being used in our cities.
Condo design

Condo design takes cue from commercial facilities

Designers and developers foresee a greater turn towards health and wellness in the condo design of tomorrow.
reserve funds

How is COVID-19 impacting reserve funds?

Many reserve fund projects have not been able to proceed this year. Even now as construction has “opened up,” contractors have backlogs that will allow them to complete only some of the previously planned projects.