Building Systems
A new dawn for Toronto Community Housing
Toronto’s crumbling community housing stock is receiving some much-needed financial support to the tune of 1.3 billion, making it the largest federal housing investment in the city's history.
Plugging in to the benefits of energy storage
A sharp rise in energy costs and strict sustainability mandates have been spurring business owners to explore alternative solutions for decades. Could on-site energy storage be the next green ticket?
Moving toward a zero carbon economy
In a changing world where “zero carbon” is the ultimate goal in building design, can retrofits alone make Canada’s aging apartment stock sustainable?
Lighting the way to happier tenants
Good exterior lighting will beautify a property while also enhancing security. Here are some low-cost tips from rental property managers looking to 'light the way' to happier tenants:
HVAC switch over snared by hot spell
Tensions boiled over last week at Toronto apartment buildings without air conditioning as temperatures soared into heat wave territory in late September.
Required upgrades to single-speed elevators lifted
The TSSA recently lifted the requirement to undertake certain upgrades to the controls of single-speed elevators, but it doesn’t mean building owners should abandon modernization.
Thermal metering regulations coming to Canada
While oversight of electricity and gas metering has been in place for quite some time, thermal metering has remained unchecked in Canada. But not for long.
A property manager’s guide to roof inspections
At least twice per year, property managers should conduct roof inspections and maintenance on their roofs.
Fire safety steps for high-rise building owners
A recent fire in a Toronto high-rise apartment building has put the spotlight back on fire safety after numerous residents had to be rescued by Toronto Fire Services. Though no injuries were reported, the incident is a reminder that Fire Safety Plans are critical—especially when building fire alarm systems are rendered inoperative due to repair and maintenance projects.
Stricter rules ahead for GTA apartment owners
Toronto city council has approved a plan for a new apartment licensing program that will impose stricter rules for building owners, but could inadvertently lead to higher rents for tenants.
Tapping into water savings
Many building owners today are familiar with electricity sub-metering and its proven energy and cost savings, but few understand the technology and the savings that can be incurred from water sub-metering.
Energy efficiency from the ground up
Energy efficiency is more than just buzz—it's the future of the rental property industry. From older buildings getting retrofits to newer builds being outfitted with the latest technologies, it's either go green or get left behind.
Cogeneration sparks apartment sector interest
Cogeneration in Canada is no longer just for hospitals and industrial facilities—multi-residential property owners are beginning to take note of this energy savings technology, too.
Affordable housing raises architectural bar
New residents of the West Don Lands affordable housing project are eager to begin their move into the neighbourhood that has undergone enormous transformation over the past four years. The 1.7-acre mixed-use development, constructed by Toronto Community Housing, will be welcoming its first tenants in August.
How to start a preventive maintenance program
The question of how to start a preventive maintenance program is extremely common, and for good reason. With budgets tight and workers stretched thin, preventive
Pros and cons of solar panels on apartments
Solar power generation is a green way to reduce energy costs. But there are pros and cons of solar panels when it comes to apartment buildings.
Five ways to reduce HVAC system costs
Through a combination of smart purchasing, maintenance programs and strategic planning, building managers ...