As urban living continues to rise, so does the importance of effective risk management in high-rise buildings. Across Ontario, condo boards led by innovative property management companies are leveraging technology to enhance safety and operational effectiveness. This article delves into their vision and their transformative impacts on safety, compliance, operations and, more importantly, documented evidence of their commitment to community safety. Let's look at a small sample of the key players leading the charge in the last 12 months – right here in Ontario.

Setting the Standard for Condo Management

As one of the largest property management firms in the Greater Toronto Area, First Service Residential has consistently introduced innovative solutions to elevate safety standards in the condo industry. Andre Borges, a Senior Property Manager for a vibrant high-rise community in Toronto and Property Manager Ziad Mokhalalati have embraced technology to ensure their community's safety and resilience.

“When I go to a board meeting and a Condo Director asks if we are a safe, code-compliant building, I want to provide detailed data—evidence of this compliance,” Andre states. Over the past year, Ziad has spearheaded the integration of technology to allow all front-line staff to directly document their safety efforts, allowing Ziad’s team to present that data to anyone- anytime.   This commitment to transparency builds trust with both condo directors and residents.

Ziad has led initiatives to digitize safety inspections and maintenance records, allowing the management team to easily access compliance data, that not only streamlines communication but also provides the management team with real-time insights into the safety status of the building. “We want to ensure that our residents feel safe and secure,” Ziad adds, reflecting the team’s dedication to fostering a safe living environment.

Moreover, it’s important to point out that the team’s vision of technological integration extends beyond mere compliance. By tracking safety metrics over time, the First Service Residential team can identify trends and areas for improvement, allowing them to proactively address potential safety hazards  - before they escalate. This data-driven approach is reshaping how property management firms operate, setting a new standard for excellence in the condo industry. 

Transforming Risk Management with Technology

Charleen Wrobel, an innovative property manager with Polaris Realty, has taken significant strides to integrate technology into the management of commercial high-rise office buildings in Mississauga. With a deep understanding of the complexities involved in property management, Charleen has focused on leveraging technology to improve risk management processes.

Her operations team has implemented a comprehensive technology-driven program that meticulously manages and tracks security concerns, fire code compliance, and proactive safety measures, including slip and fall prevention protocols. “The operations team truly cares about the tenants and the buildings. They do everything they can to prove to the tenants and employers that we take safety and building operations to the highest levels," Charleen explains. This emphasis on accountability has allowed her team to document their safety measures clearly and consistently.

By utilizing accessible technology, her team not only meets safety and compliance standards but also enhances the efficiency of their operations. For instance, daily, weekly, and monthly inspections are recorded digitally, complete with time-stamped photographic evidence. This level of documentation provides tenants with peace of mind, knowing that their safety is a top priority. Charlene’s forward-thinking approach not only elevates the standard of care at these buildings, it also fosters a culture of continuous improvement within the organization – and having the evidence to prove their efforts.

Bridging the Gap in Emergency Response

Recognizing the critical need for improved emergency response in high-rise buildings, the Peel Regional Police have initiated a tech-driven solution aimed at bridging gaps between emergency responders and building management. Their Community Safety & Wellbeing initiative emphasizes collaboration with building owners to eliminate barriers to effective emergency response.

Their objective is to allow building owners and management firms in their community to connect digitally with first responders, providing instant access to vital, life-saving information. The initiative offers secure solutions for the following concepts;

• What if building owners had a secure platform to digitally engage the emergency services in their efforts to positively impact community safety and wellbeing?   
• What if a building Owner could remove these barriers to emergency response by sharing critical details with police, fire, and EMS and immediately elevate the standard of care in my community? 
• What if we can provide this information as first responders are on the way to the building – Saving precious time – and allowing significant benefits to everyone in the building when they need emergency assistance? What if we could shave two or even four minutes when Paramedics respond to building occupants? The answer is clear – It would be life-changing.
• Finally, what if it were free for the community?

This innovative program, launched by Peel Regional Police, allows building owners and property managers – across the region - to share vital information with first responders in real-time, significantly enhancing their preparedness when approaching an emergency scene.

"When emergencies occur, every second counts," explains a representative from Peel Regional Police."  This program ensures that first responders are equipped with the knowledge they need to act swiftly and effectively." Additionally, this initiative addresses common challenges faced by emergency responders. Inadequate access, unfamiliar layouts, and elevator delays often delay critical interventions. By implementing a secure platform for real-time information sharing, building owners can help mitigate these issues, ensuring that first responders have the tools to navigate emergencies confidently, with all of the benefits going to those who live and work in the building. This initiative is a public/private partnership that allows innovative technology to provide immediate benefits to our communities – all at no cost to building Owners. 

A Collective, Accessible Commitment to Safety

The integration of technology in high-rise buildings offers a transformative approach to risk management, delivering measurable value to frontline staff, property managers, and condo boards. By embracing secure and cost-effective solutions, managers and boards alike are achieving their operational vision: streamlining processes, enhancing safety, and building trust with residents and tenants through transparency.

The examples highlighted showcase how organizations are making strides in compliance, emergency response, and community safety. Through accessible technology, combined with their in-house expertise, they're not only improving day-to-day operations but also saving time and resources and, at times, saving lives. Leaders like First Service Residential, Polaris Realty, and Peel Regional Police illustrate that by adopting accessible technology, buildings of all types can elevate safety standards, optimize efficiency, and achieve their goals—all while keeping budgets in check.

Jason Reid is Senior Advisor for National Life Safety Group, specializing in the integration of Fire Code, Safety & Emergency Management in both critical infrastructure facilities and high-rise buildings. Jason is a co-founder of Safe Buildings Tech and is an active industry volunteer and honourable recipient of the Government of Canada's Queen's Platinum Jubilee Award and the Ontario Volunteer Service Award.

nationallifesafetygroup.ca

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