Five steps to an emergency response plan

This year, Canadians have seen some severe weather. Currently, Southern Alberta is still rebuilding after one of the worst floods in the province’s history. High River, Canmore, and Calgary saw more than 100 mm (4 in.) of rain in less than 48 hours. A total of 32 states of emergency were declared, and communities were placed under evacuation orders. Damage included the Scotiabank Saddledome being submerged, Highway 1 was washed away, and entire towns were cut off by rising waters, along with mudslides.

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Ensuring Energy Efficiency: Specifying windows and curtain walls for cold climates

New insulating glass and framing options can help reduce conductive heat loss from commercial building envelopes in cold climates, while minimizing potential for condensation on interior surfaces. High-performance framing options include three types of thermal barrier systems: polyurethane poured barriers, polyamide nylon thermal struts, and non-structural polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) separators.

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Innovative design for education

In the 21st century, to specialize in innovative designs for educational facilities means responding to constantly evolving settings, models, and technologies. Successful projects encourage curiosity, exploration, and collaboration amongst students and staff; they are predicated on the principle every space has the potential to be a learning space.

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If the Prompt Payment Act passes, will you be ready?

The proposed Prompt Payment Act of Ontario, Bill 69, has passed its first and second readings in the Ontario Provincial Legislature and is now in the committee stage before its third reading in conjunction with the Construction Lien Act of Ontario. But what does this really mean for building owners and the design/construction professionals practising in the province?

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Connecting rehabilitative healthcare to natural surroundings

A state-of-the-art hospital for therapy, St. John’s Rehabilitation Hospital–Sunnybrook Health Sciences, was built in northeast Toronto in 2011. The design is part of a vision for the hospital to be at the forefront of rehabilitation care. The hospital also helps to rebuild the lives of adults recovering from serious illness or injury by involving them in individualized rehabilitation programs.

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