Yosef Domnitz

🔹 "The proposed changes would use height instead of FAR as a development control mechanism, which could potentially speed up approvals." 🔹 "Under a height-based framework, the development potential of a lot is determined by the permitted building height and required setbacks," staff explained. 🔹 "Land use designations and zoning districts would continue to determine permitted uses, except zoning districts would come with height limits under the new proposed framework. Heights would, of course, vary from area to area, such as four storeys or below for sites zoned R1, 20 storeys or lower for sites zoned R6, and 50 storeys or higher for sites zoned R9." 🔹 "For mixed-use sites, which the City anticipates will be delivering the bulk of Burnaby's new commercial space, an "overlay" framework will be used — an R8 (Residential) zone atop a C2 (Commercial) zone, for example — instead of the current practice of rezoning the entire site to one CD-1 (Comprehensive Development) zone. The heights, critically, would not "stack." 🔹 "The proposed approach to enabling mixed-use sites enhances flexibility, allows for various combinations of districts, and minimizes the need for CD Districts," said staff. "Where mixed-use sites are identified, the land use designation or zoning district with the most permissive height allowance would apply, rather than the cumulative heights of each district. Where residential zoning is applied, the residential height allowance would take precedence." 🔹 "This proposed change is coming as part of the City's Zoning Bylaw Rewrite project, a comprehensive update to Burnaby's Zoning Bylaw with the goal of modernizing and simplifying regulations." #burnaby #development #vancouverrealestate

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Imagine a future where buildings actively contribute to a more efficient power grid. Right now, #buildings consume over half of Canada’s electricity. Concordia University and its partners are committing $2.8 million in cash and kind to transform energy management in buildings across Canada.  The research initiative will focus on three main areas: • Modelling #building #energy flexibility to predict and apply energy usage patterns. • Scaling predictive control strategies from individual buildings to larger clusters for more efficient energy distribution. • Implementing these strategies in real-world case studies to evaluate their effectiveness. #construction #engineering #engineers #hvac #utilities BOMA Canada Hydro Québec Regulvar Inc. CanmetENERGY in Varennes CanmetENERGY Devon CanmetENERGY Ottawa | CanmetÉNERGIE Ottawa Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science Andreas Athienitis HamidReza ZarrinKafsh Jean-Christophe Pelletier-De Koninck Gia-Khanh PHI Anthony Maturo Jiwu Rao Vahid Nourmohammadi Navid Morovat #construction Engineers Canada Association of Consulting Engineering Companies - Ontario (ACEC-Ontario) Ontario Society of Professional Engineers #reit Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) Canadian Energy Executive Association Canadian Fuels Association - Association canadienne des carburants Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNRL) Canadian Gas Association UBC Engineering Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary Faculty of Engineering - McMaster University

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“The official story of 9/11 has been challenged by thousands of architects, engineers, physicists, pilots, writers and documentarians, who show how planes, buildings, fires and inexperienced pilots cannot do or cause what has been attributed to them. “For some time, “The system was blinking red,” said CIA director George Tenet. Warnings of a big attack reached President George W. Bush. “Every system and person in place to defend or stop hijackers or their planes failed to do so on 9/11. Nineteen men with weapons supposedly alluded detection and boarded four planes. None of the airline pilots, we were told, followed standard procedure. None of them punched in the four-digit code to signal a hijacking. “Normally, when a plane deviates from course and/or doesn’t respond to air traffic controllers, the military is quickly informed, and fighter jets reach the plane in about twenty minutes. The fighters investigate and, if necessary, compel the plane to follow and land. “For a week after 9/11, we were told that no fighter jets were deployed against the hijacked planes. Then we were told that the military was informed about the planes, but only after an unusual length of time. Then nothing happened for another unusual length of time. Finally, fighter jets were deployed, but they were ordered to fly at a fraction of full speed, and one team was sent, not to a scene of concern, but toward Europe, out over the Atlantic Ocean.”   GOD, SCHOOL, 9/11 AND JFK The Lies That Are Killing Us and The Truth That Sets Us Free   Read the amazing reviews at brucedetorres.com. Order it at TrineDay.com and the usual sellers. New printing available mid-September 2024. A few wonderful revisions have been made.

Non-profit housing providers & others miss out on $15,000 - $20,000 rebate for energy efficient heating/cooling systems for new home construction b/c #Saanich bans dual-fuel systems (heat pump/gas furnace) fueled by RNG from Hartland Landfill https://lnkd.in/g5tSK-6A Another example of how the BC govt's refusal to enforce its own Building Code enables councils like #Saanich to increase the cost of construction eroding housing affordability and energy security via carbon-neutral Renewable Natural Gas. Read https://lnkd.in/gsn66WNv

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🏗️ If developers stop building, will the government press them into action, one way or another, to move its housing targets forward? THE CREATION OF A "USE IT OR LOSE IT" FRAMEWORK Proposed Amendments: "Pursuant to Bill 185, draft plan of subdivision approvals granted on or before March 27, 1995 will lapse unless conditions satisfied within three years. For all new plan of subdivision/condominium approvals, a municipality will provide that the approval lapses at a certain date, to be established by regulation. For site plan approvals, the amendments permit an "authorized person"—subject to future regulations—to provide for the lapsing of approvals of the site plans and drawings unless a building permit has been issued. Where there is no prescribed time period, the time specified by the authorized person shall not be less than three years. The proposed "use it or lose it" regime are part of related amendments to the Municipal Act, 2001, and the City of Toronto Act, 2006, to create a new municipal servicing management tool. The proposed amendments will authorize municipalities to adopt policies by by-law to provide for the allocation of water supply and sewage capacity, including setting (1) timeframes and conditions for the allocation/withdrawal of servicing capacity and (2) conditions for how a development could regain its withdrawn servicing allocation." What Does This Mean? "While many landowners will not be impacted by the statutory lapsing of approvals, THERE IS POTENTIAL FOR MORE AGGRESSIVE USE IT OR LOSE IT PROVISIONS TO BE ADOPTED." #land #construction #development #policy #regulation #power #change #zoning #developers #canada #outlook #housing #building #realestate

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The Province of British Columbia has selected the South Fraser Station Partners consortium of Acciona, Aecon and Pomerleau as ‘preferred proponent’ to design and build the stations for the Surrey Langley SkyTrain Project to extend Vancouver’s automated light metro network, reported Railway Gazette International. "The Expo Line is to be extended southeast by 16 km along the Fraser Highway from King George station in Surrey to 203 Street in Langley city centre. Projections envisage that the population of Surrey and Langley will increase by 420 000 between now and 2050, and a further 147 000 jobs will be created, increasing the demand for mass transport. Financial close for the project is expected in the second quarter of 2024. The stations contract covers the design and construction of eight stations along the extension, including three multimodal transit interchanges. It also covers nine power substations and 250 m of guideway at the future terminus." https://lnkd.in/gPSjP4Mu #surrey #langley #rapidtransit #construction #stations

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The Ontario Building Code, as made under the Building Code Act, 1992, is a technical, detailed, and comprehensive document that establishes requirements and minimum standards for building construction in the Province of Ontario. Major revisions to the Ontario Building Code, referred to as the “largest ever provincial building code revision”, will come into effect on January 1, 2025. Read more from lawyers Kailey Sutton and Annik Forristal here: https://bit.ly/4bwBb6s #constructionlaw #ontariolaw #legalinsights

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THE MATH: I shared a sobering number with you yesterday relating to the #Canadian #construcitonindustry. Let's break that down with what's available to us at the moment*. (with additional clarity) 20% of the construction industry is set to retire by 2030. That's based on the assumption that this means supervisory, managerial, C-suite and up. So, if the industry employs 1.6M people. That equates to 320,000 people. Then there's the artisan skilled trades - not captured in those numbers - which are expected to lose 700K workers by 2028. Statistics show that the Canadian #construction industry employs approximately 4 Million artisan skilled trades (apprentices to journey persons). So, that equates to roughly 18% of that talent pool. If we combine both, 1.6M (supervisory, managerial, C-suite, etc..) + 4M artisan skilled trades. That equates to 5.6M people nation wide working in construction at any given capacity or level. Take into account the exodus attributed to retirement between 2028 and 2030, and we're faced with 25.5% of the industry leaving, and with them all of their knowledge. A f**king quarter of our industry is LEAVING in 4 to 5 years! Shame on us as an industry for being complicit and allowing this to get to where we are today - and soon to be in the future. It proves my point that our industry continues to do things the same things over and over again expecting different results. The Constructors Guild™ offers: ✅ a different perspective ✅ a different way forward ✅ a community of like-minded individuals committed to change ✅ opportunities to learn FROM and WITH each other ✅ a container full of open sourced knowledge Our mission is to empower construction pioneers to reshape the industry through unity, innovation, and relentless pursuit of excellence. It's not meant for everyone. It's meant for those who recognize we can't continue with our old ways and expect that new doors will open. So, my question to you is: Does this describe some of the challenges you've encountered or are currently going though? You are NOT alone. The Constructors Guild™ has a growing community of individuals seeking better for themselves, and their businesses. I'll let you in on a secret. 🤫 The change starts with you. If you want better for yourself, it can only happen if you choose to take the first step. Speaking of which, I realize some of you may be afraid or intimidated by taking what feels to be a large first step. Some of that may be because you fear retribution. Choose your hard. Stay where you are and keep enduring the punishment. OR Embrace change within a community of people that want the same and are willing to help each other achieve it? We're here and not gong anywhere. Dm me, or visit us online using the link in the comments below. 👇 #community #constructorsguild

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🏗️ The Future of Construction in BC: Insights from Prism Construction Ltd. 🌟 As BC’s construction industry evolves, innovation, sustainability, and adaptability are reshaping the sector. In an exclusive interview, Omar A. Rawji, President and CEO of Prism Construction, shares his expert take on the trends driving change in 2025. Key highlights include: ✔️ The rise of mixed-use spaces and innovative self-storage solutions. ✔️ Adoption of cutting-edge technologies like AI and robotics. ✔️ Strategies to address urban density, labor shortages, and sustainability goals. ✔️ Prism’s role in creating state-of-the-art facilities for BC’s diverse industries. Omar Rawji emphasizes how Prism is preparing to thrive in this dynamic landscape while delivering customized, high-quality spaces tailored to meet evolving demands. Discover how Prism Construction is shaping the future of BC’s built environment. #Construction #Innovation #Sustainability #BCBusiness #Leadership

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Statistics Canada (StatCan) released its Construction Price Indices for Q2. Nonresidential building construction costs rose 1.1% in Q2, following a 1.0% increase in Q1. Skilled labor shortages and the resulting increases in labor rates, interest rate pressure, and building code updates were all reported as key factors impacting the construction sector in Q2. Photo taken from our Port Alberni Port Authority wash bay building project: https://lnkd.in/eeAtUi9A Source: https://lnkd.in/dyrc9tbp #construction #materials #commerical #nonresidential #building #buildings #industrial Canadian Construction Association - Association canadienne de la construction Canadian Institute of Steel Construction (CISC) British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA) Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA) VRCA - Vancouver Regional Construction Association #costs #materials Cement Association of Canada ICBA | Independent Contractors and Businesses Association #engineering Engineers and Geoscientists BC Engineers Canada Canadian Wood Council Canadian Wood

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### Advantages of Deconstruction Over Demolition in Vancouver In Vancouver, deconstruction offers significant advantages over conventional demolition, especially when partnered with a company like **VEMA Deconstruction**, which includes sustainable demolition as a core service. One of the primary benefits of deconstruction is the **salvaging and reuse** of valuable materials from a project. By carefully dismantling buildings, VEMA ensures that materials such as wood, fixtures, and metals are reclaimed rather than sent to landfills. These materials are then **donated on behalf of the property owner**, offering them a **tax credit** that can be applied to their annual tax return, making it a financially attractive option. Additionally, deconstruction is a **greener alternative** to traditional demolition, aligning with Vancouver's sustainability goals. The careful removal of materials ensures that waste is minimized, reducing the environmental impact of a project. Homeowners and builders can take pride in knowing they are contributing to the circular economy, reducing their carbon footprint, and supporting local reuse markets. With **VEMA Deconstruction**, homeowners and builders benefit from a streamlined process that offers the same efficiency as a conventional demolition. VEMA includes services such as **reclaiming, abatement, strip-out, deconstruction, concrete removal, and excavation**, all within the same timeframe as a traditional demo. This makes it the go-to choice for those seeking an environmentally responsible solution without sacrificing time or project timelines. In summary, choosing deconstruction over demolition in Vancouver not only helps the environment but also provides property owners with financial incentives, all while maintaining the speed and efficiency of conventional methods. VEMA Deconstruction leads the way in sustainable practices, ensuring your project is both eco-friendly and cost-effective.

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This is a perfect example of why Infrastructure investment and long term planning are essential to the growth of the Canadian economy. We set politics aside from infrastructure and asset management. It’s time for the National Infrastructure Assessment to become a reality. #infrastructure #canadianpolitics

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🏗 We have been asked a lot about what we are seeing in the GTA High Rise Construction and Development scene during our recruitment efforts in this sector. Below is a sample of some of the trends and commentary we have witnessed and heard. Like if you agree or share your thoughts in the comments below. In the GTA High Rise Sector, among tenured management staff, we see the following trends: 1.) The senior professional waits for a golden handshake. 2.) Developers/builders who can offer a clear, mapped-out pipeline of certainty are attracted by those concerned about the future of a new firm being better than their current dynamic. 3.) Resumes galore of those who jumped around every year to two years chasing the money and not completing projects. 4.) Pros and Builders appear more optimistic heading into summer than they were 2 - 3 months ago. Have a great day!

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✨ Project Recovery in Action ✨ When challenges arise mid-construction, the right strategies make all the difference. This purpose-built rental apartment building is a perfect example of how smart decision-making and effective construction advisory services lead to success. The GeoFocus Group stepped in when costs were escalating, and timelines were slipping. By prioritizing value engineering, we ensured the project remained on track without compromising on aesthetics or energy efficiency. The innovative EIFS brick system from STO Building Group provided a beautiful masonry look while aligning with energy-efficient design goals. Kudos to Kaya Wall Assembly Inc for flawless execution and to Craig Hill for leading construction management efforts that brought this project to completion. 💡 Key Takeaway: Challenges are just opportunities in disguise—with the right team, milestones are achieved. Proud to be part of this project and the outcomes we delivered! #PurposeBuiltRental #ConstructionAdvisory #CMHCMLISelect #EnergyEfficiency #ConstructionFinancing

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Infrastructure BC publishes the Spring 2024 edition of the BC Major Infrastructure Projects Brochure Infrastructure BC is pleased to present the Spring 2024 BC Major Infrastructure Projects Brochure. This brochure showcases the public projects planned or underway in B.C., with a value of more than $50 million each. These projects range from early planning to pre-procurement and active procurement stages.   “Infrastructure BC’s publishing of the Spring 2024 Major Projects Brochure today comes during an important month for our province, Construction and Skilled Trades Month,” says Mark Liedemann, Infrastructure BC President and CEO. “This year’s theme, “Working Together to Build B.C.,” honours those whose expertise and experience have helped build the province. As part of our role in supporting the province and the industry in dealing with market dynamic challenges, Infrastructure BC will continue to examine and implement innovative procurement models, such as Progressive Design-Build, Alliance, and Target Price Contracts,” adds Liedemann.   “At a time when B.C.’s construction needs are great, the ability to access high-quality, transparent project information is key to helping general and trade contractors plan and understand the direction of the market both locally and across the province,” says Chris Atchison, President of the British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA). “During this, the 7th annual Construction Month, we celebrate our industry’s rich legacy and vital contribution to B.C.’s economy. Together, we’ll work to build the infrastructure needed to support housing and our communities.”   Infrastructure BC supports government and project owners in choosing the most suitable delivery model to build complex projects such as highways, bridges, schools, and hospitals. By publishing this brochure each spring and fall, Infrastructure BC aims to inform and engage the industry, contractors, subcontractors, and market participants about the upcoming opportunities.   The BC Major Infrastructure Projects Brochure can be accessed online at InfrastructureBC.com. The Spring 2024 brochure includes projects from the Province of B.C., Metro Vancouver, BC Hydro, Capital Regional District, TransLink, and Vancouver Fraser Port Authority.   Read the full news release via https://lnkd.in/g-tm38rr #infrastructure #infrastructureinvestment #publicprojects #constructionmonth #procurement #procurementleaders #construction #projectplanning #constructionindustry #buildingindustry #capitalprojects #bcpublicprojects #projects #transportationinfrastructure #healthcareinfrastructure #communications #communicationsmanagement

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