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The City of Vancouver is revolutionizing how construction permits are approved. At BUILDEX Vancouver 2025, we had the opportunity to chat with Corrie Okell, General Manager of Development, Buildings, and Licensing at the City of Vancouver, about how digital transformation is reducing permit wait times and reshaping the builder-city relationship.

Learn how the city has implemented technologies like ePlan, which allows for 24/7 drawing submissions. While the transition was initially challenging for paper-dependent professionals, this digital shift has created unprecedented flexibility for both industry and city staff.

What’s truly groundbreaking is Vancouver’s new approach to application quality. Poor submissions have historically caused endless back-and-forth delays. Now, innovative tools like the Project Requirements Exploration Tool (PRET) help property owners understand what can be built on their lot before submitting, while the new eComply system automatically identifies non-compliant elements in drawings in real time.

These technologies support Vancouver's ambitious 3-3-3-1 Permit Approval Framework:
✅ 3 days to approve home renovation permits (including those for mobility and accessibility-related upgrades).
✅ 3 weeks to approve single-family home and townhouse permits.
✅ 3 months to approve permits for professionally designed multi-family and mid-rise projects where zoning is already in place.
✅ 1 year to approve permits for high-rise or large-scale projects.

Want to know how these permitting innovations could impact your next project? Subscribe to The Site Visit for insights from construction industry leaders shaping the future of building.

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the Site Visit Website: https://www.sitemaxsystems.com/podcast
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the Site Visit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-site-visit/id1456494446
the Site Visit on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5cp4qJE5ExZmO3EwldN1HH

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The Future of Efficient, Healthy Housing is Here!

Tune in to our conversation with Arman Mottaghi, CEO of Properate. With Properate’s innovative technology, homeowners can now pinpoint which improvements will truly make a difference, avoiding wasted money on ineffective upgrades. Together with Arman, we dive into how the return on investment for home energy upgrades extends far beyond utility savings to include increased property value, health benefits, and greater resilience against climate events. He also highlights how many Canadians are missing out on substantial government incentives—such as interest-free loans up to $40,000 for qualifying improvements—simply because they’re unaware these programs exist.

For those living in strata properties or multi-unit buildings, achieving efficiency presents unique challenges that require collective action. However, the greatest opportunities lie with single-family homes and townhouses, which make up the bulk of our residential built environment. Want to know more? Tune in now.

PODCAST INFO:
the Site Visit Website: https://www.sitemaxsystems.com/podcast
the Site Visit on Buzzsprout: https://thesitevisit.buzzsprout.com/269424
the Site Visit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-site-visit/id1456494446
the Site Visit on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5cp4qJE5ExZmO3EwldN1HH

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The construction industry is at a crossroads as it embraces the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI). In this insightful episode, Shawn Gray delves into the pressing need for the construction sector, especially mid-sized firms, to engage with AI solutions that can substantially enhance productivity and operational efficiency. As labor shortages and demands for faster project delivery become critical issues, AI might just hold the key to unlocking greater profits and smoother project execution.

Shawn elaborates on how many firms are exploring AI but less than 4% are meaningfully adopting it. He shares real-world examples of how mid-sized companies are already using AI to automate time-consuming tasks, thereby redefining workflows and allowing teams to focus on higher-value activities. We discuss the unique challenges faced by field teams who are often reluctant to embrace new technology due to past failures, and how AI can bridge the gap by offering intuitive solutions that speak directly to their needs and pain points.

Listeners gain a deeper understanding of the significance of not just adopting AI tools, but integrating them in ways that significantly impact on-site productivity. The episode underscores that the risks of ignoring AI or not supporting its adoption can jeopardize a company’s competitive standing in an evolving market. This enlightening conversation is a must-listen for construction professionals eager to understand how innovative technologies can yield tangible benefits.

Join us as we explore the best practices for AI adoption in construction and the profound implications it holds for the industry's future. Don't miss out—subscribe, share your thoughts, and contribute to the conversation!

PODCAST INFO:
the Site Visit Website: https://www.sitemaxsystems.com/podcast
the Site Visit on Buzzsprout: https://thesitevisit.buzzsprout.com/269424
the Site Visit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-site-visit/id1456494446
the Site Visit on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5cp4qJE5ExZmO3EwldN1HH

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Imagine a world where our cities are not only more sustainable but also inviting and warm—mass timber construction is paving the way for this vision. In this episode, we engage with Alejandro Coronado, Technical Advisor at WoodWorks BC to explore the unique benefits of integrating wood into modern architecture. Discover how this dynamic material is not just a beautiful choice but also a smart one—offering a sustainable alternative to steel and concrete while contributing to lower carbon emissions.

Alejandro discusses the mission of the Canadian Wood Council, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the understanding of wood as a structural material. He shares fascinating insights into the role mass timber plays in addressing environmental challenges while ensuring building efficiency. With its capacity to offer speedy assembly and flexibility in design, mass timber is gaining traction among developers who recognize its potential for tall structures up to 18 stories under recent code revisions.

We delve into the science of biophilic design, appreciating how natural textures and aesthetics contribute to inhabitant well-being, and why people are increasingly drawn to wood in their environments. As we navigate through regulatory updates, Alejandro provides valuable advice on how developers can capitalize on these advancements to promote eco-friendly and innovative building practices.

Join us for an enlightening conversation that engages both the architectural community and anyone interested in sustainable living. Dive into this episode to learn about the possibilities that lie ahead for the construction industry and how together, we can build a more sustainable future. Don't forget to subscribe, share your thoughts, and leave us a review!

PODCAST INFO:
the Site Visit Website: https://www.sitemaxsystems.com/podcast
the Site Visit on Buzzsprout: https://thesitevisit.buzzsprout.com/269424
the Site Visit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-site-visit/id1456494446
the Site Visit on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5cp4qJE5ExZmO3EwldN1HH

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Discover the transformative journey of accessibility in the built environment with accessibility expert Samantha Ryan from ABE Factors. We delve into how building codes have evolved, recognizing not only the importance of physical adaptations but also the need for a more comprehensive understanding that includes cognitive and sensory considerations.

During our engaging conversation, Samantha shares her passion for her work and the pivotal changes brought by the Accessible Canada Act, emphasizing how the movement for inclusivity is more than just a regulatory hurdle—it's about creating spaces that welcome everyone. We discuss the historic gaps in accessibility and how awareness of various disabilities is rising, leading to innovative architectural solutions designed for a diverse community.

Moreover, we explore the exciting advancements in technology that are shaping a more accessible future, such as wearable devices and smart systems that empower individuals with disabilities. By embedding accessibility principles from the outset of design projects, developers can sidestep costly retrofits and embrace inclusivity as a fundamental aspect of construction.

Join us as we envision a future where inclusivity is interwoven into the fabric of our living and working spaces, creating environments that enhance not just functionality but also comfort and happiness for all. Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave us a review to engage with our community and stay updated on more insightful discussions!

PODCAST INFO:
the Site Visit Website: https://www.sitemaxsystems.com/podcast
the Site Visit on Buzzsprout: https://thesitevisit.buzzsprout.com/269424
the Site Visit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-site-visit/id1456494446
the Site Visit on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5cp4qJE5ExZmO3EwldN1HH

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Join us for an insightful conversation with David Hernandez, Head of US for Elecosoft, LLC, a provider of innovative planning and scheduling solutions for the construction industry. Together, we explore how Elocosoft's strategic US expansion has enhanced their footprint across seven global regions.

We discuss how project managers can sift through a sea of options by focusing on meaningful, personalized interactions. As we chat about the evolution of construction software, you'll gain practical strategies for integrating people, processes, and technology into your workflow.

We also dive into the deeper themes of resilience, leadership, and mental health within the construction industry. From the importance of safety and motivation to the societal challenges of diversity, this episode sheds light on fostering empathy and understanding in today's workforce. Learn how the merit-based culture of construction can be both a strength and a challenge, as we emphasize the need for open communication and mental health support. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the world of construction, this episode offers valuable insights to help you navigate the industry's unique challenges.

PODCAST INFO:
the Site Visit Website: https://www.sitemaxsystems.com/podcast
the Site Visit on Buzzsprout: https://thesitevisit.buzzsprout.com/269424
the Site Visit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-site-visit/id1456494446
the Site Visit on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5cp4qJE5ExZmO3EwldN1HH

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Join us as Thomas Beattie introduces the groundbreaking Eli Report, an AI-powered condo document review platform for real estate professionals. This innovative tool enables users to quickly and efficiently review condo documents by extracting relevant building issues from years of documentation in just minutes.

We also delve into the profound impact of natural disasters, such as wildfires, on insurance strategies, highlighting how communities are adapting to maintain reasonable premiums.

Next, we unravel the financial challenges faced by condo owners in British Columbia, contrasting them with Ontario’s more robust approach. We also introduce a benchmark report designed to enhance the financial planning capabilities of condo boards and property managers.

Finally, we explore the future of smart community living, where technology and AI work together to enhance the living experience for everyone involved.

PODCAST INFO:
the Site Visit Website: https://www.sitemaxsystems.com/podcast
the Site Visit on Buzzsprout: https://thesitevisit.buzzsprout.com/269424
the Site Visit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-site-visit/id1456494446
the Site Visit on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5cp4qJE5ExZmO3EwldN1HH

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What if you could revolutionize the construction industry while healing the planet? Join us as we chat with Steve Barron, a former director turned eco-conscious builder, who is doing just that. Driven by a deep commitment to sustainability, Steve shares his remarkable journey from the creative world of directing to the promising fields of hemp farming in Cambridgeshire. Discover how his innovative approach is paving the way for hemp to become a cornerstone of sustainable building practices, offering fast-growing, carbon-sequestering materials with incredible potential.

Explore the exciting world of hemp-based construction materials as we compare traditional building methods to innovative alternatives. Steve guides us through his personal project—a modern house constructed with prefabricated hemp panels—showcasing their acoustic benefits, strength, and seamless integration into contemporary design. As we navigate the challenges and successes of sourcing and processing hemp locally, you'll also uncover the historical uses of hemp fibers and their transformative potential for the construction landscape.

We delve into the rebranding of hemp and its adoption in the construction industry, addressing the need to shift perceptions away from its association with cannabis. Steve discusses the regulatory hurdles and manufacturing challenges faced by the hemp industry while highlighting the growing consumer awareness of sustainability. Imagine a world where buildings proudly display their green credentials—this episode offers a vision of that future and the steps we can take to achieve it.

PODCAST INFO:
the Site Visit Website: https://www.sitemaxsystems.com/podcast
the Site Visit on Buzzsprout: https://thesitevisit.buzzsprout.com/269424
the Site Visit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-site-visit/id1456494446
the Site Visit on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5cp4qJE5ExZmO3EwldN1HH

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