WESTERN

CANADA

ONTARIO

ALBERTA &
PRAIRIES

QUEBEC &
ATLANTIC

CANADIAN
COST GUIDE

2016

COST CONSULTING &

PROJECT MANAGEMENT
2015 A YEAR OF CONTRASTS
The rear-view mirror shows 2015 as a year of stark contrasts. Weaker economic growth, the collapse
in oil prices and the corresponding cut backs in capital investment within Canadas energy-producing
regions were offset by considerable growth in other areas, as improved trade boosted goods and services
exports in traditional sectors such as forestry, manufacturing and financial services. As such, accelerating
employment in certain areas led to a rise in housing demand, and infrastructure investment continued to
increase. Interest rates fell during 2015, driven by lower bond yields and a Bank of Canada cut. Lending
margins actually rose during the year, as there wasnt as sharp a fall in consumer mortgage rates as in
cost of funds. In Canada, the federal government has committed to increasing infrastructure spending
over the coming years. As this focus on infrastructure continues to intensify, so too does the demand for
innovative methods of alternative financing such as Public-Private Partnerships (P3).

These key factors are set to significantly influence our outlook for 2016.

DRAWING ON YEARS OF
INDUSTRY EXPERTISE AND
INTELLIGENCE, OUR TRUSTED
ADVICE FACILITATES
INVESTMENT AND
DEVELOPMENT PLANNING
THAT TRANSFORMS
OUR CLIENTS PROJECTS
FROM THE ABSTRACT TO
THE CONCRETE.

5D
ESTIMATING

EXPANDED
SERVICES

Unique approach to
cost control and preconstruction embraces
BIM and cost data

More offerings under

Construction Contract
Solutions

Naren
Chande

Michael
Commons

Senior Executive
Vice President,
Cost Consulting &
Project Management

Senior Executive
Vice President,
Cost Consulting &
Project Management

Canadian Cost Guide 2016

As the only company

globally regulated by
the Royal Institution of
Chartered Surveyors,
Altus Group plays a key
role with the RICS in
developing a project
monitoring guidance
document for Canada to
help lenders and project
monitors better service
the requirements of the
development industry.

ENHANCED
DATA

INDUSTRY
LEADERS

Proprietary database
with $100B in hard
construction over the
last 6 years and
growing

Providing best-in-class
services, so clients
can make decisions
with clarity and
confidence

[Link]

NOTES ON CORRECT
USE OF DATA
1. Guide Only
The construction cost data contained herein is of a general nature only and subject to
confirmation with respect to specific circumstances.
The unit rates for the building types described are an average range only for that particular
type of building. The unit rates assume that a level, open site exists with no restrictions from
adjoining properties. It is assumed that stable soil conditions prevail. Average-quality finishes
(unless otherwise stated), both to the exterior and interior, are also assumed.
Judgment factors must be applied within the average range to allow for:

n
n
n
n
n
n
n

n
Quality
n
Location
n
Building shape, size and height
n
Topography and soil conditions
n
Schedule
Site restrictions
Market conditions

Type of contract
Extent of site works
Design method
User requirements
Procurement advantage of
developer/contractor

2. Construction Cost Escalation

An escalation allowance is a contingency (usually a percentage) added to the estimated
construction estimate to allow for inflation in labour and material costs between the date of
the estimate and the contract award. As the project moves closer to the onsite start date, the
contingency reduces, reflecting the reduced risk of escalating costs.

Canadian Cost Guide 2016

[Link].

As we prepared this 2016 Guide, there has been a continued devaluation of the Canadian
dollar and a further decline in crude oil prices and other commodities. These factors will impact
costs in 2016. Accordingly, it is imperative to have a detailed construction estimate prepared in
order to obtain an accurate projection of your project construction costs.

3. Construction Costs Only

The unit costs outlined herein cover construction costs only. In all commercial developments,
the project budget must also include development or soft costs. These would include some
or all of the following:


n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n

Land and related costs

Architectural and engineering fees
Government registered programs
Insurance and bond costs
Legal fees
Special design consultants
Special equipment and furnishings
Management costs
Site services outside the property
Interest charges and lenders fees
Marketing and advertising
Levies

n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
n

Tenant incentives
Permits and development charges
Purchaser upgrades
Appraisals
Soil and environmental tests
Land surveys
Property taxes
Broker commissions
Contingencies
Rezoning costs
Other municipal fees
Developer profit

[Link]

NOTES ON CORRECT USE OF DATA, Continued

COST DATA PARAMETERS

Private Sector Only

4. Correct Measurement & Use of Square Foot

GCA

In preparing a cost per square foot guide, we must be clear on how we define the area used
as the denominator to calculate this value. We have adopted the Canadian Institute of Quantity
Surveyors definition, which dictates:
1. Measure each floor to the outer face of the external walls;
2. No deductions for openings at stairs, elevators or vertical ducts are made;
3. A deduction is made for a non-service vertical protrusion, e.g., atrium space;
4. Mezzanine floors are generally included;
5. Balconies are excluded; enclosed solariums in residential condominiums are included;
6. Sloping and stepped floors (auditoriums/movie theatres) are measured flat; and,
7. Exclude all external covered walkways.
The values calculated for building types that usually have underground parking (condominiums,
offices and hotels) allow for an underground parking component of 30%. Rates for buildings
where parking is not common (schools, hospitals and retail) will need parking costs added,
based on the parking garage rate in the Guide.

5. Federal & Provincial Sales Taxes

The unit costs provided exclude Goods & Services Tax (GST) and Harmonized Sales Tax (HST),
but include Provincial Sales Tax where applicable at the time of the release of this Guide.
For further information, please contact our offices directly at cost@[Link].

Canadian Cost Guide 2016

70%

30%

Gross
Construction
Area

GPA

GCA
+
GPA
TCA

Total Construction
Area

Gross
Parking Area

Measurement and Application of #/Sq. Ft.

Unit costs should be applied only to the GCA under the assumption that
GCA averages 70% of TCA.

Example

A 7-storey, 100,000 sq. ft. Class B office building in the GTA

GCA = 70,000 sq. ft. 70%
GPA = 30,000 sq. ft. 30%
TCA = 100,000 sq. ft. 100%

Approximate cost is*:

BUILDING
70,000 sq. ft. x $170 $250 = $11,900,000 $17,500,000
TENANT FITOUT 70,000 sq. ft. x $30 $80 = $2,100,000 $5,600,000
TOTAL
$14,000,000 $23,100,000
* Notes: 1. All costs are in Q1 2016 dollars. 2. Unit costs cover construction costs only all
development or soft costs are excluded. 3. Rates are based on typical standards and should only
serve as basic guidelines. There is no substitute for a detailed estimate. 4. Unit prices exclude GST/HST.
5. Please refer to the Altus Group Cost Consulting Canadian Centre Index for individual city averages.

[Link]

ALTUS GROUP
COST CONSULTING
CANADIAN CENTRE
INDEX (Provincial)
British Columbia

(Indexed to Vancouver)

1. Victoria
2. Vancouver
3. Whistler
4. Southern Interior
5. Northern Interior
Western/Prairies
(Indexed to Calgary)

108
100
120
95
115

1. Calgary
2. Edmonton
3. Regina/Saskatoon
4. Winnipeg
Ontario (Indexed to GTA)
1. Southwestern Ontario:
Windsor
London
Tri-City (Cambridge,
Kitchener, Waterloo)
2. Hamilton and Surrounding Areas

Canadian Cost Guide 2016

100
105
102
108

110
98
99
104

3. Niagara Peninsula
4. Barrie
5. Toronto:
Downtown Core
GTA
6. Eastern (Kingston, Cornwall)
7. Ottawa
8. North (Sudbury, Thunder Bay,
Trans Canada Corridor)
Quebec (Indexed to Montreal)
1. Montreal
2. Quebec City

Maritimes (Indexed to Halifax)
1. Halifax
2. St. Johns, Newfoundland

CONTRIBUTORS

104
105
115
100
110
105

James
Keane

Alison
Castellano

Marlon
Bray

Director
Niagara

Director
Toronto

Adrian
Deyell

Christopher
Mullins

Valerie
Peloquin

Data/IT
Manager
Toronto

Senior
Director
Vancouver

Senior Cost
Consultant
Montreal

Grant
Mercer

Tammy
Stockley

David
Crane

Director
Ottawa

Associate
St. Johns

Director
Calgary

Senior Cost
Consultant
Halifax

115
100
98

Curtis
Cameron
Associate
Edmonton

100
115

NWT/Nunavut (Indexed to GTA)

1. Yellowknife
190
2. Iqaluit
240
3. Remote Communities
275

[Link]

PRIVATE SECTOR

INDUSTRIAL

COMMERCIAL

RESIDENTIAL

BUILDING TYPE

10

$/Sq. Ft

VANCOUVER

CALGARY

EDMONTON

GTA

CONDOMINIUMS/APARTMENTS
Up to 6 Storeys (Hybrid Construction)
180 - 240
170 - 230
170 - 230
160 - 220
(Includes Underground Parking)
Up to 12 Storeys
200 - 250
215 - 270
215 - 270
190 - 240

13-39 Storeys
210 - 270
245 - 290
250 - 300
195 - 260

40-59 Storeys
220 - 290
250 - 290
n/a - n/a
210 - 285

60+ Storeys
270 - 350
n/a - n/a
n/a - n/a
235 - 315

Premium for High Quality
55 - 160
55 - 160
55 - 160
55 - 160

WOOD-FRAMED RESIDENTIAL
Row Townhouse with Unfinished Basement
100 - 130
115 - 150
120 - 155
75 - 120

Single-Family Residential with Unfinished Basement
100 - 165
120 - 140
125 - 145
90 - 180

3-Storey Stacked Townhouse
115 - 155
135 - 175
140 - 185
115 - 155

3-Storey Walk-Up Building (No Elevator)
155 - 180
145 - 175
150 - 185
110 - 155

Up to 4-Storey Wood-Framed Condo
130 - 165
135 - 175
135 - 175
120 - 155

5 to 6-Storey Wood-Framed Condo
165 - 200
135 - 185
160 - 175
120 - 165

Custom-Built Single-Family Residential
400 - 1,000
365 - 900
365 - 915
400 - 1,000

Additional Cost for One Level Underground Parking
75 - 115
90 - 130
90 - 130
85 - 115

SENIORS HOUSING
Retirement Home - Congregate Care/Assisted Living
190 - 250
195 - 260
190 - 275
160 - 205


OFFICE BUILDINGS
Under 5 Storeys with Surface Parking (Class B)
185 - 220
190 - 220
190 - 230
155 - 220

5 - 30 Storeys (Class B)
225 - 275
190 - 280
190 - 285
170 - 250

5 - 30 Storeys (Class A)
240 - 290
240 - 280
240 - 295
190 - 270

31 - 60 Storeys (Class A)
275 - 360
290 - 380
290 - 400
265 - 370

Interior Fitout (Class B)
30 - 90
30 - 90
30 - 90
30 - 80

Interior Fitout (Class A)
75 - 130
75 - 130
75 - 130
70 - 125

RETAIL
Strip Plaza
95 - 130
105 - 160
115 - 165
95 - 160

Supermarket
150 - 190
160 - 220
175 - 230
135 - 185

Big Box Store
160 - 200
160 - 220
175 - 230
130 - 180

Enclosed Mall
195 - 265
210 - 300
220 - 315
185 - 235

HOTELS
Budget
150 - 200
160 - 210
165 - 220
135 - 170

Suite Hotel
230 - 260
190 - 230
190 - 240
195 - 265

4-Star Full-Service
215 - 300
240 - 300
240 - 315
215 - 280

Premium for Luxury
80 - 125
100 - 140
100 - 150
80 - 125

PARKING
Surface Parking
5 - 15
5 - 15
5 - 15
5 - 15

Parking Garages - Free-Standing (Above-Grade)
75 - 95
80 - 95
85 - 100
65 - 95

Parking Garages - Underground
90 - 125
90 - 140
105 - 145
90 - 160


INDUSTRIAL FACILITIES
Warehouse
75 - 100
90 - 110
90 - 115
60 - 90

Urban Storage Facility
70 - 90
75 - 110
75 - 115
65 - 85

Data Centre - Tier III
510 - 795
490 - 775
490 - 815
490 - 775

Pharmaceutical Lab
420 - 620
415 - 610
415 - 640
395 - 585

Manufacturing Facility
255 - 335
250 - 330
250 - 345
240 - 315

Canadian Cost Guide 2016

[Link]

11

PRIVATE SECTOR

INDUSTRIAL

COMMERCIAL

RESIDENTIAL

BUILDING TYPE

12

$/Sq. Ft

OTTAWA

MONTREAL

HALIFAX

ST. JOHNS

CONDOMINIUMS/APARTMENTS
Up to 6 Storeys (Hybrid Construction)
170 - 220
150 - 200
160 - 220
165 - 225
(Includes Underground Parking)
Up to 12 Storeys
190 - 240
165 - 210
180 - 230
190 - 250

13-39 Storeys
195 - 255
180 - 245
185 - 240
195 - 260

40-59 Storeys
n/a - n/a
205 - 280
n/a - n/a
n/a - n/a

60+ Storeys
n/a - n/a
n/a - n/a
n/a - n/a
n/a - n/a

Premium for High Quality
50 - 150
50 - 150
55 - 160
55 - 160

WOOD-FRAMED RESIDENTIAL
Row Townhouse with Unfinished Basement
110 - 145
95 - 130
90 - 130
120 - 150

Single-Family Residential with Unfinished Basement
100 - 130
85 - 115
85 - 130
120 - 145

3-Storey Stacked Townhouse
130 - 160
110 - 155
110 - 165
135 - 180

3-Storey Walk-Up Building (No Elevator)
130 - 160
100 - 155
95 - 155
140 - 160

Up to 4-Storey Wood-Framed Condo
135 - 165
100 - 145
120 - 155
n/a - n/a

5 to 6-Storey Wood-Framed Condo
135 - 165
n/a - n/a
120 - 165
n/a - n/a

Custom-Built Single-Family Residential
415 - 870
315 - 670
250 - 500
250 - 500

Additional Cost for One Level Underground Parking
85 - 115
65 - 120
85 - 115
120 - 150

SENIORS HOUSING
Retirement Home - Congregate Care/Assisted Living
175 - 215
130 - 200
150 - 210
170 - 235


OFFICE BUILDINGS
Under 5 Storeys with Surface Parking (Class B)
165 - 210
150 - 200
155 - 195
175 - 230

5 - 30 Storeys (Class B)
180 - 235
160 - 235
170 - 250
190 - 240

5 - 30 Storeys (Class A)
200 - 255
175 - 270
185 - 230
220 - 270

31 - 60 Storeys (Class A)
n/a - n/a
250 - 365
n/a - n/a
n/a - n/a

Interior Fitout (Class B)
30 - 80
30 - 80
30 - 80
30 - 75

Interior Fitout (Class A)
70 - 125
70 - 125
70 - 125
70 - 125

RETAIL
Strip Plaza
110 - 155
80 - 160
95 - 150
120 - 165

Supermarket
150 - 180
105 - 140
120 - 185
140 - 180

Big Box Store
145 - 170
110 - 170
135 - 165
155 - 190

Enclosed Mall
185 - 220
165 - 215
175 - 220
185 - 240

HOTELS
Budget
150 - 195
135 - 195
170 - 215
180 - 220

Suite Hotel
180 - 230
185 - 235
195 - 265
200 - 250

4-Star Full-Service
210 - 265
190 - 265
205 - 245
230 - 275

Premium for Luxury
85 - 135
85 - 135
60 - 80
65 - 80

PARKING
Surface Parking
5 - 15
5 - 15
5 - 15
5 - 15

Parking Garages - Free-Standing (Above-Grade)
70 - 95
50 - 85
95 - 115
110 - 140

Parking Garages - Underground
100 - 150
70 - 120
105 - 150
130 - 160


INDUSTRIAL FACILITIES
Warehouse
80 - 100
55 - 90
95 - 125
115 - 145

Urban Storage Facility
75 - 95
n/a - n/a
n/a - n/a
n/a - n/a

Data Centre - Tier III
495 - 780
485 - 770
n/a - n/a
n/a - n/a

Pharmaceutical Lab
400 - 590
390 - 580
n/a - n/a
n/a - n/a

Manufacturing Facility
245 - 320
235 - 310
240 - 315
260 - 340

Canadian Cost Guide 2016

[Link]

13

PUBLIC SECTOR
VANCOUVER

CALGARY

EDMONTON

GTA

INSTITUTIONAL

$/Sq. Ft

EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS
Elementary School
180 - 205
185 - 250
185 - 260
160 - 190

Secondary School
205 - 255
220 - 300
220 - 315
185 - 230

Private School
195 - 320
200 - 320
200 - 335
185 - 300

Universities & Colleges - Teaching and Lecture Hall Building
300 - 370
320 - 430
320 - 450
340 - 500

Universities & Colleges - Laboratories (Level 1 and 2)
455 - 575
500 - 650
500 - 680
450 - 590

Universities & Colleges - Student Residence
180 - 280
200 - 280
200 - 295
150 - 250

HEALTH CARE
General Hospital/Acute Care
560 - 755
550 - 710
550 - 745
525 - 710

Medical Clinic/Treatment Centre
290 - 420
300 - 425
300 - 445
275 - 400

Nursing Home - Chronic Care/Long-Term Care
225 - 305
230 - 315
230 - 330
200 - 265

CIVIC

BUILDING TYPE

TRANSPORTATION BUILDINGS
Regional Airport Terminal
290 - 370
320 - 380
320 - 400
275 - 350

International Airport Terminal
585 - 745
600 - 750
600 - 785
550 - 700

Bus Terminal/Garage
245 - 320
260 - 335
260 - 350
230 - 300

GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS
Fire/EMS Station
255 - 305
190 - 240
190 - 250
225 - 280

Police Station - Local Detachment
265 - 320
250 - 280
250 - 295
250 - 300

Police Station - Regional Headquarters
280 - 340
310 - 360
310 - 375
265 - 320

Court House
375 - 460
380 - 420
380 - 440
355 - 435

Operations Centre
250 - 285
280 - 360
280 - 375
220 - 300

Penitentiary
310 - 370
380 - 420
380 - 440
290 - 390

Municipal Office
195 - 255
300 - 360
300 - 375
185 - 240

Library
240 - 370
340 - 400
340 - 420
225 - 350

RECREATION/ENTERTAINMENT
Ice Arena
190 - 240
200 - 260
200 - 270
180 - 225
BUILDINGS
Community Aquatic Facility
345 - 425
320 - 380
320 - 400
325 - 400

Multi-Use Recreational Centre
200 - 320
240 - 300
240 - 315
190 - 300

Casino Facility
350 - 550
380 - 590
380 - 620
450 - 700

Performing Arts Building
400 - 490
450 - 550
450 - 575
375 - 460

Museum/Gallery
370 - 505
390 - 525
390 - 550
350 - 475

SITE SERVICING

PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SECTOR

14

SITE SERVICING
Local Roads - 8m Road Width (Per Metre)
2,500 - 3,200
2,800 - 3,500
2,900 - 3,700

Arterial Roads - 9m Road Width (Per Metre)
2,700 - 3,800
3,000 - 4,200
3,100 - 4,400

Arterial Roads - 12m Road Width (Per Metre)
3,500 - 4,100
3,800 - 4,600
4,100 - 4,800

Private Roads - 6m Road Width (Per Metre)
2,200 - 2,500
2,300 - 2,900
2,400 - 3,000

Residential Row Townhouses (Per Unit)
17,500 - 25,000
20,200 - 28,400
21,200 - 29,800

Industrial (Per Acre)
120,000 - 200,000
126,700 - 194,400
133,000 - 204,000

Commercial (Per Acre)
150,000 - 225,000
169,300 - 283,900
177,700 - 298,200

Canadian Cost Guide 2016

2,900 - 3,600
3,000 - 4,200
3,800 - 4,600
2,300 - 3,000
19,700 - 28,400
128,000 - 196,900
173,000 - 289,700

[Link]

15

PUBLIC SECTOR
OTTAWA

MONTREAL

HALIFAX

ST. JOHNS

INSTITUTIONAL

$/Sq. Ft

EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS
Elementary School
180 - 220
155 - 190
235 - 285
270 - 310

Secondary School
215 - 250
165 - 195
260 - 295
285 - 325

Private School
235 - 290
170 - 285
290 - 340
300 - 350

Universities & Colleges - Teaching and Lecture Hall Building
280 - 350
290 - 370
285 - 340
290 - 355

Universities & Colleges - Laboratories (Level 1 and 2)
430 - 570
425 - 540
375 - 500
410 - 560

Universities & Colleges - Student Residence
175 - 225
165 - 225
175 - 250
195 - 275

HEALTH CARE
General Hospital/Acute Care
530 - 700
485 - 705
535 - 725
550 - 750

Medical Clinic/Treatment Centre
275 - 400
270 - 400
300 - 425
325 - 450

Nursing Home - Chronic Care/Long-Term Care
215 - 280
180 - 275
195 - 280
210 - 290

CIVIC

BUILDING TYPE

TRANSPORTATION BUILDINGS
Regional Airport Terminal
260 - 330
250 - 325
285 - 365
300 - 425

International Airport Terminal
525 - 665
525 - 645
560 - 710
600 - 725

Bus Terminal/Garage
230 - 305
225 - 285
240 - 310
250 - 325

GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS
Fire/EMS Station
230 - 300
220 - 275
245 - 315
325 - 425

Police Station - Local Detachment
250 - 325
240 - 300
275 - 325
300 - 400

Police Station - Regional Headquarters
265 - 340
255 - 320
285 - 345
350 - 450

Court House
340 - 435
340 - 430
360 - 445
400 - 500

Operations Centre
260 - 325
230 - 280
240 - 365
300 - 400

Penitentiary
285 - 370
280 - 350
390 - 560
500 - 600

Municipal Office
220 - 275
180 - 250
190 - 255
200 - 290

Library
280 - 350
225 - 350
230 - 350
250 - 350

RECREATION/ENTERTAINMENT
Ice Arena
150 - 190
150 - 250
180 - 235
180 - 275
BUILDINGS
Community Aquatic Facility
300 - 375
300 - 400
325 - 400
325 - 400

Multi-Use Recreational Centre
240 - 310
200 - 280
190 - 300
190 - 290

Casino Facility
400 - 650
390 - 650
350 - 550
n/a - n/a

Performing Arts Building
380 - 485
365 - 475
375 - 460
390 - 450

Museum/Gallery
370 - 475
350 - 475
350 - 475
325 - 450

SITE SERVICING

PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SECTOR

16

SITE SERVICING
Local Roads - 8m Road Width (Per Metre)
2,800 - 3,800
2,700 - 3,500
2,600 - 3,400

Arterial Roads - 9m Road Width (Per Metre)
3,000 - 4,400
2,900 - 4,200
2,800 - 3,700

Arterial Roads - 12m Road Width (Per Metre)
3,900 - 4,800
3,700 - 4,600
3,700 - 4,400

Private Roads - 6m Road Width (Per Metre)
2,300 - 3,000
2,200 - 2,900
2,200 - 2,700

Residential Row Townhouses (Per Unit)
21,500 - 30,000
19,100 - 27,600
18,200 - 25,800

Industrial (Per Acre)
133,500 - 207,700
123,000 - 188,700
116,200 - 185,400

Commercial (Per Acre)
182,500 - 309,500
165,000 - 276,400
161,600 - 257,500

Canadian Cost Guide 2016

3,000 - 3,700
3,100 - 4,400
4,100 - 4,900
2,400 - 2,900
23,100 - 31,500
145,000 - 210,000
185,000 - 290,000

[Link]

17

2016 COST GUIDE BUILDING

TYPE DESCRIPTIONS

Commercial
Office Buildings

General Notes

Retail

All costs exclude site development and premiums associated with signature architecture.

The costs given assume single-storey stand-alone buildings with the exception of enclosed malls. The cost
of providing parking facilities is excluded from the unit costs provided. The CRU space is considered shell.
The public space is finished.

The costs assume base building construction only, including mechanical and electrical services,
washrooms, and finishing of ground floor entrance lobby and elevator lobbies to upper floors. The cost of
tenant partitioning and finishes, with the exception of ceiling and column finishes, are excluded. The cost
of finishing this space can fluctuate depending on the density of partitioning and the quality of finishes.

Hotels

PRIVATE
SECTOR

The costs exclude any allowance for FF&E, as each operator has its own definition. The cost for a budget
hotel assumes no restaurant or bar facilities and minimal meeting/conference areas. Suite hotels assume
a kitchenette. The costs of four-star full-service hotels include dining and conference facilities and specialuse lounges. Premium for luxury should only be applied to the four-star full service hotel.

Parking
Residential
Condominiums/Apartments
Assume cast-in-place concrete structure for all condos unless otherwise noted. Hybrid construction could
include any combination of alternate building structures, such as precast concrete and light-gauge steel.
The premium for high-quality finishes should be applied to any of the condominium/apartment categories.

Wood-Framed Residential
The floor area of the unfinished basement and garage should be excluded from the area used with the
unit rate provided. Parking is excluded from all unit rates; however, the additional cost for one level of
underground parking below the wood-framed condos is noted.

On-grade parking assumes an asphalt paved surface lot, including necessary curbs, line painting, storm
servicing and pole lighting. Above-grade parking assumes open air structure. Below-grade parking
assumes that temporary support to the excavated sides of the proposed garage is required, and that
there are no extraordinary conditions (water, contaminated soil, close proximity to underground services,
etc.). Extra deep parking garages (7+ levels) and garages with site restrictions should be assessed on an
individual basis. The efficiency of garages (parking area/stall) is also an important cost variable.

Industrial
Industrial Facilities
Warehouse space is based on heated shell space, excluding mezzanine areas. A finished office component
is included.

Seniors Housing

Urban storage facilities are based on multi-level facilities, which have site constraints.

Costs can fluctuate, depending on whether the facility is operated for a profit or is community-based, the
level of care, and the services provided to residents.

Data Centres are based on suburban sites, and include access flooring and redundant heating and cooling
systems. Active hardware is excluded.
Pharmaceutical laboratory costs would vary depending on the level of testing and manufacturing involved.
FF&E is excluded from the unit costs.
Manufacturing facilities are based on open spaces with high structures to allow space for equipment.
FF&E costs are excluded.

18

Canadian Cost Guide 2016

[Link]

19

2016 COST GUIDE BUILDING TYPE DESCRIPTIONS, Continued

All buildings are based on suburban facilities with no site constraints. Any associated site work and
parking are excluded from the unit costs. Costs assume a design standard equivalent to LEED Silver.
Premiums associated with actual certification or Gold/Platinum are excluded.

Government Buildings
Fire/EMS Stations exclude any costs associated with training buildings.

PUBLIC
SECTOR

Local police detachments would include offices and facilities for police and civilian members with
minimal interview rooms and holding cells. Regional police headquarters would include all the same plus
additional interview rooms, holding cells, training space, and administration.
Courthouses include judicial chambers, administration offices, holding cells, and courtrooms.
Operations Centre costs are based on the main facility only, including maintenance, storage, and
administration areas. Any outbuildings would be an additional cost.

Institutional
Educational Buildings
The costs given exclude any allowance for FF&E.

Health Care
With more than 40 subcategories of space types available in hospitals, the mix of costs fluctuate
depending on the type of facility being constructed, the mix of beds, clinics and surgeries, as well as the
building configuration. Parking and FF&E are excluded.

Civic
Transportation Buildings
Regional airport terminals are typically single storey facilities that have smaller gate and circulation
capacity for local domestic flights and minimal amenities. International airport terminals are multi-level
facilities with extensive amenity space for restaurants, retail stores, and have larger circulation space and
gate capacity. Also included are spaces for customs and immigration control. Costs for surface and/or
parking garages, airside infrastructure, and equipment are excluded.
Bus garages are slab on grade, single-storey, long span steel structures which include vehicle maintenance
facilities and a small administration area. FF&E including vehicle lifts are excluded.

20

Canadian Cost Guide 2016

The range of costs for penitentiaries would vary based on the level of security and size of facility.
Municipal offices would include administration space for all municipal departments, meeting, conference
rooms, council chambers, cafeteria, daycare facility, and significant atrium space.
Library costs would vary depending on the size and if they are stand alone or part of a multi-use facility.

Recreation/Entertainment Buildings
Ice arenas would include single pad to four pad facilities with spectator seating; unit costs are based on
steel structures.
Community aquatic facilities include single or multiple pools, minimal spectator seating, change room
facilities and fitness areas; unit costs are based on conventionally framed structures for the majority of the
building, and glulam wood structure for the pool area.
Multi-use recreation centres could include any combination of fitness, gymnasium, daycare, community
room, and administration space. Facilities with arena, pool, and multi-purpose areas should be based on
the costs for each component combined together.
Casino/gaming facilities are assumed to be single storey buildings containing gaming floor (slots and/or
table games), restaurants, bars, entertainment, and retail areas. Costs include fitout of the gaming floor,
and exclude FF&E, slot machines/tables, and security system.

[Link]

21

2016 COST GUIDE BUILDING TYPE DESCRIPTIONS, Continued

Recreation/Entertainment Buildings, Continued

Performing arts building unit costs would vary depending on the size and function of the
facility. Acoustical treatment, theatre lighting, stage, and seating requirements would all impact the cost.
Museum and gallery costs vary depending on the purpose of the space; humidity and temperature control,
redundant systems, and fire prevention would affect the costs.

Site Servicing

SUPERIOR MARKET
INTELLIGENCE.


Cost

Management


Developer &

Lender Services

SPECIALIZED
EXPERTISE.
OUR ADVANTAGE
IS YOUR ADVANTAGE.

Site Servicing
The rates for residential site servicing are based on costs per centre line of road and allow for underground
storm, sewer, water and electrical services and street lighting, earthworks, curbs, asphalt roadways and
sidewalks. Items such as berms, retaining walls, noise barrier fences, entrance features, storm ponds,
landscaping and external services are excluded. The higher end of the specified range should be used
for municipalities, which require crusher run limestone in lieu of granular materials for the base road
construction and/or where curb or road sub drains are required. Arterial road costs may be partially
recoverable from the local municipality or region. The rates for townhouse servicing are provided on a per
unit basis. The rates for industrial and commercial site servicing are provided on a per acre basis.
Excludes any requirement for oversizing of services for future development.

Services


Infrastructure


Project


Property


Construction

Advisory

& Development
Management
Condition
Assessment &
Reserve Funds
Contract Solutions

$
[Link].

22

Canadian Cost Guide 2016

Altus Group Limited is a leading provider of

independent advisory services, software, and data
solutions to the global commercial real estate
industry. All of our five core practices Research,
Valuation and Advisory, ARGUS Software, Property
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Headquartered in Canada, we have approximately
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Altus Group Limited makes no representation about the accuracy,
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Please contact: cost@[Link]
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