Making the complex simpler

Oki Sato’s design firm presented a movement-themed collection in New York

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Making the complex simpler interview

RESCON’s goal to unite homebuilders The Residential Construction Council of Ontario, also known as RESCON, is an organization that brings together highrise and lowrise homebuilders under one banner. The association offers a voice to government in such diverse subjects as building innovation, human resources, health and safety, technical standards, and training and education. RESCON president Richard Lyall says that on the international scene, Canada is a respected leader for constructing tall buildings, especially for residential projects. “Highrise buildings are becoming more complex to build over time,” he says. “They are actually very sophisticated built-forms. With the progression of the building code and other changes, we decided that it was time that we needed to engage on a more sophisticated level with respect to building science and building innovation.” RESCON has recently part-

nered with the University of Toronto and the federal government to create The Building Tall Research Centre, a new think tank catering to the highrise industry. Brenda McCabe is the centre’s research director and associate professor at UofT’s Department of Civil Engineering. The centre provides a go-to resource for designers, consultants, developers, builders and policymakers. RESCON acts in a funding and advisory role and Lyall sits on the board, as well as representatives from Daniels and Menkes, two major Toronto condo builders. With regard to the skyrocketing GTA housing prices, Lyall says we are experiencing a supply-side economics problem in the central Ontario area that’s particularly hard on young families and first-time buyers. “Fundamentally, we’re not actually building enough housing to meet supply.” he explains. The new building trend towards green condo standards and LEED certification is a good thing, and Lyall believes that green building regulations should be mandated on a performance level, allowing

A Tridel highrise construction project is shown under construction. Canada is a respected leader for constructing tall buildings, especially for residential projects, says RESCON President Richard Lyall. tridel

builders to meet certain environmental goals. At the same time, some of the newer, emerging green technologies escalate the cost of construction in an already price-sensitive landscape.

Fundamentally, we’re not actually building enough housing to meet supply RESCON President Richard Lyall

“In terms of long-term goals, we should have buildings that are basically selfsufficient,” explains Lyall. “but you have to balance that out with the fact that we have a huge housing afford-

ability problem.” RESCON has always been a champion of housing affordability. Lyall sees the need for more density in neighbourhoods along public transit routes like the Danforth sub-

way line and Eglinton Crosstown. “Where’s the massive, creative, city-building change that says along these major transportation corridors here are the new rules for building?”

events

What’s hot this week in the city’s real estate market Open House

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grand opening

Open House

Waterfront: This one-plus-one bedroom suite with two bathrooms is being shown at the new Pier 27 condos right on the lake. Visit 29 Queens Quay Ave. E., on May 14 and 15 from 1 to 4 p.m.

Brampton: The Olivia Marie Gardens condominiums go on sale this weekend in Brampton. Visit the sales centre at the northeast corner of Mississauga Road and Olivia Marie Road, on May 14 at 9 a.m.

Etobicoke: A fabulous one-plusone bedroom suite at Waterscapes condos will be shown this weekend. Check it out at 80 Marine Parade Dr., May 14 and 15 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Contact: Andrew Ipekian, Keller Wil-

Contact: 905-874-8880, omgdaniels.

Plus Corp., Brokerage., 416-847-0920

liams Referred Urban Realty, Broker-

com

age. 416-572-1016

Contact: Bette Ursini, RE/Max Condos

Duncan mcallister