Resources

Hiring an Architect may be a new experience, and a client might need help understanding the role of Architects and Engineers and their services. A property owner must know that by working with an Architect, you are choosing to work with an experienced design professional who will let you know what services they offer and the required services for your project. Architecture and Engineering services vary in terms of specialization for specific project types. Licensed professionals, such as architects and engineers, can provide services to ensure a building project maintains a professional standard and achieves successful results in the public's best interest. The role of the Architect can be summarized as a licensed and insured building design professional whose services are required to protect public health, safety, and welfare. The architect's services are required by law in many large and public buildings. Architects must also complete the education and experience requirements before obtaining a professional license, and only an architect with a certificate of practice in a provincial jurisdiction can provide services as an architect. Canada's Architect's License and Practice are registered with a provincial Architect's Association.

A rising theme in building design is implementing improved ways of constructing and operating buildings to reduce the building's impact on the natural environment. This design service can be applied to existing, new, and future building projects. Sustainable design aims to protect and preserve our natural environment and limited resources while improving the building's usability, health and comfort of occupants. Architects and Engineers play a critical role in implementing sustainable design strategies. They can be the driving force behind your project and support a greener future. Several existing programs are available to certify a building meets sustainable design principles, including LEED Certification for larger new and current projects and EnergyStar Certification for new homes. Implementing a sustainable design program for your building is optional for the owner, and the best place to start choosing the right strategy for your project is by consulting with an Architect.

The most critical factor in designing a new building or upgrading and improving an existing one is ensuring the building is designed to exceed the required safety standards for the building's occupants. Developing a safe building must meet multiple criteria, including fire safety, protection from the weather and temperature, the ability to enter and exit the building quickly, and having the required emergency systems in case of unforeseen events. Safety design also includes designing for people who use wheelchairs and the visually and hearing impaired. Several resources regulate building safety in Canada, including National and Provincial Building Codes and the Fire Code, as well as local and organizational regulations. When a building owner is ready to begin a new project, it is always best practice to consult with a professional architect at the beginning to ensure that the safety requirements are the leading factor in your new building's design.

Before commencement of any works, all designs, specifications, design calculations, and Engineering Drawings must be approved by the Municipality in writing. To obtain approval for a proposed development, the Engineer must initially submit the overall reports and then produce the backup design drawings. Preliminary approval of the Engineering plans may be given to allow for a Ministry of Environment approval or the approval of other agencies required before the Municipal final approval.

Serviceability, Drainage, and Noise Reports detailing drainage outlets, land uses, densities, erosion control measures, etc., must be prepared and submitted by the Engineer. The Municipality must approve the report before designs are submitted and construction is commenced.

The following Plans are to be submitted for approval:

a) Plan and Profile all services and roadways. The plan shall show the easement size and location.

b) The general plan of services shows all underground and above-ground services.

c) Grade Control Plan.

d) The storm drainage plan shows drainage within the development and the limits of areas outside the plan draining into the proposed storm system. The runoff coefficient and area shall be shown for the areas outside the plan and each section of the development's open ditch storm drainage system. The drainage directions for all design section areas must be shown.

e) The Sanitary Drainage Plan shows sanitary drainage within the development and the limits of areas outside the plan draining onto the proposed sanitary sewer system. The proposed populations and areas shall be shown for the areas outside the plan and each section of the sanitary sewer system in the development. The directions of drainage from all design areas must be shown.

f) Composite Utility Plan showing all wiring and appurtenances for Public Utilities, including hydro, street lights, telephone, Cablevision and gas to be installed in the area of the Plan of Development, including any lines connecting utilities in the development with existing utilities.

g) Drawings of Miscellaneous Details (if required) showing special manholes, headwalls, retaining walls, cross sections, filling, grading, sodding of a ravine or hillside lots, etc.

The grading for individual lots and townhouses shall be developed using the following minimum standards.

a) Yard surfaces and swales shall have a minimum slope of 1.5% in most municipalities.

b) Drainage flows shall be directed away from structures.

c) Drainage flows carried around building structures are confined to defined swales as far from the building structure as possible.

d) Minimum swale depth to be 150mm. Maximum swale depth is to be variable, dependent on location and safety considerations, but in no event shall the swale depth exceed 600mm at three horizontal to one vertical.

e) The maximum slope of embankments between properties shall be three horizontal to one vertical. Otherwise, a retaining wall will be constructed to the satisfaction of the City Engineer.

f) Grading shall be tapered to the original ground no less than 1 metre from the boundary limits of the Subdivision so that the existing boundary elevations shall be maintained.

g) in Urban Development, The maximum distance that flow shall travel in a rear yard swale before it is collected by a rear yard catch basin (or other approved outlet) shall be 90m unless otherwise approved by the City Engineer.

h) The maximum distance flow shall travel in a rear yard swale before it is discharged directly onto the road is 20m.

i) Natural drainage patterns in rural development should not be altered without the municipality's approval.