AUGUST 2014
H
business elite canada
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“Hopefully someday it becomes a reference
for integrating new ways of doing things such
as how can we manage rainwater better, or
how can we make sure that we are creating a
mixed use environment where you will have of-
fices as well as the residential component, that
also integrates new technologies such as sus-
tainable energy saving methods such as using
the energy created on daytime by the offices
to support the residential activities in the eve-
ning” said Gariepy. “It’s a very challenging pro-
cess so we are looking at multiple approaches
at this stage.”
He notes that the concept of ‘smart cities’ are
really catching on in the mainstream conscious-
ness, but putting those concepts into concrete
initiatives is the challenge for Provencher Roy.
Recently he took a trip to see how some Scan-
dinavian firms tackle sustainability projects.
One point he notes is that while Canada and
Scandinavia have many good ideas and proj-
ects, Europe (in his opinion) seems to be far
better on average at promoting their develop-
ments.
“One of the things we saw is that we do have
good examples of best practices throughout
Canada, Quebec, the United States, but we
may not be as good as other countries to pro-
mote these good examples. Europe has a lot of
success, partly because they are good at pro-
moting their story,” he said.
He believes the North American market must
develop its own inspiration out of Europe’s ex-
ample and more importantly promote their
own existing projects and best practices. Firms
do take inspiration from what is seen over in
Europe and bring new ideas to the Canadian
market, but Gariepy really stresses that they
should be doing a great deal more to promote
their own good examples.
That’s just what Provencher Roy aims to do
in its negotiation process within communi-
ties that want more sustainable infrastructure
and green spaces, and also business develop-
ers. What has set the Provencher Roy apart
from many firms in North America and Europe
however is its urban planning and designing
of mixed use spaces that incorporate office in-
dustrial space with residential space such as in
the case of the Angus development. You can
expect to see more of this pioneering effort in
sustainability initiatives from Provencher Roy &
Associates with a smart approach that is sure
to last with legislative, regulatory backing for
future generations to enjoy.
