Emergency Preparedness

January 6, 2025 Published by British Columbia Chapter - By Fiona Therrien

How to Stay Comfortable and Protected in a Changing Climate

From CCI BC Strata Connection Magazine, Volume 03, Fall/Winter 2024

Thoughtful building maintenance in Vancouver is becoming increasingly important as the effects of climate change intensify. The city faces more frequent extreme precipitation and heat waves. This is an overview of issues for Councils to be aware of and discuss with their management companies. 

1. Waterproofing and Drainage Systems

Increased Rainfall and Storms:

Vancouver was always wet, but we’re seeing increasing frequency and intensity of rainstorms. This makes it critical for building maintenance teams to ensure that gutters, downspouts, and drainage systems are properly functioning. Strata managers with any grey hair have noticed that days of extreme rainfall (and the resulting aftermath) have become more common and intense. 

Sustainable Drainage:

Installing green roofs, permeable paving, and rain gardens can reduce storm-water runoff and help manage excess water. After all, if water has nowhere to escape... it will likely come through your roof or walls. 

2. Energy Efficiency and Cooling Systems

Rising Temperatures:

Recent summers have seen heatwaves. But adding heat pumps or air conditioners is a topic fraught with complications: damage to the building envelope,the building's ability to handle the electrical load, human rights claims, and responsibility for future maintenance are all important to consider.  

Energy Efficiency Retrofits:

Upgrading windows, adding insulation, and sealing air leaks can help reduce the need for excessive heating in winter and cooling in summer, minimizing energy consumption and improving comfort. Something as simple as re-caulking windows can make a difference. 

3. Preventing Mold and Mildew

Increased Humidity and Precipitation:

Preventative measures like proper ventilation and dehumidifiers are necessary to protect indoor environments.

Maintenance of Exterior Surfaces:

Cladding, siding, and window seals need to be regularly inspected and maintained to prevent moisture from entering the building’s structure. Furthermore, Vancouver may see more freeze-thaw cycles due to fluctuating winter temperatures, which can cause roof materials to expand and contract. This increases the risk of cracks and leaks. Regular inspections and maintenance is needed to address these issues early. 

Advanced Communication

The use of LoRa (Long Range) communication protocol enhances the system's ability to transmit data over long distances, ensuring timely alerts and response. 

Comprehensive Data Collection

The AKWA Concierge system provides a detailed data collection platform, allowing property managers to monitor and respond to potential issues proactively. 

Temperature Monitoring

AKWA Technologies’ sensors detect temperature variations and provide early warnings when temperatures drop to levels that could cause pipes to freeze. This proactive feature enables property managers to take preventive action before damage occurs. 

Why Choose AKWA Technologies?

AKWA Technologies has been at the forefront of water leak detection and mitigation. Their expertise in connected objects and IoT devices ensures that their systems are not only reliable but also adaptable to various building configurations and applications. By customizing features to meet specific client needs, AKWA Technologies, in partnership with H2O Leak Detect, offers a tailored approach to water damage prevention with its 150,000 sensors being monitored 24/7 365. 

Benefits of a Water Mitigation Solution:

Early Detection

Advanced sensors and monitoring systems detect leaks and temperature drops before they become major issues, allowing for quick intervention. 

Customizable Solutions

Systems can be tailored to fit the specific layout and requirements of any building, ensuring optimal performance.  

Comprehensive Support

From design to implementation and ongoing support, AKWA Technologies and H2O Leak Detect provide a complete solution for water damage prevention. 

Mitigating Risks and Preparing for the Future

As we continue to face the effects of climate change, it is crucial for property managers and condominium associations to adopt proactive measures to protect their assets. Investing in advanced water mitigation technology is a key strategy in safeguarding properties against the risks associated with freezing temperatures and other weather-related challenges.  

By choosing reliable, Canadian-made solutions like those offered by AKWA Technologies and H2O Leak Detect, property managers can ensure that their buildings remain secure and resilient in the face of changing climate conditions. 

4. Emergency Preparedness

Extreme Weather Events:

Strata corporations need to have emergency protocols in place for structural damage, HVAC failures, and water infiltration, along with backup systems like generators for power outages. 

5. Sustainable Landscaping

Drought and Heat Tolerance:

Landscaping around buildings should prioritize drought-tolerant plants and trees to reduce water consumption, especially during the drier summer months. This is especially important as municipal water restrictions have become longer and more common.

By proactively addressing these maintenance needs, Vancouver’s strata corporations can help ensure that structures remain protected, comfortable, and energy-efficient in the face of a changing climate.

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Fiona Therrien 
Managing Broker, C&C Property Group

Managing Broker of C&C Property Group, a boutique strata agency serving Greater Vancouver. Formerly the Managing Broker of Tribe (20172022) and Regional Director for BC at First Service Residential (2013-2017). Strata veteran. Dog and cat lover.