Location: Eastern Canada
Confidential Client
Space Utilization Dashboards
This dashboard solution transformed challenging conversations around space allocation into more informed decisions, enhancing efficiency and maximizing resource utilization for the organization.
This Canadian healthcare campus is comprised of three acute care hospitals, a rehabilitation facility, and various specialized and support facilities, making it one of the busiest hospital networks in the country.
In an environment where clinical space is constantly in high demand and various departments are always seeking additional space allocations, the campus network faced the challenge of balancing the ongoing demands for more space against the available assets. The need to gain insights into how these spaces were utilized and by whom was paramount in effectively optimizing space allocation.
To address this challenge, the client enlisted the expertise of HH Angus, a long-standing partner, to implement an occupancy monitoring solution. The project goal was to assess the utilization of clinical spaces and identify opportunities for improvement. A longer-term goal was to gather real-world data to inform the design of new spaces, ensuring they met needs identified through the measurement and analysis of current use data.
As part of the collaboration, numerous IoT devices were deployed across two rapid assessment centres, utilizing a variety of technologies to capture occupancy data. This near real-time data was then seamlessly integrated into a unified platform hosted on Amazon Web Services (AWS).
HH Angus designed and implemented a strategic approach to efficiently manage administrative department requests for additional space. Specialized occupancy sensors were tailored to meet the client’s requirements for accuracy and data granularity. Collaborating closely with the hardware vendor, we managed the entire installation and commissioning process. The result was a sophisticated cloud-based database and dashboard that empowers campus staff with comprehensive insights into space usage.

Road mapping and prioritizing sites were essential for large-scale implementation, and ongoing collaboration with the client ensures alignment with their long-term goals. The solution has already facilitated a departmental reallocation, demonstrating the practical benefits of the implemented system. Another benefit of the occupancy data collection is the ability to reallocate space to other departments as work-from-home initiatives create a more flexible work environment.
The sustainability features of this project are evident through its efficient use of office space, enabled by data driven insights. By implementing a tailored occupancy sensor solution, the project minimizes wasted space and energy resources, aligning with sustainable practices.
Medical privacy considerations, such as avoiding image processing, ensure that ethical guidelines are reflected in the technology deployed. Additionally, a continuous focus on accuracy maintenance enhances the longevity and effectiveness of the solution, reducing the need for frequent hardware replacements and minimizing associated environmental impact.
By leveraging AWS Quicksight, the collected data was transformed into actionable insights. Some of the notable benefits include acquiring reliable and actionable data, receiving an easy-to-understand insights dashboard, and utilizing this data and visualization tool to gauge the effectiveness of the client’s new Rapid Assessment Centre layout to inform future space layout decisions. This initiative reflects the client’s commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and improving patient care through innovative solutions.
SERVICES
Smart Building Consultants
PROJECT FEATURES
Tailored space optimization | Reliable accuracy | Privacy-compliant technology | Accessible data insights | Status: Completed 2023 plus continuing contract
LOCATION
Toronto, Ontario
KEY SCOPE ELEMENTS
Designed and implemented strategic approach to efficiently manage administrative department requests for additional space | Road mapping and prioritization of sites for large-scale implementation | Manage installation and commissioning process.
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc.
755 Berri Street, Montreal
Novartis Canada needed to rethink their physical work
space to better support their focus on innovation. They
relocated their headquarters from Dorval to downtown
Montreal close to transit, amenities and, most importantly, many of their healthcare and technology partners.
The project involved the fit-up of a two-storey, 32,291 ft2 commercial office space. Our design services included on-site verification of existing mechanical, electrical and communications systems, as well as reviewing the integration of the lighting design. The new space has 100 unassigned workstations and 21 meeting rooms, which range in size to fit anywhere from four to 10 people, are equipped with digital touchscreen reservation system.
HH Angus assessed the mechanical and electrical base building systems and coordinated communication requirements with the client’s IT representative. Final deliverables comprised mechanical, electrical, and communications drawings and specifications. The deliverables were executed in English and French for permit, tender, and construction.
While doing the project, Gensler, the client, requested additional services to accommodate an expedited and compressed schedule. As a solution to this, HH Angus mobilized additional designers in the various disciplines and added assistance of internal project management staff. Moreover, more meetings were set to better coordinate the design. Overall, HH Angus, as part of their role of executing the Gensler’s goal, assimilated into the client’s mission in order to successfully execute the project.
SERVICES
Electrical Engineering, Mechanical and Communications Drawings and Specifications
PROJECT FEATURES
The project involved the fit-up of a two-storey, 32,291 ft2 commercial office space | Status: Completed 2023
LOCATION
Montreal, QC
KEY SCOPE ELEMENTS
The deliverables comprised mechanical, electrical, and communications drawings and specifications.
Infrastructure Ontario
Grandview Children's Centre Redevelopment
The Grandview Children's Centre is the new headquarters for Grandview Kids, specializing in care and support for children and youth with physical, communication and developmental needs, and their families.
The 94,744 ft2, 4-storey educational and treatment facility includes centre-wide therapy services, such as occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech-language pathology, therapeutic recreation, audiology, infant hearing, blind low vision and social work. The building contains a therapy pool area which includes an integrated AV system to create a more relaxing and therapeutic environment. It also offers autism services, a preschool outreach program, school-based rehabilitation services, developmental pediatrics, including specialized medical clinics, and family/caregiver resources and support. The facility is home to the Grandview School, as well as a branch of the Ajax Public Library. The building site also features a therapeutic trail that integrates security into the landscaping for added safety while maintaining the appearance of being surrounded by nature.
The project was delivered through the P3 (Design Build Finance) model and won the Award of Merit for Project Development at the Canadian Council for Public-Private Partnership’s (CCPPP) 2022 National Awards for Innovation and Excellence in Public-Private Partnerships.
Image courtesy of Grandview Kids
SERVICES
Mechanical Engineering | Electrical Engineering | Information and Communications Technology | Vertical Transportation
PROJECT FEATURES
Size: 94,744 ft2 | Status: Completed 2024 | P3-DBF | CCPPP 2022 Award of Merit for Project Development
LOCATION
Ajax, Ontario
KEY SCOPE ELEMENTS
Integrated Grandview School and Ajax Public Library branch
City of Toronto
Nathan Phillips Square Spirit Garden
The City of Toronto has been revitalizing areas of the City’s landmark Nathan Phillips Square at New City Hall. As part of the improvements, a new Teaching, Learning, Sharing, and Healing space was designed and constructed to recognize and honour the experience of Indian Residential School Survivors.
The project consisted of upgrades to existing surfaces with all new landscaping, including a water feature, large sculpture and public building.
HH Angus’ scope of work included mechanical and electrical engineering, security systems consulting, IMIT design, and commissioning. Specifically, the scope featured a full technical audit and inventory report to document all infrastructure and equipment impacted by the project; power supply for new landscape and other LED lighting fixtures; connection of new area drainage to existing storm systems in the parking level; mechanical and electrical services for the new 450 ft2 Teaching Lodge; and design of security systems for public spaces and the Teaching Lodge.
HH Angus also developed and prepared a commissioning plan for all mechanical and electrical equipment being installed during the project.
One of the interesting challenges of this project was working with multiple stakeholders to ensure the vision of all parties for the project was addressed.
SERVICES
Mechanical Engineering | Electrical Engineering | IMIT
design | Security Design | Commissioning
PROJECT FEATURES
Heritage site | Teaching lodge | New landscaping | Surface and parking improvements | Upgraded
existing exterior infrastructure
LOCATION
Toronto, Ontario
KEY SCOPE ELEMENTS
Technical audit | Inventory Report | Power supply | Connection to drainage area in underground parking level | M&E services for new teaching lodge | Design of security systems
King Animal Hospital
Fitout and Peer Review
The King Animal Hospital is a state-of-the-art multidisciplinary referral and emergency hospital for small animals and equines, complete with MRI’s and medical gas systems.
HH Angus provided mechanical consulting services for the fitout of the King Animal Hospital. Our scope of work included a peer review and report identifying potential gaps between the base building mechanical infrastructure and the programming and capacity requirements for the state-of-the-art animal hospital. Following the peer review and report, we provided full mechanical design services for the fitout, from schematic design through to construction administration and project close-out.
The fitout included approximately 60,000 FT2 in a 4-storey greenfield facility, accommodating a wide range of program elements including 8 operating rooms, 12 exam rooms, an MDRD sterilization room, laboratory and pharmacy, diagnostic imaging (MRIs, CT Scan) suites, hydrotherapy, and physiotherapy, as well as support and administrative spaces.
The sub-cellar is home to an equine treatment area with CT equipment outfitted with robotic arms, and an MRI with an adjacent horse lift. An arena will be used for equine physiotherapy. A large heated ramp from grade was selected over an animal elevator to provide a safer, and less stressful, mode of transportation for the horses when moving between floors. The small animal services area of the sub-cellar features three aquatic treadmills, a hydrotherapy pool, and a hyperbaric oxygen chamber.
The cellar level includes the staff gym, lounge, meeting areas, and a dog quarantine with an exam room and 17+ dog runs. Oxygen connections to the cages and foot baths in the floor support infection prevention and control.
The ground floor features an equine surgical area, including recovery, dirty surgery area (two surgeries performed simultaneously), and an equine water treadmill. It also houses a treatment area for dogs, cats and exotics, including dentistry area, and a canine showcase area with three surgery, CT, x-ray and neurological rooms with MRI equipment.
The second floor houses staff meeting spaces and amenities. A multipurpose space doubles as a surgical support area, Learning Centre, and workshop.
The base building infrastructure was in place prior to HH Angus joining the project, which meant our team was tasked with working in the confines of a building shell that was already in place. This presented challenges at the cellar level, where the team had to design while accounting for low floor to floor heights.
The hospital had not yet retained any permanent staff during the design stage, and many of the programming elements relied on recommendations from other consultants/doctors/experts during the design-stage user group meetings. Once permanent staff were hired for key departments, the design team worked with the client to make adjustments to the layouts and equipment based on staff input.
Although an animal hospital does not fall under the same CSA standards required for human
hospitals, there is a trend towards meeting those standards in animal care facilities. HH Angus wrote design briefs for systems and features that the client chose for this facility, many of which aligned with CSA requirements for a state-of-the-art human hospital.
SERVICES
Mechanical Engineering | Peer Review
PROJECT FEATURES
Size: 60,000 ft2 | Status: Completed 2024
LOCATION
King City, Ontario
KEY SCOPE ELEMENTS
Spaces for diagnostic imaging, hydrotherapy, surgery, physiotherapy, and support and administrative space | Therapy arena and pools | Staff amenities