Rob Isabelle Featured on CBC on Residential Elevator Wait Times

Elevator Challenges in Toronto’s Supertall Buildings: Insights from KJA’s Rob Isabelle

As Toronto's skyline evolves with the rise of supertall residential buildings, new challenges emerge, particularly concerning elevator wait times. Rob Isabelle, Chief Operating Officer of KJA, a leading elevator consulting company in Canada, recently highlighted these issues in a feature for CBC discussing the implications of Toronto’s vertical growth.

With the city council's recent approval of a 99-storey building at 15 to 19 Bloor St. W, concerns about elevator efficiency have come to the forefront. This development, poised to become one of Toronto’s tallest, underscores the need for strategic planning in vertical transportation to ensure quality of life for residents.

Global Standards vs. Reality

Isabelle pointed out that the global standard for elevator wait times is between 45 to 50 seconds. However, in buildings with ratios like one elevator per 160 units, as seen in some proposals, these wait times could extend to two, three, or even four minutes under normal conditions. This situation exacerbates during peak times, such as move-in days, potentially resulting in waits of up to six minutes. Isabelle emphasizes that such delays can feel much longer to residents, significantly impacting their daily routines and overall satisfaction.

Current Regulations and the Need for Change

Currently, Ontario's Building Code does not mandate a minimum number of elevators based on residential building size, nor does it address acceptable wait times. Isabelle advocates for updated guidelines that take these factors into account. He believes that both provincial and municipal authorities need to prioritize vertical transportation issues to prevent the decline in quality of life caused by extended elevator wait times.

A Call to Action

Elevators, often viewed merely as building amenities, should be considered essential infrastructure, akin to public transportation. Isabelle's insights call for a more thoughtful approach to urban planning, where the convenience and well-being of residents are prioritized alongside the aesthetic and economic benefits of high-rise living.

As Toronto continues to grow upwards, it is crucial for developers, city planners, and policymakers to collaborate on setting new standards for elevator systems in supertall residential buildings. By addressing these challenges proactively, we can ensure that the city’s future development is both ambitious and livable.

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