Magazine

When designing facilities from the ground up, several key safety factors are understandably considered to ensure the safety of occupants. HVAC and fire code compliance—like fire suppression systems, smoke detectors, and proper ventilation—are crucial. Planners ensure new facilities have clear exit paths, accessible exits, and adequate lighting. Facilities may incorporate basic security measures such as…

As ransomware attacks and tactics evolve, healthcare facilities must be aware of what threats exist and how to stay secure. Cybersecurity in the healthcare space is a prominent topic as cyberattacks continue to assault healthcare organizations daily. Worse, cybercriminals are constantly changing how they operate and execute their attacks, making adapting to their methods difficult….

Employers and landlords with tenants whose workplaces are regulated under Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act could soon be required to publicly report the cleaning schedule for the washrooms those workers use. Legislation to enable the new rule is now progressing toward adoption, and the provincial government is seeking comments on the scope of information…

A regulatory crackdown on unproven or misleading environmental claims is causing uncertainty for some businesses selling their products and services in the Canadian market. A coalition of 25 industry associations has responded to the Competition Bureau’s consultation on new greenwashing provisions that were enacted through amendments to the Competition Act earlier this year. The legislation…

Communities and organizations across Ontario are encouraged to apply for a second round of funding that focuses on emergency preparedness for natural disasters and other events. The community emergency preparedness grant totals $5 million for the 2024-25 term and is geared to support municipalities and organizations with essential resources, equipment and training to better prepare…

Low-carbon energy building design has been a major focus of a new 400,000-square-foot industrial centre that is nearing completion in Halifax. The Bayers Lake Industrial Centre will feature a thermally efficient load-bearing tilt-up building system with increased roof insulation and vertical loading docks, a solar PV system, centralized in-floor heating, heat recovery ventilation, and provision…

Enoch Cree Nation broke ground on a new $200-million hotel project, which will see the River Cree Resort and Casino nearly double in size. The resort, located just to the south of Whitemud Drive and west of Winterburn Road, is adding the expansion to the initial facility built nearly 20 years ago. The project includes:…

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) awarded 35 grants, totaling $18 million, under the Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention (TVTP) Grant Program for fiscal year 2024 (FY24). Awardees include public health organizations, colleges and universities, and groups working with underserved communities. The program is administered by the DHS Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships (CP3) and…

Data-driven decisions can help facility managers improve security of buildings, personal packages In an era dominated by digitalization, the perceived value of mailroom services in institutional and commercial facilities may appear diminished. However, forward-thinking building owners and facility managers recognize that a modernized and well-managed mailroom operation can provide substantial value, elevate the customer experience,…

Digital twins can be used for many applications in facility management. With modern technology concepts that seemed like far-fetched science fiction in the past are now not only possible but real and useable. New and emerging technologies, like digital twins, can assist and streamline processes within the healthcare industry. Digital twins are essentially a virtual…