Building Systems
Data privacy faces renewed scrutiny in condos
Maintaining residents’ privacy is nothing new in condos, but optional vaccine policies are bringing more relevance to the issue of anonymity. .
Multifamily fire risk factors evolve over time
The combination of improved suppression and ignition source depletion has reduced the risk of fire-related fatalities within residential high-rises, and all dwellings in general, since 1980.
Aging condos can learn new tricks
As appealing as old buildings are, they do present some unique challenges for residents. Often, these aging developments hang on to old processes.
Pandemic boosts tech trends in condo security
One of the biggest trends in the multi-unit residential market is using mobile devices to manage access.
5 ways technology is uplifting condo communities
Technology is revolutionizing the way condo buildings operate and positively impacting the lives of residents and managers.
Security, privacy and the rise of smart homes
What security and privacy threats should condo communities watch out for due to the rise of internet-connected smart home devices?
Reserve funds ignore climate target impacts
We should be asking our reserve fund planners to look at the Paris accord target dates and compare the end-of-life replacement of our gas-burning appliances against the target dates.
Scanning the road ahead for EV-ready condos
As the country moves to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles, questions are brewing among people living in multi-unit dwellings.
The private side of security cameras in condos
Security cameras should be located in such a manner that they do not record activities outside the condominium’s property line.
Could a Florida condo collapse happen in Ontario?
How would this scenario unfold in Ontario? Leaving aside the construction process itself, there are vast differences between Ontario and Florida condominium laws that would have given the Champlain towers significant added protections following registration.
Three red flags of risky procurement practices
Federal scrutiny of condo procurement should be sufficient reason for diligent condo boards to examine their procurement practices.
Condo windows: repair or replace?
For condo buildings built in the 1980’s or 1990’s, there is likely a window project coming up in the reserve fund study.
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.
Insurance crisis affecting reserve fund planning
The insurance crisis in condominiums is affecting how boards are planning for disasters in Ontario.
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?
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.
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