Category: Ideation

Image Courtesy of Kenneth Chan
 

The opening of Oakridge Park marks a significant milestone, not only for Vancouver, but also for the future of large-scale urban redevelopment in Canada.

Located at one of Vancouver's most prominent transit-connected sites, the development brings together residential, retail, office, cultural, and public spaces within a highly integrated master plan. The project's scale, complexity, and phased delivery required close coordination among a wide range of stakeholders, disciplines, and project partners.

The opening of the first phase represents the culmination of extensive planning, design, and construction efforts. While visitors will experience the public-facing elements of the development—including retail, dining, and community spaces—the successful operation of a project of this magnitude depends on the building systems and infrastructure that support it behind the scenes.

HH Angus is proud to have provided fire protection Engineer of Record design services for approximately 2.5 million ft2 of the retail, parkade and service areas, as well as peer review of the central plant engineering. An interesting aspect of our project scope was the multiple water parcels and phasing, which meant designing each section with expansion in mind.

The project also required a strong focus on effective communication. Our team's seamless collaboration with multiple partners and consultants through open and inclusive communication channels encouraged the flow of information and ideas, fostering creative problem-solving and innovative solutions.

These services helped support the development's safety, resilience, and long-term operational objectives while addressing the unique challenges associated with a large mixed-use environment.

As municipalities across Canada continue to pursue higher-density, transit-oriented growth, developments like Oakridge Park offer valuable insights into how to create connected, future-ready communities. The project's opening is an important milestone in that journey and demonstrates the potential of redevelopment to transform established urban sites into dynamic destinations that serve generations to come.

HH Angus is pleased to support this landmark project, and we congratulate the project team on this important achievement.

Watch a short video highlighting the features of the development (Courtesy of Oakridge Park)

 
 

Congratulations to Steve Smith - the 2026 recipient of OACETT's George Burwash Langford Memorial Award.

The award, presented May 30 at the President's Gala by the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists, celebrates excellence in professional practice. It honours members who have distinguished themselves in their career and, by doing so, have brought recognition and credit to the profession of engineering/applied science technology. Steve’s '50+ years and still counting' at HH Angus stand as a testament to his dedication, technical excellence, and unwavering commitment to client service.

Setting out in 1967 as an Electrical Department Junior, Steve built his career from the ground up, eventually becoming the firm’s first shareholder without a P.Eng. designation — a milestone that reflected the firm's recognition of the extraordinary value of his contributions.

 
 

For more than half a century, Steve has helped shape and renew healthcare infrastructure across Ontario and beyond. From early work on emergency power systems at Sunnybrook to decades of upgrades at major acute care facilities, his expertise as a Design Leader has strengthened the essential electrical, mechanical, and medical gas systems that support patient care every day.

Clients rely not only on his deep technical knowledge, but also on his remarkable institutional memory and ability to anticipate challenges before they arise.

Steve’s leadership has been especially evident in times of crisis. During a major public health emergency, he mobilized teams and suppliers to deliver a fully operational 20-bed isolation ward in less than two weeks — an achievement that helped save lives and protect frontline workers.

A trusted advisor, mentor, and collaborator, Steve exemplifies HH Angus’ role as a strategic partner for clients. His impact is evident not only in critical infrastructure across the healthcare sector, but also in the many professionals he continues to guide and inspire.

Warmest congratulations, Steve, from all your friends and colleagues at HH Angus!

See below a short YouTube video profile of Steve, shown at the Gala ceremony.

 
 
 

As HH Angus is proud to share that four of our lighting projects have been recognized with Illuminating Engineering Society Toronto Section Awards, celebrating excellence in lighting design across education, workplace, healthcare, and cultural landmark environments.

The IES award-winning projects are:

University of Toronto Scarborough Centre – Sam Ibrahim Building
Ontario Power Generation – New Oshawa
Headquarters Schroeder Ambulatory Centre
CN Tower – Lower Observation Level Transformation

Together, these projects demonstrate the breadth of HH Angus’ lighting and electrical engineering expertise, and the important role lighting plays in shaping how people experience the built environment.

From high-performance academic and workplace environments to healthcare facilities and one of Canada’s most recognizable landmarks, each project required a thoughtful balance of technical performance, visual comfort, sustainability, architectural integration, and user experience.

 
 

Lighting that supports learning,
collaboration, and inclusive growth

 

University of Toronto Scarborough Centre – Sam Ibrahim Building

The Sam Ibrahim Building is a five-storey, 205,000 ft2 educational facility and an important academic and social hub at the heart of UTSC’s North Campus.

The building houses the Centre for Inclusive Excellence in Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Leadership, supporting student ventures, connecting research to regional needs, and promoting inclusive, sustainable growth within the broader community.

Defined by large orthogonal and angular architectural forms, the building required a lighting approach that could reinforce the architectural concept without creating visual distraction. HH Angus’ lighting design integrates LED lighting distinct to each architectural mass, helping to establish spatial hierarchy, support intuitive wayfinding, and enhance the open floor plan.

A centralized lighting control system provides adaptive, scenario-based illumination across 23 technology-enabled classrooms, faculty offices, study areas, laboratories, flexible meeting spaces, and social zones. Local dimming, occupancy and photo sensors, and time-clock controls allow the lighting to respond to changing user needs throughout the day.

The design also supports comfort and atmosphere. High-CRI 3500K lighting enhances the building’s concrete, metal, wood, and grey-toned material palette, while integrated acoustic LED luminaires help reduce reverberation and soften the industrial character of the interiors. Social spaces, including a café, welcome zone, and collaboration areas, are carefully integrated throughout the building geometry.

At the centre of the building, a grand five-storey atrium and connecting stair anchor the experience. Skylights bring daylight deep into the interior, while integrated artificial lighting extends that effect, emphasizing verticality, spatial hierarchy, and the building’s connection to the campus community.

 
 
 

HH Angus Lighting Designer:
Mina Ishak
HH Angus Electrical Engineering:
Robert Tibbs
Architect:
ZAS Architects + Interiors – Alex Fehertoi
Photography:
Doublespace – Younes Bounhar

 
 

Reimagining an existing building
as a future-ready workplace

 

Ontario Power Generation – New Headquarters

Ontario Power Generation’s new headquarters involved the adaptive reuse of the former General Motors administration building in Oshawa, transforming it into a modern 284,500 ft2 corporate workplace.

Delivered on an accelerated schedule and fixed budget, the project consolidates OPG’s corporate offices into a future-ready environment designed for long-term performance and net-zero carbon targets.

Lighting was integral to this transformation. HH Angus developed a cohesive LED lighting strategy that enhances spatial clarity, supports employee comfort, and integrates advanced sustainability measures. Occupancy sensing and daylight-harvesting controls allow the lighting to adjust throughout the day, reducing energy use while maintaining visual comfort and flexibility.

The lighting design also supports the project’s broader cultural and spatial narrative. Indigenous perspectives are thoughtfully embedded throughout the interior, with the workplace organized around a circular central core and open office wings.

At the main entrance, custom stretched-fabric LED pendant luminaires evoke birds, creating a meaningful Indigenous acknowledgment while drawing occupants upward along a dual staircase toward a skylight. Radial recessed slot lighting reinforces the geometry of the core, establishing rhythm, verticality, and intuitive wayfinding.

In gathering spaces, organically shaped luminaires introduce softness and visual contrast, encouraging collaboration and social interaction. Within office areas, existing fixtures were carefully relocated and repurposed, supporting visual continuity while reflecting a resource-conscious approach to adaptive reuse.

A layered daylight strategy further enhances the work environment. Perimeter zones dim more aggressively near glazing, transitioning to consistent illumination deeper within the floorplate. The result is a calibrated balance of energy performance, comfort, and visual cohesion.

 
 
 

HH Angus Lighting Designer:
Mina Ishak
HH Angus Electrical Engineering:
Paul Marjin
Interior Design:
HOK – Kristina Kamenar
Architect:
Barry Bryan Architects – David Bovill
Builder:
Govan Brown
Photography:
A-FRAME INC

 
 

Human-centric lighting
for outpatient healthcare

 

Schroeder Ambulatory Centre

The Centre is a six-storey, non-profit healthcare facility designed to expand access to high-quality outpatient care and strengthen Ontario’s public health system.

The centre provides a broad range of services, including diagnostic imaging such as MRI, CT, and endoscopy, specialized clinics, primary care, and future ambulatory surgical procedures. By expanding outpatient capacity, the facility helps reduce wait times, alleviate pressure on regional hospitals, and improve access to timely care.

For the HH Angus team, the lighting design required a careful balance of technical performance and human comfort. The project includes a wide range of environments, from parking garage and site lighting to canopy illumination, transitional spaces, back-of-house support areas, and task-specific medical environments.

The design calibrates lighting levels to suit different clinical and operational needs, supporting procedures, circulation, patient care, and staff precision. At the same time, soft ambient lighting in open-plan and private areas helps create a welcoming and reassuring environment for patients and visitors.

Layered LED lighting, including recessed, cove, suspended, and asymmetric sources, is integrated throughout the facility to support visual adaptation, enhance spatial perception, and comply with healthcare lighting standards.

The result is a patient-centred lighting strategy that contributes to safety, accessibility, operational efficiency, and long-term adaptability. The Schroeder Ambulatory Centre reflects how thoughtful building systems design can support both clinical excellence and community well-being.

 
 
 

HH Angus Lighting Designer:
Christine Huynh
HH Angus Electrical Engineering:
 Michael Del Pilar
Architect:
NORR – Feby Kuriakose and Frank Panici
Builder:
EllisDon
Photography:
Tom Arban Photography

 
 

Balancing subtlety and
spectacle at an iconic landmark

 

CN Tower – Lower Observation Level Transformation

As part of the CN Tower’s 50th anniversary, the $21-million transformation of the Lower Observation Level introduces interactive media installations alongside a fully integrated interior and exterior lighting design.

The project repositions the landmark as an immersive platform for art, culture, and storytelling, while enhancing the visitor experience inside one of Canada’s most recognizable structures.

Within the observation level, the lighting design is intentionally restrained. Minimalist cylindrical luminaires are seamlessly integrated into the wood ceiling, providing precise ambient illumination that supports orientation and comfort without competing with digital content or panoramic skyline views.

Linear lighting embedded within bench seating traces the perimeter, subtly guiding circulation and drawing visitors toward the outward views and illuminated exterior. This layered approach balances stimulation and visual relief, enhancing both clarity and experience.

The exterior lighting extends the narrative to the skyline. LED projectors transform the tower into a dynamic, colour-responsive presence, while preserving views from within and maintaining the integrity of the glass façade. Extensive off-site mock-ups informed luminaire placement, aiming, and light distribution to achieve the desired architectural clarity and impact.

A custom metal mesh adds texture and reflectivity, catching light to create depth and a refined sparkle that complements the tower’s architectural expression. An advanced programmable control system enables precise modulation of colour, intensity, and timing, supporting special events and evolving visual narratives.

Together, the interior and exterior lighting strategies create a cohesive and adaptable experience, balancing subtlety and spectacle while redefining the CN Tower as both an iconic landmark and a contemporary canvas for expression.

 
 

HH Angus Lighting Designer:
Mina Ishak
HH Angus Electrical Engineering:
Travis Hoogendoorn
Lighting Collaborator:
Salex – George Katinas
Manufacturer:
Colour Kinetics - Peter Hoerburger
Architect:
Superkül – Will Elsworthy
Builder:
Boszko & Verity
Photography:
Tom Arban Photography

 
 
 
 

Advancing lighting design through integrated engineering

These four IES Toronto Section Award-winning projects reflect the value of integrating lighting design with electrical engineering and broader building systems expertise from the earliest stages of design.

Across each project, lighting is more than illumination. It supports wayfinding, reinforces architecture, enhances comfort, contributes to sustainability goals, enables operational flexibility, and shapes memorable experiences for occupants and visitors.

For HH Angus, these awards recognize not only design excellence, but also the collaborative effort behind each project. We congratulate our lighting designers, electrical engineering teams, clients, architects, builders, collaborators, and project partners who helped bring these award-winning environments to life.

 
 
 

As HH Angus continues to grow and evolve, we’re pleased to recognize a new group of Principals and Associates.  

Through their leadership, they are helping shape the future of our firm, and their promotions reflect both their individual contributions and the strength of our collective direction.

These appointments recognize not only their achievements, but also the leadership, mentorship, client service, and technical excellence they bring to HH Angus every day.

As noted by Paul Keenan, President of HH Angus and Associates, “At HH Angus, our strength comes from our people. These appointments recognize colleagues who have consistently advanced our technical expertise, strengthened client relationships, delivered outstanding work, and helped those around them succeed. We’re proud to celebrate their leadership and the impact they continue to have across the firm”.

We congratulate our new Principals and Associates for achieving these career milestones, and for their ongoing contributions to the growth of the firm’s leadership and client base, as well as to the ongoing expansion of our services and portfolio across Canada and internationally.

 
 
 

OUR NEW PRINCIPALS

 
 

Sheldon Epp – Associate Director, Angus Connect Division

Sheldon is recognized for his leadership in delivering ICAT services to the highest standards and for the trust he has built with Angus Connect clients. His deep expertise in telecommunications infrastructure, networking, and ICAT systems has made him a valued advisor to clients and colleagues alike.

Beyond his client-facing work, Sheldon plays an important role in ICAT project management, division standardization, and the oversight of construction services and administration. He is also a trusted resource across the firm, supporting projects in other divisions, including Tenant Services and Science & Technology.

Sheldon brings strong business acumen to his work, particularly in scope management. His clear, thoughtful approach helps ensure that evolving project needs are addressed transparently, aligned with project objectives, and managed in a way that supports both technical and financial success.

His recent and current projects include SmartVMC South Block office building, multiple casino projects for Great Canadian Entertainment, and UHN’s West Park Reactivation Centre.

“I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to become part of the H.H. Angus ownership group and am looking forward to finding new ways to collaborate with all the talented team members to contribute to the overall growth and prosperity of the company.”

 
 

Paul Marjin, Senior Manager – Commercial Division

Paul is widely respected as a trusted leader in tenant fitout work, with a strong reputation among clients, partners, and the interior design community. Known for his hands-on approach, responsiveness, and accountability, he brings the focus and dedication needed to deliver complex, fast-paced projects successfully.

A dedicated team player, Paul is highly attuned to the needs of those around him. He often anticipates what is required to keep projects moving forward smoothly, supporting both successful delivery and a strong team environment.

Paul’s notable recent projects include The Co-operators’ Guelph Headquarters and Ontario Power Generation’s new Oshawa headquarters, both buildings having recently won awards for excellence.

 

“I am grateful for the opportunity to step into this new role at HH Angus. I’m looking forward to continuing to contribute to our growth, as we expand our ability to deliver meaningful, high-impact work for our clients and partners.”

 
 
 

OUR NEW ASSOCIATES

 
 
Dave Abuza

Dave Abuza, Technical Leader – Health Division

Dave is recognized for his exceptional technical expertise and his ability to make complex concepts clear, practical, and useful for clients. As a respected technical leader, he builds confidence through deep knowledge, active listening, and a thoughtful, solutions-focused approach.

Within HH Angus, Dave is equally valued for his collaborative mindset and commitment to mentoring others. He supports team members not only in technical matters, but also in developing a broader understanding of the engineering profession and the role engineers play in shaping successful project outcomes.

Dave has extensive experience in both new-build and brownfield healthcare environments, including acute care, ambulatory care, long-term care, and cancer centre projects. His work spans Design-Bid-Build, Design-Build, and Integrated Project Delivery models, where he contributes to efficient, team-oriented results. Dave also brings strong knowledge of sustainable design practices, including LEED, Zero Net Energy, and decarbonization strategies. His work helps clients deliver high-performance, future-ready healthcare facilities.

His current notable projects include Quw’utsun Valley Hospital / Quw’utsun Hulitun-ew’t-hw, formerly New Cowichan District Hospital; Royal Inland Hospital Phase 2; and the New South Niagara Hospital.

“I’m proud to represent an organization that invests in people, prioritizes quality, and is committed to making a positive impact on society.  Thank you to everyone for welcoming me and supporting my growth.  I look forward to facing the next set of challenges, together.”

 
 

Jennifer Hamway, Senior Manager – Health Division

Jennifer is a highly regarded project manager known for her strong client focus, clear communication, and ability to lead complex healthcare projects with confidence. Her client-side experience within a hospital network gives her valuable insight into client priorities and helps her build trust through proactive, thoughtful project leadership.

Jennifer has extensive experience managing renovation and addition projects, overseeing all aspects of delivery from planning and design through construction and close-out. She brings a steady, coordinated approach to multidisciplinary teams, helping keep projects aligned, organized, and moving forward.

She has also taken a lead role in advancing HH Angus’ work in conveyance systems, including automated guided vehicles and autonomous mobile robots. In this emerging area, Jennifer has coordinated a team of international subject matter experts and helped integrate these solutions into complex healthcare environments.

Committed to growth and mentorship, Jennifer actively supports new team members through HH Angus’ Rotational Program and through informal guidance. She regularly works with other managers to identify learning opportunities for her team while continuing to expand her client portfolio. Her project work includes St. Joseph’s Health Centre at Unity Health, the New South Niagara Hospital, and The Peter Gilgan Mississauga Hospital and Shah Family Hospital for Women and Children.

“I am grateful for this opportunity and look forward to my continued personal and professional growth here at HH Angus. I’m proud to work alongside a great team to contribute to meaningful and interesting projects that make a positive difference in our communities.”

 
 
Portrait of Mike Hassaballa

Mike Hassaballa, Senior Manager – Energy Infrastructure Division

Mike Hassaballa is a technically strong and forward-thinking engineer who brings expertise, creativity, and curiosity to his client engagements. He is known for exploring new ideas and presenting thoughtful options that help clients make informed, practical decisions.

Passionate about low-carbon solutions, Mike is a dedicated advocate for sustainable building design and operations. He plays an important role in advancing energy-efficient systems and integrating renewable technologies, helping clients to reduce carbon impact while optimizing performance.

Mike’s proactive approach has also contributed to business development and market visibility for HH Angus. He is active in industry engagement through conference presentations, HH Angus’ podcast series, and his own social media presence focused on energy infrastructure.

His project highlights include Enwave’s Pearl Street Energy Centre, the CFB Kingston Net Zero Study of more than 100 buildings, and Creative Energy’s Beatty Street District Energy and Low Carbon Steam Plant.

“I’m honoured to be named an Associate at HH Angus and grateful for the colleagues, mentors, and clients who have supported my growth here. I’m looking forward to continuing to build our energy infrastructure and advisory work and helping clients make clear, practical, and technically grounded decisions.”

 
 

John Lee, Senior Manager – Commercial Division

John is a dependable and thoughtful leader known for his calm, steady approach to client relationships, project deliver and team management. He takes full ownership of his work and builds trust through clear communication, careful judgement and well-considered solutions.

John leads the electrical engineering for Cadillac Fairview’s commercial base building projects and plays a key role in strengthening the Commercial Division’s capabilities. He has led electrical training initiatives and is developing the division’s business development framework, helping the team connect with and support clients more effectively.

John brings strong project management expertise across commercial, institutional, transportation, aviation, defence, and government sectors. He is a critical contributor to major defence and aviation initiatives, sectors important to HH Angus’ future growth.

A collaborative leader, John is skilled at building consensus from a range of perspectives. He balances client needs with team development, helping create environments where both projects and people can succeed.

His project work includes the new Montréal Metropolitan Airport opening in June, Porter Aviation’s new hangars in Ottawa, and Toronto’s Billy Bishop Airport.

“I am grateful and honoured to be part of an organization that highly values both the betterment of society and stewardship of the environment, as well as one that cares deeply about the well-being and professional growth of its employees. I’m looking forward to helping advance the inspiring, supportive, collaborative, and constructive environment at HH Angus, and growing our top-notch services, particularly those that safeguard the public and benefit Canadians.”

 
 
 

Please join us in congratulating Sheldon, Paul, Dave, Jennifer, Mike, and John on these well-deserved appointments. Each has earned the trust of clients and colleagues through leadership, expertise, and a strong commitment to HH Angus’ values. We look forward to seeing the continued impact they will have as they help shape the future of the firm.

 
 

HH Angus is proud to announce that we have once again been recognized as one of Canada's Best Managed Companies, marking our eighth consecutive year receiving this prestigious designation. 

Now in our 107th year in business, this achievement reflects more than strong business performance. It speaks to the leadership, resilience, adaptability, and shared commitment that continue to guide HH Angus as we grow, evolve, and service our clients in an increasingly complex environment.

Canada’s Best Managed Companies is one of the country’s leading business awards programs recognizing privately owned Canadian organizations that demonstrate excellence in strategy, capability, innovation, culture, financial performance, and sustained growth.

For HH Angus, this recognition is a reflection of the way we work: collaboratively, thoughtfully, and with a long-term view. It recognizes the strength of our management practices, the dedication of our teams, and our ongoing focus on delivering dependable, innovative, and technically strong solutions for our clients.

It is also a testament to the culture our people have built together. Across the firm, our employees bring expertise, creativity, accountability, and care to everything they do.  

Paul Keenan, President of HH Angus noted: "Being named one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies for the eighth consecutive year is a reflection of the dedication, talent, and integrity of our people. This recognition speaks to the strength of our leadership, the resilience of our business, the rigour of our management processes, and a deep commitment to delivering value to our clients. As we plan for the future, we remain focused on innovation, collaboration, and growth."

As we mark more than a century in business, we are proud to continue building on a legacy of resourceful, resilient, and forward-looking leadership. This recognition reinforces our commitment to strengthening the firm for the opportunities and challenges ahead.

We are honoured to stand alongside other leading Canadian companies that are setting the standard for business excellence.

 

HH Angus est fière d’annoncer qu’elle a été reconnue une fois de plus comme l’une des sociétés les mieux gérées au Canada, ce qui marque notre huitième année consécutive à recevoir cette prestigieuse désignation.

Cette réussite, qui s’inscrit dans notre 107e année d’activité, est le reflet d’une performance commerciale plus que solide. Cela témoigne du leadership, de la résilience, de la capacité d’adaptation et de l’engagement commun qui continuent de guider HH Angus alors que nous grandissons, évoluons et servons nos clients dans un environnement de plus en plus complexe.

Le concours des sociétés les mieux gérées au Canada est l’un des principaux programmes de récompenses d’entreprise du pays. Il reconnaît les organisations canadiennes privées qui font preuve d’excellence en matière de stratégie, de capacités, d’innovation, de culture et de performances financières, et qui connaissent une croissance durable.

Pour HH Angus, cette reconnaissance est le reflet de la manière dont nous travaillons : en collaboration, de manière réfléchie et avec une vision à long terme. Elle témoigne de la qualité de nos pratiques de gestion, du dévouement de nos équipes et de notre engagement constant à fournir à nos clients des solutions fiables, innovantes et techniquement solides.

Elle témoigne également de la culture que nos collaborateurs ont su bâtir ensemble. Au sein de l’entreprise, nos employés font preuve d’expertise, de créativité, de responsabilité et d’attention dans tout ce qu’ils entreprennent. 

Paul Keenan, président de HH Angus, a fait remarquer : « Le fait d’être nommée l’une des sociétés les mieux gérées au Canada pour la huitième année consécutive est le reflet du dévouement, du talent et de l’intégrité de notre personnel. Cette reconnaissance témoigne de la force de notre leadership, de la résilience de nos activités, de la rigueur de nos processus de gestion et d’un engagement profond à apporter de la valeur à nos clients. Alors que nous planifions l’avenir, nous restons concentrés sur l’innovation, la collaboration et la croissance. »

Alors que nous célébrons plus d’un siècle d’activité, nous sommes fiers de continuer à nous appuyer sur un héritage de leadership ingénieux, résilient et tourné vers l’avenir. Cette reconnaissance renforce notre engagement à renforcer l’entreprise afin d’être prêts à relever les défis et à saisir les occasions qui se présenteront.

Nous sommes honorés de figurer aux côtés d’autres grandes entreprises canadiennes qui font figure de référence en matière d’excellence commerciale.