New Development Permit Exemptions in Winnipeg

New Development Permit Exemptions in Winnipeg

April 26, 2024 The City of Winnipeg’s Planning, Property & Development Department will implement zoning bylaw updates in phases, starting with development permit exemptions. Recent bylaw amendments, approved on March 21, 2024, grant the PP&D Director authority to determine the need for a development permit. These exemptions aim to streamline the permit process for projects…

ABB’s Care and Modernization Services Breathe Second Life into Legacy Equipment

ABB’s Care and Modernization Services Breathe Second Life into Legacy Equipment

April 23, 2024 In today’s world with environmental concerns top of mind, ABB offers sustainable options to extend equipment life through refurbishment and repair—which support a circular economy and reduce landfill footprints. In this context, ABB Canada’s Brampton facility is recognized for offering customized solutions for a growing list of ABB , GE, and non-ABB…

ESA

ESA Warns of Unapproved Deprivation Tanks and Electrical Equipment Used by Float Escape Inc. in Ontario

April 23, 2024 The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) is notifying the public about unsafe Deprivation Tanks used for floatation therapy. These products are unapproved and have not been tested for compliance with any Canadian electrical safety standards. Name of Product: Deprivation Tanks (and related various electrical equipment such as pumps, water heaters and control panels). Models: Unknown…

Industrial Projects Lead Non-Residential Construction Intention Gains

Industrial Projects Lead Non-Residential Construction Intention Gains

April 22, 2024 Month over month, the total value of building permits in Canada increased 9.3% to $11.8 billion in February. The non-residential sector grew 12.3% to $4.7 billion due to the issuance of several major construction permits, while the residential sector increased 7.4% to $7.1 billion. Ontario (+21.7% to $5.0 billion) led the growth, with gains occurring across all components. On…

Multi-Unit Component Weighs on Investment for February Building Construction Investment

Multi-Unit Component Weighs on Investment for February Building Construction Investment

April 22, 2024 Month over month, investment in building construction declined 1.1% to $19.3 billion in February. Investment in the residential sector decreased 1.2% to $13.4 billion, while investment in the non-residential sector fell 0.9% to $6.0 billion. On a constant dollar basis (2017=100), investment in building construction fell 1.2% to $11.9 billion in February, following a flat (+0.0%) movement in the previous…

Shore-Side Electricity and Data Monitoring Take Hold in the Cruise Industry

Shore-Side Electricity and Data Monitoring Take Hold in the Cruise Industry

April 15, 2024 On July 7, 2023, the United Nations International Maritime Organization (IMO) and its participating maritime countries set their Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions strategy to achieve net zero “by or around” 2050. As a result, the shipping industry, including cruise lines, is adopting various strategies to achieve this ambitious goal, including new fuels,…

Project Spotlight: Sainte-Thérèse High School Lighting Upgrade

Project Spotlight: Sainte-Thérèse High School Lighting Upgrade

Built in 1980, the building that houses Sainte-Thérèse high school, in Quebec Canada, was looking a little worse for the wear. Renovation work began with two major projects: introducing a multidisciplinary sports centre, as well as redesigning the parking lots.  The employee and visitor parking lots were completely reconfigured during phase 1 of the renovation…

Guide to the Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1[i], 26th Edition – A Road Map: Section 10 – Grounding and Bonding

Guide to the Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1[i], 26th Edition – A Road Map: Section 10 – Grounding and Bonding

April 8, 2024 By William (Bill) Burr[i] The Code is a comprehensive document. Sometimes, it can seem daunting to quickly find the information you need.  This series of articles provides a guide to help users find their way through this critical document. This is not intended to replace the notes in Appendix B, or the…

Investment in the Residential Sector Declines in January 2024

Investment in the Residential Sector Declines in January 2024

April 8, 2024 Investment in building construction declined 0.9% to $19.7 billion in January. The residential sector declined 1.4% to $13.6 billion, while investment in the non-residential sector edged up 0.2% to $6.1 billion. On a constant dollar basis (2017=100), investment in building construction fell 0.9% to $12.1 billion in January. Investment in the residential sector declines Investment in residential building construction declined…

Housing Intentions in Ontario Lead Overall Gains in Residential Sector for January 2024

Housing Intentions in Ontario Lead Overall Gains in Residential Sector for January 2024

April 8, 2024 Month over month, the total value of building permits in Canada rose 13.5% in January to $10.8 billion, rebounding after a decrease of 11.5% in December. The residential sector increased 12.6% to $6.5 billion in January, while the non-residential sector grew 14.8% to $4.2 billion. On a constant dollar basis (2017=100), the total value of building permits was up 14.0%…

Government of Ontario

Proposed New Surety Bonding Requirements for Large Non-P3 Infrastructure Projects in Ontario

April 8, 2024 Since 2018, the Construction Act (the Act) has mandated the use of surety bonding for public construction projects with a price of $500,000 or more. This requirement is meant to protect public and broader public sector infrastructure project owners, subcontractors, workers, and suppliers from the risk of non-payment or non-performance if a…

Shedding Light on Directional Lighting: A Bright Focus in the World of Illumination

Shedding Light on Directional Lighting: A Bright Focus in the World of Illumination

April 1, 2024 By Robert Lanteigne In the vast world of lighting, where brightness and ambiance play crucial roles, there exists a fascinating phenomenon known as directional lighting. Unlike its counterpart, diffused lighting, which disperses light in various directions, directional lighting focuses its luminance in one specific direction, akin to a laser beam cutting through…

Podcast: Exploring the Evolution and Future of Fire Alarm Systems in Smart Buildings and Homes

Podcast: Exploring the Evolution and Future of Fire Alarm Systems in Smart Buildings and Homes

March 22, 2024 J. Christopher Larry joins a panel of distinguished experts as they delve into the fascinating world of fire alarm systems in smart buildings and homes. With insights from Suzanne Alfano, Rick Heffernan, Dr. Rodger W Reiswig, and Birgitte Messerschmidt, this episode explores the history, challenges, and emerging technologies shaping fire and life…