First of all, BOMA Quebec supports Bill 41 and its aim to improve the energy performance of buildings. We realize that the Government of Quebec deems it important to regulate this issue and to create a data tool to monitor building energy performance across Quebec, thus gradually encouraging the real estate sector to improve energy performance. We also share the objective of decarbonizing buildings in the context of the climate emergency, the deadlines for which tend to accelerate.

However, the listing (articles 5 to 9) and its display (articles 17 to 19) contained in Bill 41 raise our concerns. We believe that if Bill 41 is adopted without in-depth modification of these two system proposals, the real estate industry would be faced with: 1) uncertainty in the face of an inadequate rating which may not represent the reality of many buildings, 2) a rating which could be imprecise since its value could vary depending on the professionals in charge of evaluating the building or the variables to be taken into account, 3) a rating which could be discriminating since it does not does not take into account the liabilities of buildings and built heritage, and 4) exorbitant costs which will increase the financial burden of buildings.

The real estate industry is in crisis following the pandemic and the drastic transition to teleworking in virtually all sectors of activity, a new reality that has had a major impact on property managers across the province and the country. As you know too well, independently of these cyclical effects, other factors are exerting increasing pressure on our industry: the dizzying rise in interest rates, the flight from city centers and the loss of their attraction, the impacts of inflation on operating costs, rising construction costs, rising vacancy rates and sharp drops in the value of office towers are all factors that illustrate the issues we all face.

We are of the opinion, like you I am sure, that the immediate need of our economic sector - whose actions are always long term - is to have a clear and coherent vision on investments and projects necessary for the recovery and viability of our city centers, our places of business and our industry.

The decarbonization of buildings and their energy-efficient transition remain a priority that we fully share. However, this requires very significant investments in addition to several others to be put in place to enable our industry to overcome the issues and challenges it faces.

BOMA Québec's brief will be available for consultation on the Association's website after its submission to the National Assembly.

 

Building Energy Challenge - www.defienergie.ca

As regards commitment, the BEC will soon be compiling data for 2023. Note that you have until May 31, 2024 to share your energy data and participate in Year 2 of the competition.

The BEC is an adaptive, evolving entity. Take advantage of the benefits it offers, something you will appreciate once the provincial legislation described above is in force.

  

Calendar of BOMA Quebec Events

Take note of the following:

• February 7 – BOMIDI – Presentation on Property Taxes 
• February 14 – FRIEND Event – ESG Revolution: Seize Opportunities, Manage Risks and Assume Responsibility
• February 15 – WEBINAR – Measurement Workshop 2024
• February 20 – BOMIDI Quebec City – Presentation on ESG Factors 

I shall conclude by extending my sincere thanks to our BOMA Quebec annual partners as this new year gets underway. Your contribution to our mission is fundamental. It allows us to pursue workshops, training sessions and special events for our members and to share knowledge and expertise, thereby contributing to the growth and development of property management across Quebec.

I would also like to thank the business community – members, professionals, volunteers – for your ongoing commitment and support year after year.

I look forward to seeing you at one or more of our upcoming events.

 

Linda Plante
President of the Board of Directors, BOMA Quebec
Managing Director, Royalmount, Carbonleo