St. Paul’s Hospital reaches topping off milestone

Construction of the new St. Paul’s Hospital, the largest hospital development project in the history of B.C., reached the topping off milestone this summer.

“We poured the final concrete on the roof and topped out the building this summer; it looks great,” said Kevin Little, senior manager for design & project delivery with the new St. Paul’s Hospital project team. “This is a significant achievement and brings us one step closer to delivering a world-class hospital that will serve our community for generations to come.”

With the hospital now standing at full height of 11 storeys, crews are busy working on exterior finishes and interior drywall and major equipment work for the rest of 2024; then it’s onto interior finishes and landscaping.

“WhiteWater Concrete and Syber Concrete Forming came together to form Trilogy to take on this gigantic project because it was easier for us to combine efforts,” explained Joseph Foley with Trilogy. “There have been lots of long days and lots of hard work, but the end is in sight for our team as we wrap up our work over the next few months. Looking at the hospital now, I’m proud. This is an important building for the community and will serve many generations.”

Currently, 1,400 tradespeople work on site each day, equivalent to the population of a small village like Lions Bay. That number is expected to swell to 1,600 at the peak of construction. By the time construction completes in 2026, PCL estimates that more than 10,000 tradespeople will have worked on the hospital at one time or another.

The hospital will offer general and specialized care, including HIV/AIDS care, chronic disease management services, emergency and critical care, mental health and addictions beds and programs, ambulatory services and outpatient clinics, end-of-life care, Indigenous health-care services, maternity services and community outreach programs.

The hospital will open to patients in 2027.

WZMH Architects launches Giraffe software

WZMH Architects has launchd Giraffe, an independently owned software company dedicated to revolutionizing the architectural-engineering-construction sectors. Although Giraffe draws on WZMH’s extensive industry expertise, it operates as a separate entity with its own state-of-the-art software suite designed to enhance efficiency, sustainability, and collaboration in building design and construction.

Giraffe integrates practical architectural and construction knowledge with advanced AI and digital twin technology.

“At WZMH Architects, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction), and bridging the gap between traditional architectural and building practices, and the innovative potential of emerging technologies,” said the firm.

Giraffe addresses key issues in the AEC industry, such as fragmented and inefficient design processes, inconsistent standards and documentation, a declining skilled workforce, and limited automation. By streamlining the entire lifecycle of a building — from design and construction to management — Giraffe‘s software solutions are designed to accelerate project timelines, automate tasks, and improve quality assurance.

The software suite features eight smart technology solutions and includes:

doton – A digital construction measurement and inventory tracking solution utilizing standard camera technology and unique markers to enhance measurement accuracy, locate and determine the final placement of materials and construction site safety.
ska-ana – A cutting-edge tool for autonomous site navigation, real-time data collection, and remote construction monitoring, reducing operational time and increasing efficiency.
AiM (Ai Massing) – An AI-driven planning tool for rapid generation and adjustment of real estate development massing models, integrating creative vision with technical specifications.
PARRiT – A centralized platform for managing design and furniture information, facilitating real-time updates and collaboration across project stakeholders.
SOVAi – A site surveying tool that leverages advanced environmental analysis to provide rapid, comprehensive BIM models and reports, enhancing project planning efficiency.
PLAiNNED – An AI-powered app that simplifies architectural design by quickly generating building code-compliant layouts for complex building components, epitomizing efficient ‘design by spreadsheet’.
mySUN – An eco-conscious gaming app that tracks and suggests improvements to users’ environmental footprint, encouraging sustainable daily choices through automated activity.
VOLPAi – An AI-powered application that redefines RFI management in the construction industry by expediting responses to improve project flow and serving as an educational resource on design and construction practices.

With ongoing beta testing and plans for commercialization by 2025, Giraffe has already achieved significant milestones, including pilot tests and collaborations with industry leaders such as Infrastructure Ontario, RBC, Microsoft Cloud Infrastructure and Operations and major general contractors and subcontractors.

TSX commends Bird Construction performance

Bird Construction is ranked seventh on the 2024 TSX 30, recognizing the Toronto Stock Exchange’s top 30 performers based on dividend-adjusted share price over a three-year period. The Mississauga headquartered construction and maintenance company will also be added to the S&P/TSX Composite Index as of September 23.

Bird Construction saw a 245 per cent jump in its share price and a 209 per cent increase in its market capitalization over the surveyed period. It’s one of nine companies in the 2024 TSX 30 that have graduated from the TSX Venture Exchange. Joining the benchmark S&P/TSX Composite Index now places it among the leading listed companies that collectively account for about 70 of the TSX’s market capitalization.

“We are honoured to be named among the top 30 companies on the TSX in 2024 and be added to the S&P/TSX Composite Index,” says Bird’s president and chief executive officer, Teri McKibbon. “Looking ahead, we remain focused on continuing our journey of sustainable growth, margin accretion and delivering strong shareholder returns.”

Canada raises insured mortgage cap, expands 30-year amortizations

Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland announced changes that will raise the $1-million price cap for insured mortgages to $1.5 million and expand eligibility for 30-year mortgage amortizations.

“We are increasing the insured mortgage cap to reflect home prices in more expensive cities, allowing homebuyers more time to pay off their mortgage, and helping homeowners switch lenders to find the lowest interest rate at renewal,” she said on Monday.

Both changes take effect on December 15, 2024. The insured mortgage cap, which hasn’t been adjusted since 2012, is increasing to help Canadians qualify for a mortgage with a downpayment below 20 per cent.

All first-time homebuyers and buyers of new builds, including condos, will also be eligible for 30-year mortgage amortizations.

This builds on the budget 2024 commitment, which came into effect this year on August 1, permitting 30-year amortizations for first-time homebuyers of new builds. The Canadian Mortgage Charter was also updated so that insured mortgage holders can switch lenders at renewal without being subject to another mortgage stress test.

Industry members like the Canadian Home Builders’ Association is hoping the new mortgage rules will drive more housing construction and supply.

“These types of changes are exactly what CHBA has been calling for, because we simply can’t build homes, be they condos, townhomes or whatever housing form makes sense, if owners can’t qualify for mortgages.” said CHBA CEO Kevin Lee.

He said better access to mortgages is an important step forward to incentivize housing starts, but builders will still need lower development taxes and permitting, zoning and other local regulation adjustments to boost supply faster.

“If we don’t quickly start building more houses, falling interest rates will create more demand on the limited number of homes available, further driving up prices, he added. “We need to come at the housing shortage from every angle, and adjusting mortgages rules is a big part of that.”

Tapping into the power of urban analytics

In the past decade, cities have increasingly turned to urban analytics to address a range of challenges. From improving infrastructure to enhancing sustainability and boosting overall livability, urban analytics leverages vast amounts of data to monitor and optimize everything from traffic patterns to energy consumption to public health initiatives. For apartment owners and developers, using this data-driven approach can guide better decision-making, ensuring high-density living spaces are both efficient and desirable. It can help lower carbon emissions, increase social connectivity, and even facilitate a faster construction process.

The ability to gather and use real-time data is a powerful tool that wasn’t previously available—hence the issues many cities are facing today, such as increased traffic congestion, lack of greenspace and neighbourhoods without adequate infrastructure.

According to a report by McKinsey Global Institute, cities using advanced analytics can expect to improve their infrastructure efficiency by 15 to 30 per cent, significantly lowering operational costs and energy consumption along the way. Another report adds that urban areas leveraging AI-powered applications can reap multiple benefits, including improved sustainability, a better quality of life, and increased health and safety for residents.

Sustainability

As cities grow and become more populated, high-density apartments are an integral element of urban design, reducing sprawl and ensuring cities evolve intelligently with future growth in mind. Urban analytics can help developers identify optimal locations for new buildings; it can help speed up the land acquisition process, environmental studies, design approvals and permitting—all leading to faster, more efficient construction.

On the sustainability front, cities are increasingly being held to higher standards, and data is playing a pivotal role in meeting these expectations. Using data, cities can monitor air quality, track energy consumption, and develop more sustainable housing options. Given high-density apartments are seen as a key solution to the space limitations and environmental concerns faced by modern cities, with urban analytics, residential developers can determine the most efficient building designs, ensuring they meet the needs of residents while minimizing their environmental footprint.

Essentially, urban analytics is about more than improving operations—it’s about creating cities and homes that are adaptable, efficient, more livable, and more resilient to withstand the test of time.

Quality of life

Urban analytics allows planners to analyze patterns such as population density, traffic flow, and energy consumption to design neighbourhoods that are more functional and sustainable.

As cities grow and high-density apartments become increasingly important to filling housing need, managing space effectively is a critical challenge. The use of urban analytics helps developers pinpoint ideal locations for high-density residential projects, considering factors such as access to public transportation, local amenities, and current infrastructure capacity. This data-driven approach ensures that high-density housing developments are strategically placed to meet the needs of the growing urban population while also minimizing urban sprawl and resource overconsumption.

Moreover, data-driven city planning allows for more responsive infrastructure development. By continuously monitoring urban systems, cities can adapt and evolve based on real-time data. For instance, if a city experiences rapid population growth in a specific district, data can guide decisions on where to build new roads, schools, or healthcare facilities. This level of responsiveness ensures that infrastructure keeps pace with urban growth, leading to more resilient and future-ready cities.

Data-driven insights are revolutionizing how cities are planned and how infrastructure is developed, enabling a more adaptive and forward-thinking approach. With the rise of urban analytics, city planners and developers can move beyond traditional urban design methods and instead base their decisions on real-time data and predictive models. This shift leads to smarter, more efficient cities that are better equipped to meet the needs of residents.

Health and safety

Urban analytics is proving to be a powerful tool in enhancing public health and safety in cities. By collecting and analyzing data from various sources, city planners and public health officials can make informed decisions that directly impact the well-being of residents. This data-driven approach allows for more proactive and efficient responses to public health challenges, as well as the creation of safer urban environments.

One of the most significant ways urban analytics is transforming public health is through real-time monitoring of factors such as air quality, disease outbreaks, and healthcare access. Cities can now able to track air pollution levels in different neighbourhoods and implement measures to reduce harmful emissions in areas where residents are most affected. For example, a study from the World Health Organization shows that reducing air pollution can lower the incidence of respiratory illnesses. By using data to target high-risk areas, cities can take immediate action to improve air quality and protect public health.

Urban analytics also plays a critical role in emergency response and public safety. By analyzing patterns in crime, traffic accidents, and emergency response times, cities can allocate resources more effectively. For instance, data can help identify areas with higher crime rates and inform decisions about where to deploy law enforcement. Similarly, tracking traffic data allows cities to adjust speed limits, traffic signals, and road design to minimize accidents. According to the Department of Transportation, using data has decreased traffic-related accidents by 25 per cent over the last decade. This level of insight helps cities create safer environments for their residents.

Embracing the future

As our urban centres grow, data will drive every critical decision, from where to build high-density apartments to how to improve air quality and public safety. For apartment developers, property managers, and city planners, the message is clear: those who leverage data will lead the way in creating cities that are not only smarter but also more livable.

However, the potential of urban analytics doesn’t stop at improving efficiency or reducing congestion. It has the power to redefine how we live, work, and thrive in urban spaces. Cities that embrace this shift will be better prepared to meet the demands of an increasingly urban world, fostering environments where technology and sustainability converge. The future is data-driven, and those who harness its insights today will be the architects of tomorrow’s most resilient, dynamic, and livable cities.

Atakan Guven is the Director of Urban Analytics at ERA-co. As part of the Urban Strategy and Planning team, he helps identify and implement evidence-based design insights to make better places, spaces and systems.

More B.C. Indigenous housing projects coming

More than 1,600 new affordable rental homes are coming to British Columbia, for Indigenous people on and off reserves.

The homes are part of the Building BC: Indigenous Housing Fund (IHF), a $1.7-billion provincial program, administered by BC Housing, to support government’s target of delivering 3,500 homes for Indigenous families, elders, individuals and people with disabilities on and off reserve.

The new homes will include 41 on- and off-reserve projects that will provide 1,662 affordable rental homes. It includes 667 on-reserve homes for First Nations members and 995 off-reserve homes for Indigenous people.

When the IHF was launched in 2018, B.C. became the first and only province in Canada to invest in First Nations’ housing on reserve, a federal jurisdiction. With this latest project selection, more than 3,220 IHF homes are now open or underway throughout B.C., with additional homes for Indigenous people through other Building BC programs, such as the Community Housing Fund and the Supportive Housing Fund.

“With each new home built through the Indigenous Housing Fund, we are taking meaningful action to address the critical need for culturally supportive shelter and foster a lasting vision of community and resilience for First Nations in British Columbia,” said Regional Chief Terry Teegee of the BC Assembly of First Nations.

Through the Indigenous Social Housing Management Agreement, operating agreements with off-reserve Indigenous non-profit housing organizations will be administered by the Aboriginal Housing Management Association (AHMA). AHMA is the first for Indigenous, by Indigenous housing authority established in Canada. Its members manage more than 95 per cent of all Indigenous-housing units located off reserve in B.C.

PCL announces new leadership promotions

PCL Construction announced several new promotions for key leadership positions across the country.

For B.C. region operations, Ryan Andrews has been promoted to district manager. Andrews will provide leadership and direction as PCL continues its growth in the commercial, institutional, transportation, and civil sectors.

He joined PCL in 2012 as a field engineer with the US Civil division and in 2018 relocated from Seattle to Vancouver, where he was promoted to the role of construction manager and tasked with leading the civil infrastructure division for the region. Andrews consistently expanded PCL’s civil market share annually, positioning PCL as a leader in various civil sectors within the BC Region.

“I am honoured to lead PCL’s B.C. region during this exciting period of growth and look forward to continuing our success,” said Andrews. “At PCL, we truly are building a better future, together.”

Notable projects under his leadership include the Fibreco Terminal Silo Replacement, Sunnyside Reservoir, Neptune Terminal Coal WTP, Capstan and Brentwood LRT Stations, Teck EVO AMC Project, Northshore WWTP, and several other projects in the port, water infrastructure and mining sectors.

Ryan joins Jeff Murphy, newly promoted to senior vice president for B.C., who in turn succeeds Sean Hamelin newly promoted to regional vice president responsible for B.C. region, Calgary and Edmonton, effective November 1, 2024.

PCL’s operations in Southern Alberta will be led by Jordan Clouthier, who has been promoted to vice president and district manager for its Calgary office.

He began his career with PCL’s Ottawa office in 2008 as a field engineer and later progressed to construction coordinator and then project manager. He became manager of special projects in 2019 and was promoted to district manager for Regina in 2022.

Clouthier succeeds Alistair McKnight, who was recently promoted to regional vice president responsible for Regina, Saskatoon and Winnipeg.

150 new rental homes opening in Victoria, BC

Two new rental developments are underway in Victoria, bringing 150 units to market for families, seniors and individuals with low to moderate incomes.

“Families and seniors who call Victoria home don’t want to have to move further away to find housing they can afford,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing. “That’s why we’re investing in and building up new rental homes through our BC Builds program and other initiatives. Our communities depend on working professionals like teachers, nurses and construction workers to grow and thrive, and we are committed to creating more quality, secure housing within their budgets.”

The newly opened Michigan Square development at 330-336 Michigan St. in James Bay is comprised of 97 rental homes for residents with low to moderate incomes. The property, which features two four-storey buildings connected with an elevated pedestrian walkway, replaces 53 aging apartment units on the same site that were at the end of their lifespan. Offering a mix of studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom homes, with seven fully accessible units, nearly half the units are geared to people with low and very low incomes, while the other half is being rented at or below market rates.

“The redevelopment of Michigan Square will provide affordable, secure homes to nearly 100 families, individuals and seniors in Victoria and is truly a community achievement that will be celebrated for generations to come,” said Jonathan Wilkinson, federal Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, on behalf of Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities. “Thanks to the collaboration between all levels of government, we are building more affordable housing in Victoria, and in doing so, we are contributing to the economic and social well-being of the entire community.”

In addition, 58 new rental homes will be coming to 2558 Quadra St. and 1276 Gladstone Ave, funded through the BC Builds initiative. The program leverages underused land and repayable loans for builders at rates better than banks, and once complete, the projects must target households with low to middle incomes.

“Our community needs more quality affordable homes to support people to stay and work in the city they love,” said Grace Lore, MLA for Victoria-Beacon Hill. “Through providing homes for earners with middle incomes, including nurses, construction workers and child care professionals, these new homes will go a long way in serving families and our community. This is an important example of how all levels of government, developers and non-profits can work together to make life better for people.”

Creating a fall cleaning plan

Seasonal attention is important for an overall maintenance and cleaning approach for your property. Staying proactive helps maintain cleanliness and hygiene throughout the year, allowing you to assess efficiency, better allocate staff, and keep visitors and occupants safe. Fall is the perfect time to evaluate your practices, make improvements, and get prepared for the unique cleaning challenges that winter brings.

Moisture and mould

As the weather changes and humidity levels rise, there is an increased risk of moisture and mould in your building. Along with being unsightly, mould spores can cause headaches, breathing issues, skin aggravation, aggravated asthma symptoms, and more.

Maintain your HVAC system for optimal air quality, keep humidity levels low, look for signs of water or mould, and address any concerns immediately to mitigate the effect of unwanted moisture in your building.

Floors

Often, deep cleaning is conducted on a monthly basis for hard-surface flooring to ensure it stays looking its best. As you prepare for winter, it’s time to create a plan to address when snow, slush, and ice melter all become messy, and there is a greater risk for slips and falls.

For your carpets, deep cleaning can rid them of dust and dirt, and spot cleaning them can give you a fresh start before winter arrives.

Windows

Clean your windows in the fall to rid them of falling leaves, debris, and any pollen left from the summer. Cleaning them inside and out at this time of year allows you to maximize the natural light you will get through the darker, colder months. Studies show that natural sunlight is a top-rated office perk for employees, and 47 per cent of employees feel deprived of natural light. Not only could cleaner windows cut down on your energy bills, but it could also make staff happier and more productive.

While you are tackling your windows, be sure to address your blinds and window sills too, removing any accumulated dust and allergens before they settle for the winter.

Sanitization

As we spend so much of our time indoors during the winter, paying even more attention to sanitizing high-traffic areas is crucial. Door handles, shared equipment, washrooms, and lunchrooms should all be included as part of your everyday practice. As well, continuing to offer hand sanitizing stations and ensuring that the supplies are topped up keeps hygiene top of mind and accessible through the winter.

Regularly assessing your facility for opportunities to improve your cleaning protocols is a year-round endeavour, and creating a fall cleaning plan will help you stay prepared for winter’s impending challenges.

Energy Audits: A First Step to Improving Building Efficiency and GHG Emissions

“Must Have” for Home Buyers

According to the Canadian Home Builders’ Association 2023 survey, overall energy-efficiency is number four on the list of “must haves” for Canadian Home Buyers. Beyond the financial benefits, energy efficient homes and buildings contribute to a healthier living environment.

With this in mind, and as energy and utility costs continue to increase, building owners are looking to energy audits for a clear roadmap towards optimizing building efficiency. An energy assessment is the first step to gaining control over resources, reducing operating expenses, understanding a building’s carbon footprint, and improving indoor environmental comfort. As the environmental impact of buildings throughout Ontario comes under increasing scrutiny, the importance of completing energy audits is quickly becoming apparent.

Ontario’s Energy and Water Reporting and Benchmarking (EWRB) now requires all multi-residential buildings of 50,000 square feet and over to annually report their building’s energy and water consumption. This means responsible building managers are carefully analyzing their building’s utility bills and paying greater attention to how much money they are spending on utilities alone. This often raises the question: How can we save? Ontario’s unique climate of extreme hot and cold draws on utilities according to the season and requires a whole building approach to reduce energy consumption, and consequently, carbon emissions.

One of the best ways for Ontario properties to define that approach is the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Level 2 Energy Audit. This is an in-depth study, analyzing two to three years of utility usage to quantify base loads and identify seasonal variations. A level two study helps buildings identify opportunities to improve energy performance through completion of a comprehensive visual review of all assets including HVAC, domestic hot water, plumbing, power distribution, and lighting—all of which impact a building’s energy consumption. This scope also includes the full building envelope: balconies, roof areas, windows, and cladding.

“Conducting a thorough assessment of the building to identify priority areas or systems with the highest energy consumption allows the building managers and owners to focus on upgrades that offer the greatest savings,” explains Sean Moore, Project Manager of Energy & Carbon Reduction team with Pretium Engineering. “Our experience in existing building retrofits, combined with meeting directly with property managers and occupants, allows us to understand each building’s unique needs and identify key areas nearing the end of their service life, ensuring that we develop practical, tailored solutions.”

During an ASHRAE Level 2 Energy Audit, approximately 5-10% of all suites are inspected, including common areas to review the condition of energy consuming fixtures, equipment, envelope, balconies, doors, and windows. A complete exterior review of the site is also undertaken from grade, focusing on building cladding and energy consuming components such as exterior lighting.

Baseline and Benchmark Performance

Energy usage data is used to create a baseline to help measure energy savings for the proposed Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs). This baseline will measure the energy savings from proposed improvements and track future energy performance. It will also be used to calculate building energy efficiency using four (4) primary metrics:

Building Energy Performance Index (BEPI): Total energy use divided by building size.
Total Energy Use Intensity: Total energy use converted to a standard unit, equivalent kWh (ekWh), and divided by conditioned space within the building.
Water Use Intensity (WUI): Total litres of water converted to a standard unit and divided by condition space within the building.
Green House Gas Intensity (GHGI): Total energy use converted using local grid factors for gas and electricity divided by condition space within the building. GHGI is expressed as the amount of Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)-equivalent emissions per square meter of floor space per year.

Unlocking Available Funding

“An ASHRAE Level Two energy audit helps the stakeholders get an idea of how the building is performing. From there, we can explore the applicable retrofit/incentive programs to help further improve the return on investment,” explains Moore.

To support buildings in their energy efficiency journey, a variety of incentive programs are available. Through programs like the IESO Ontario’s Save On Energy rebates and Enbridge Commercial & Multi-Residential Air Tightness Testing Program, the available financial supports can offset the costs of implementing Energy-Conservation Measures (ECM) identified in audits. During the audit, Pretium will identify funding opportunities and provide high level estimates of their value. Once an audit is complete, Pretium can assist with fulfilling the requirements for the selected rebate application(s).

“An in-depth, full building energy audit has the potential to cut energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by 50-80%,” suggests Moore, who asserts that incentive programs are beginning to switch their focus: “Traditionally, incentive programs were primarily focused on reducing energy costs and usage, but we’re now seeing incentive programs focused on improving greenhouse gas emissions, accessibility and occupant comfort.”

As the incentive programs evolve, Pretium adapts their strategies to maximize the benefits of the latest financing and rebate opportunities available for their clients. Their skilled team of in-house envelope specialists, building performance modelers, engineers, and project managers, diligently seek out emerging incentive opportunities and the latest technologies to optimize project returns.

Putting it all Together

Upon audit completion, Pretium delivers a comprehensive report detailing estimated capital, utility savings, emissions reductions, operational cost reductions, payback periods, project timing, and available incentives for each Energy Conservation Measure (ECM). This report can be used as a road map for the building, allowing them to execute their chosen ECMs either as components near the end of their useful service life, or as funding allows.

By investing in a thorough energy audit and leveraging available incentives, Ontario buildings can achieve a triple bottom line: reduced energy costs, improved resident satisfaction, and a smaller environmental footprint. This strategic approach positions these buildings as leaders in sustainable development.

To learn more, visit www.pretiumengineering.com.