Updates on CECA and tall buildings for Vancouver and Toronto

Changes on CECA Board

The Canadian Elevator Contractors Association (CECA) announced changes on its board of directors. Following the resignation of Trevor Doell as treasurer, Braden Hopkirk now fills the role, per the guidelines set out in the CECA Constitution that the runner-up in the June 2019 Annual General Meeting (AGM) vote fill the position for the remainder of the term, until the AGM in 2023. CECA thanked Doell for his efforts and contributions to the board. Two terms expire at CECA’s AGM, planned in September at United 2020 in Houston. Those elected will fill Pedro Oughourlian’s and Phil Staite’s roles as eastern and central region representatives, respectively.

Garden-Inspired Tower Proposed in Vancouver

A 47-story, garden-inspired tower is being proposed for Vancouver’s West End, The Daily Hive reported in May. The project, by Pacific Northern Developments, would be on a site at Barclay and Thurlow streets, where a seven-story condominium building and a two-story townhouse currently sit. The plans call for 361 homes, with a mix of 91 affordable, “social housing” units and 270 condominiums. A higher ratio of family-sized units, with two bedrooms or larger, is proposed, with half of the social housing units and about one-third of the condo units designated for this size. Shared outdoor amenity space will be available for all building residents.

Designed by Montreal-based ACDF Architecture and IBI Group, the project follows a “tower in the park” concept that includes generous landscaping, trees and seating to create a park-like setting. A public plaza is proposed for the southeast corner of the property. The tower’s architecture follows a garden theme, with an intricate system of balconies inspired by the shapes of flora — in particular, fig leaves and tulips. The developer is aiming for a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Gold designation that will help meet the city’s Low Emissions Green Buildings requirements. A formal rezoning application has yet to be submitted, as the proposal is still early in its design stage.

Work Progressing on Multiple-Tower Project Near Toronto

Construction is progressing on the final three towers of the Emerald City development in Toronto’s North York borough, Urban Toronto reported in May. The development, by ELAD Canada, has brought major changes to North York’s Parkway Forest community over the past 10 years, replacing mid-20th century apartment buildings with the first phases of Emerald City: six residential towers, plus mid-rise buildings, townhomes and a new community center. The towers currently under construction include two residential high rises, The Peak, standing 33 stories, and The Point, standing 24 stories. The third building, Lumina, at 15 stories, will include residential and retail space. The buildings were designed by WZMH Architects, also responsible for the earlier phases.

This latest block of the project broke ground in February 2018, and work has included construction of a sitewide 900-plus-space parking garage. A visit showed construction on The Peak, which will top out at 106.7 m, well ahead of the other two towers. Preparations were underway in May for exterior finishes on the tower’s podium levels. The Peak and The Point are projected for completion this year, but no completion date was available for Lumina.