News Article 2

Mechanical Engineering Specialty Testing

By Dave Moore

President, Project Principal

Summary

Pretium Engineering successfully completed a full window wall replacement at the Rosedale Glen Condos while keeping residents in their homes and staying under budget. This article outlines the thoughtful planning, detailed assessments, and clear communication strategies that made it all possible.

There’s no easy way around it – carrying out window wall and other fenestration replacements at a multifamily building is a necessity that can be onerous on property managers, condo boards and residents. It is possible to minimize disturbances and expenditures, but it takes thoughtful preparation, careful planning and ongoing communication with all parties.

That’s how Pretium Engineering managed our replacement program at the Rosedale Glen Condos, a 44-year-old development near Mt. Pleasant Road and Rosedale Valley Road in Toronto, Ontario.

Here are the details on how we kept residents in place and came in under budget while conducting a complete replacement program throughout the building’s two towers

We began by investigating the structure’s condition to identify what elements needed to be entirely replaced and where we might be able to save the client money.

1. Understanding the assignment

It’s integral to have a solid understanding of the assignment before jumping into action. This includes doing a building condition audit to look for wear and tear on existing infrastructure and determine its operational status; estimating project costs and conducting a reserve fund study; and building out timelines.
We began by investigating the structure’s condition to identify what elements needed to be entirely replaced and where we might be able to save the client money.

We reviewed the condos’ 180 suites, examining the state of sliding doors and window walls.
We identified the existing insulation system and how it interacted with the original glazing system, made from aluminum-framed window walls with a combination of fixed insulated glazing units and single pane horizontal sliders.

Once this thorough investigation was complete, we determined that we would need to remove and dispose of all existing windows, doors, spandrels, interior drywall at the jambs, ceiling finishes at the head, flooring at sills, and accessories.

Armed with information, we designed a renovation program to install new aluminum-framed systems at all windows, doors and spandrels, along with new metal transitions from the existing structure to new systems, sealants, and interior finishes. For the exteriors, we decided that some areas needed complete masonry and insulation replacement, but not all.

The design options were narrowed down based on the EnerPHit requirements, impact on residents, and price until an optimal recommendation was achieved. Energy modeling and reporting for the National Housing Co-Investment Fund was also completed.

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The design options were narrowed down based on the EnerPHit requirements, impact on residents, and price until an optimal recommendation was achieved. Energy modeling and reporting for the National Housing Co-Investment Fund was also completed.

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The design options were narrowed down based on the EnerPHit requirements, impact on residents, and price until an optimal recommendation was achieved. Energy modeling and reporting for the National Housing Co-Investment Fund was also completed.

3 / 3

2. Managing – and communicating – expectations

It’s integral to have a solid understanding of the assignment before jumping into action. This includes doing a building condition audit to look for wear and tear on existing infrastructure and determine its operational status; estimating project costs and conducting a reserve fund study; and building
out timelines…..

Published on August 14, 2025

News Article

Mechanical Engineering Specialty Testing

By Dave Moore

President, Project Principal

Summary

Pretium Engineering successfully completed a full window wall replacement at the Rosedale Glen Condos while keeping residents in their homes and staying under budget. This article outlines the thoughtful planning, detailed assessments, and clear communication strategies that made it all possible.

There’s no easy way around it – carrying out window wall and other fenestration replacements at a multifamily building is a necessity that can be onerous on property managers, condo boards and residents. It is possible to minimize disturbances and expenditures, but it takes thoughtful preparation, careful planning and ongoing communication with all parties.

That’s how Pretium Engineering managed our replacement program at the Rosedale Glen Condos, a 44-year-old development near Mt. Pleasant Road and Rosedale Valley Road in Toronto, Ontario.

Here are the details on how we kept residents in place and came in under budget while conducting a complete replacement program throughout the building’s two towers

We began by investigating the structure’s condition to identify what elements needed to be entirely replaced and where we might be able to save the client money.

1. Understanding the assignment

It’s integral to have a solid understanding of the assignment before jumping into action. This includes doing a building condition audit to look for wear and tear on existing infrastructure and determine its operational status; estimating project costs and conducting a reserve fund study; and building out timelines.
We began by investigating the structure’s condition to identify what elements needed to be entirely replaced and where we might be able to save the client money.

We reviewed the condos’ 180 suites, examining the state of sliding doors and window walls.
We identified the existing insulation system and how it interacted with the original glazing system, made from aluminum-framed window walls with a combination of fixed insulated glazing units and single pane horizontal sliders.

Once this thorough investigation was complete, we determined that we would need to remove and dispose of all existing windows, doors, spandrels, interior drywall at the jambs, ceiling finishes at the head, flooring at sills, and accessories.

Armed with information, we designed a renovation program to install new aluminum-framed systems at all windows, doors and spandrels, along with new metal transitions from the existing structure to new systems, sealants, and interior finishes. For the exteriors, we decided that some areas needed complete masonry and insulation replacement, but not all.

The design options were narrowed down based on the EnerPHit requirements, impact on residents, and price until an optimal recommendation was achieved. Energy modeling and reporting for the National Housing Co-Investment Fund was also completed.

1 / 3

The design options were narrowed down based on the EnerPHit requirements, impact on residents, and price until an optimal recommendation was achieved. Energy modeling and reporting for the National Housing Co-Investment Fund was also completed.

2 / 3

The design options were narrowed down based on the EnerPHit requirements, impact on residents, and price until an optimal recommendation was achieved. Energy modeling and reporting for the National Housing Co-Investment Fund was also completed.

3 / 3

2. Managing – and communicating – expectations

It’s integral to have a solid understanding of the assignment before jumping into action. This includes doing a building condition audit to look for wear and tear on existing infrastructure and determine its operational status; estimating project costs and conducting a reserve fund study; and building
out timelines…..

Published on August 14, 2025

15 Bradford Street, Barrie

A complete building renovation was completed to provide fire safety and a new, efficient HVAC system for a healthcare facility.

Services

Mechanical Engineering

Subservices

Existing Building Systems

Sector

Commercial / Institutional

Duration

2022-2024

Client

Salter Pilon Architects

Project Value

$675,000

Project size

1 building

Pretium was involved in a complete building renovation for the existing office and patient care area at this location.

The building upgrades required the relocation of existing mechanical services, and the addition of a sprinkler system, where no system was previously installed.

Pretium coordinated with the architect, contractor and the City, to provide separate incoming domestic water and fire suppression service lines in separate rooms, to optimize useable space in the existing building.

Additionally, existing gas-fired HVAC equipment was removed and replaced with variable refrigerant flow (VRF) heat pump systems which allowed for precise temperature control in multiple office and treatment spaces.

To deliver this project, Pretium completed the following measures:

Mechanical Design

Our mechanical engineering team delivers technically sound, practical, energy, and cost-saving solutions while ensuring our clients’ satisfaction. Our team of highly skilled professionals can provide solutions for any retrofit or new construction project

Contract Administration and Construction Review

Once a contractor is selected, our team periodically visits the site to confirm that the work is being completed in accordance with the project specifications and provides contract administration from start to completion.

Client Benefits

Pretium worked with the design team to provide optimal HVAC system design for maximum flexibility, energy efficiency, and greenhouse gas reduction.

From the initial project planning stages, our team was involved with coordinating space planning and site service requirements during the renovations.

This allowed for smooth project progression with coordination between multiple parties, ensuring the safety of building occupants through the installation of fire suppression systems.

New ductwork and plumbing installed in the ceiling space.

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New domestic water softening system.

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New domestic water main.

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Project Team

Your Project, Our Expertise – Let’s Make It Happen

Our expert team is here to help you achieve your goals.

Get In Touch

15 Towering Heights Blvd, St. Catharines

A water service relocation was completed at a fully occupied apartment building where additional issues beyond the original scope of work were identified and resolved throughout the project.

Services

Mechanical Engineering

Subservices

Existing Building Systems

Sector

Residential

Duration

2022-2023

Client

Shabri Properties

Project Value

$350,000

Project size

13 stories

Pretium was engaged to provide an assessment and design for the replacement of existing incoming domestic water piping.

Other deficiencies were noted on-site during our review and building domestic water systems were upgraded to meet current municipal and code requirements. Pretium provided coordination and provision of new incoming domestic water for fire suppression and domestic water use, including a new incoming water room.

Backflow prevention was installed to meet cross-connection survey results, and incoming water services were relocated to avoid the use of a failing buried incoming line installed below the building.

To deliver this project, Pretium completed the following measures:

Condition Assessment

A detailed assessment of existing conditions, including drawings, permitted use, failure mechanisms, and remedial options, allows for clients to choose the building restoration and renewal program that best suits their objectives.

Design and Specifications

Design documents describe the project scope, materials, and procedures based on information collected during the assessment/feasibility phase with the Owner’s agreement on approach and budget. They communicate to the contractor in a way that promotes refined pricing and increases the potential for success through improved workmanship, fewer changes and disruptions to occupants, a shorter schedule, and cost within budget.

Tendering

A fair and competitive tender process is followed for both public and private projects. During the tender process, we respond to queries, prepare addenda, and walk the work area with the bidders. On closing of tenders, we prepare a written summary and analysis of the bids received.

Contract Administration and Construction Review

Once a contractor is selected, our team periodically visits the site to confirm that the work is being completed in accordance with the project specifications and provides contract administration from start to completion.

Client Benefits

Pretium was able to work with the project team to complete the work while the building was fully occupied. This included assisting with managing occupant expectations and working with the contractor to schedule and phase the work to minimize impact.

During construction, it was discovered that an existing incoming domestic water line serving the building had been relocated and abandoned without any public record. There was a planned eight-hour water shutdown for final connections to be made, and this issue was discovered once the final connection was made.

Pretium worked immediately with the contractor and client to provide temporary water service and ultimately locate and connect to the unmarked piping. Pretium was in constant communication with the contractor and property manager during the unplanned additional work to maintain coordination and ensure the property was aware of challenges and solutions on site.

An exterior excavation and new pipes required for the new domestic water supply.

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New incoming domestic water supply with backflow preventer.

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Project Team

Jeff Livingstone

Project Principal, Mechanical Engineering Service Area Leader

June Li

Mechanical Design Consultant

Ranjit Singh

Project Coordinator

Your Project, Our Expertise – Let’s Make It Happen

Our expert team is here to help you achieve your goals.

Get In Touch

Wilfred Laurier University

Extensive hydronic system upgrades were completed at three University buildings as part of a phased transition into geothermal heating.

Services

Mechanical Engineering

Subservices

Existing Building Systems

Sector

Commercial / Institutional

Duration

2021

Client

Wilfred Laurier University

Partners

ESJ Electrical Engineering

Project Value

$1,000,000

Project size

3 buildings

Pretium was responsible for the complete design, prime consulting, construction review, and construction administration services for hydronic system upgrades at three university buildings.

New piping upgrades were completed, extending through three buildings to complete an ongoing phased central boiler plant expansion project. Hydronic systems were installed and updated to allow for connection into a recently installed central condensing boiler plant. Building upgrades included the removal of individual boiler systems and gas–fired, domestic hot water heaters for replacement with heat exchangers and piping tied into the central boiler plant in one of the three buildings.

Pretium’s involvement began with an application and award to a public tender for this hydronic system upgrade. The RFP included a general concept for the application of a second phase of construction for heating plant consolidation. Pretium performed extensive site reviews and documentation for pipe routing through existing operating buildings.

Pretium acted as the prime consultant on the project and coordinated in-house structural engineering review for new and updated equipment. We worked with an external electrical engineering firm to coordinate the electrical requirements for new and removed mechanical systems. A complete and coordinated set of bid documents were presented to Laurier University’s procurement group for public tendering through the school’s formal channels. We aided in contractor site reviews and the tendering process.

Upon award of construction, Pretium coordinated and organized a pre-construction meeting, outlining the roles and responsibilities of all parties. Ongoing site reviews and coordination took place during project construction. During the final balancing of the system, it was noted that design flows were not achieved at remote building locations. Pretium took the lead and chaired a meeting between the university stakeholders and the Phase One design engineers to coordinate changes to the base building systems. The proposed changes were accepted by base building engineers and the revisions were implemented.

To deliver this project, Pretium completed the following measures:

Mechanical Design

Our mechanical engineering team delivers technically sound, practical, energy, and cost-saving solutions while ensuring our clients’ satisfaction. Our team of highly skilled professionals can provide solutions for any retrofit or new construction project

Electrical Design

Working alongside our Partners and Mechanical Engineering team, serving as the prime consultant, our team offers electrical design services. This allows clients to have a one-stop shop for all of their mechanical and electrical needs.

Contract Administration and Construction Review

Once a contractor is selected, our team periodically visits the site to confirm that the work is being completed in accordance with the project specifications and provides contract administration from start to completion.

Client Benefits

Due to the updated design, the connected gas load was reduced and each building is now positioned to transition to lower heating water temperatures, allowing for future connections to a proposed central geothermal heating system.

Project construction took place on an active university campus at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Project staffing, access, protection, and building protocols were changing constantly. Pretium worked closely with the University project managers to manage project timelines and adjust schedules to meet continually updating building access requirements, including complete lockdowns.

Following project completion, Pretium corresponded with the University periodically to answer questions regarding system operation and to help fine tune individual system components as the building operated in each of its first four seasons.

Project Team

Jeff Livingstone

Project Principal, Mechanical Engineering Service Area Leader

Syed Mateen

Senior Project Manager

Your Project, Our Expertise – Let’s Make It Happen

Our expert team is here to help you achieve your goals.

Get In Touch

Services

News Article 2

By Dave Moore

Summary

1. Understanding the assignment

2. Managing – and communicating – expectations

Learn More

Keeping Condo Residents Comfortable During Window Wall Replacement

By editor

Why Air Tightness Matters for Building Energy Efficiency

By dalic

News Article

By Dave Moore

News Article

By Dave Moore

Summary

1. Understanding the assignment

2. Managing – and communicating – expectations

Learn More

Keeping Condo Residents Comfortable During Window Wall Replacement

By editor

Why Air Tightness Matters for Building Energy Efficiency

By dalic

News Article 2

By Dave Moore

Arda Yapicioglu, P. Eng., MASc

Representative Projects

278 Bloor St. E, Toronto

2000 Argentia Rd, Mississauga

Branson Hospital Project, North York

Thought Leadership

Stephen McEwen, EIT, CPHC

Representative Projects

Royal Oak Dairy and Stables, Hamilton

The Wellington, Saint John, NB

Trinity Housing, Cobourg

15 Bradford Street, Barrie

Pretium was involved in a complete building renovation for the existing office and patient care area at this location.

To deliver this project, Pretium completed the following measures:

Mechanical Design

Contract Administration and Construction Review

Pretium worked with the design team to provide optimal HVAC system design for maximum flexibility, energy efficiency, and greenhouse gas reduction.

Project Team

Jeff Livingstone

Syed Mateen

Ranjit Singh

See More Featured Projects

15 Towering Heights Blvd, St. Catharines

Wilfred Laurier University

6 Acorn Street, Hamilton

1401 Boulevard Talbot, Chicoutimi

Metro Distribution Centers

Your Project, Our Expertise – Let’s Make It Happen

15 Towering Heights Blvd, St. Catharines

Pretium was engaged to provide an assessment and design for the replacement of existing incoming domestic water piping.

To deliver this project, Pretium completed the following measures:

Condition Assessment

Design and Specifications

Tendering

Contract Administration and Construction Review

Pretium was able to work with the project team to complete the work while the building was fully occupied. This included assisting with managing occupant expectations and working with the contractor to schedule and phase the work to minimize impact.

Project Team

Jeff Livingstone

June Li

Ranjit Singh

See More Featured Projects

15 Bradford Street, Barrie

Wilfred Laurier University

6 Acorn Street, Hamilton

1177 Bloor Street, Mississauga

255 Riverside Drive East, Windsor

Your Project, Our Expertise – Let’s Make It Happen

Wilfred Laurier University

Pretium was responsible for the complete design, prime consulting, construction review, and construction administration services for hydronic system upgrades at three university buildings.

To deliver this project, Pretium completed the following measures:

Mechanical Design

Electrical Design

Contract Administration and Construction Review

Due to the updated design, the connected gas load was reduced and each building is now positioned to transition to lower heating water temperatures, allowing for future connections to a proposed central geothermal heating system.

Project Team