Environmental Science & Engineering Magazine | August 2018
Daryl Prefontaine, BSc, MEng, P.Eng. | Principal
Harsh environmental conditions inside wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) can cause significant deterioration and damage to the reinforced concrete structures. In most municipalities and jurisdictions, the reality is that the existing sewer pipe network flows to only one location. There are no alternative sewage transport or treatment infrastructures available as a secondary backup in the event of the collapse or ...
INDUSTRY INSIGHTS, CondoBusiness | August 2018
Jeremy Horst, CET, LEED® AP | Principal
Given the costs and construction logistics, a podium deck project can be intimidating. With the right team and a strategic approach, however, work on this critical asset can yield lasting benefits. “Podium deck jobs add significant value to the property,” says Jeremy Horst, Principal, Building Science and Restoration, with RJC Engineers (RJC). “You’re not only improving your waterproofing system, which saves money and headaches later on, but these projects are an opportunity to enhance your curb appeal, which benefits residents and building owners.”
Award Magazine | June 2018
Terry Bergen, CTech, CCCA, LEED® AP | Managing Principal
Over the past year there have been dramatic changes within the sector, influenced largely by Canada’s commitment to a carbon-free economy as a result of the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change, whose approach includes considerations for making new buildings more energy efficient; retrofitting existing buildings; and supporting building codes and energy efficient housing in Indigenous communities.
INDUSTRY INSIGHTS, Canadian Facility Management & Design | June 2018
Daryl Prefontaine, BSc, MEng, P.Eng. | Principal
Parkade installations bring innovative solutions to community issue. A steel forest encircling the roof of the Edmonton City Centre East (ECCE) parking garage and a central column of cables spiraling upward in an intricate pattern are features that serve to add interest and beautify an otherwise average parking structure. Yet, while parkers and passersby might assume these features are merely artistic in nature, their true purpose is far more important.
Construction Canada | June 2018
James Cooper, P.Eng., LEED AP O+M | Associate
Owners, engineers, and contractors involved in the design operation, maintenance, and restoration of parking garages and building podium decks need to understand the role and importance of waterproofing systems in protecting these facilities.
When there is a lack of proper attention to these systems, repair and maintenance costs increase and anticipated service lives suffer.
INDUSTRY INSIGHTS, Canadian Property Management | May 2018
Terry Bergen, CTech, CCCA, LEED® AP | Managing Principal
Staying current with property construction and retrofit guidelines. Recent and potential changes to Canada’s National Building Code are giving property stakeholders more to consider when it comes to retrofits and new constructions. A bulk of those changes stem from the country’s mission to adopt a “net-zero energy ready” model building code by 2030 – a move that will hold new property constructions to more stringent energy usage guidelines, inspire new standards for building equipment and guide energy efficient improvements during retrofits and renovations.
INDUSTRY INSIGHTS, CondoBusiness | April 2018
Michael Pond, P.Eng. | Principal
“Repair or upgrades to underground parking garages can be a massive undertaking, and we regularly see certain aspects of these projects that are commonly overlooked or not fully considered,” says Michael Pond, Principal, Building Science and Restoration with RJC Engineers (RJC). Certainly, it pays to have a solid plan before heading below. Here are some considerations to keep in mind.
Award Magazine | April 2018
The 126,000-square-foot New Student Centre at York University in North York, Ontario is unique in many ways, particularly since it is a levy-funded, student-driven project. Approved by a referendum in 2013 by the largest student-voter turnout in Canadian post-secondary history – with 90 percent voting in favour – the new centre is welcomed with open arms by everyone on campus.
Award Magazine | April 2018
The ideal partnership is one in which close collaboration benefits multiple parties, and this is certainly the case with the Laurier Brantford YMCA Athletic and Recreation Centre, which is the outcome of the City of Brantford teaming with Wilfred Laurier University in 2012 to create a new recreation complex for university students as well as the entire community. Located between two parallel streets running east/west that have a 35-foot height differential, the massive 118,000-square-foot facility consists of an elevated rectangular two-storey “Bar-Building” on Colborne Street.
Award Magazine | April 2018
The four-storey, 75,000-square-footfacility was designed by Montgomery Sisam Architects in a joint venture with Architecture Counsel Inc. as an educational access point for students, while bringing together local, indigenous, and global community groups as well as members of key business sectors. It replaces DC’s Simcoe building, which was built as a temporary structure and opened in 1969.