(TORONTO) - CIBC SQUARE, Toronto's new innovative office complex by Ivanhoé Cambridge and Hines, today announced that it has earned a WELL Health-Safety Rating for their 81 Bay Street tower. Primary tenant CIBC has also received the health rating for their office space that is housed in CIBC SQUARE. Awarded by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) for its operational policies and protocols, community-centric design, and overall innovation, the designation recognizes CIBC SQUARE as a leader in health and safety, a notable achievement as tenants enter the forward-thinking space for the first time.
The achievement is only awarded to buildings and organizations that uphold the highest standard of employee health and well-being through IWBI’s rigorous third-party review. CIBC SQUARE includes features such as emergency preparedness programs, enhanced cleaning and sanitation procedures, installation of safety and educational signage, enhanced air quality, as well as advanced tenant engagement platform, all working together to make healthier workspaces.
“CIBC SQUARE will be one of the first office developments in downtown Toronto to open amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, and when tenants return we will be ready with the highest health, safety and security measures in place,” said David Hoffman, General Manager at CIBC SQUARE. "The WELL Health-Safety Rating underscores our commitment to being an industry leader in responsible health and safety operations and design. CIBC SQUARE's elevated environment and people-first approach allow all occupants to thrive through work and wellness."
For tenant CIBC, the WELL Health-Safety Rating ensures the safety of its clients, employees and the communities they serve when the new office space opens.
“Even before the pandemic, we had ensured the design of our office space within CIBC SQUARE adhered to the highest standards and represented the workplace of the future. We have long been committed to the health and safety of our team and clients, and our WELL Health-Safety Rating provides reassurance that we have prioritized their well-being and have the measures in place for today and tomorrow,” said Veni Iozzo, Executive Vice-President, Enterprise Real-Estate and Workplace Transformation.
Ivanhoé Cambridge and Hines’ WELL Health-Safety Rated designated properties have the highest operations and design standards, meeting the specific intents and requirements of the program. Ivanhoé Cambridge and Hines have already completed WELL rating labels for a number of their properties across North America.
To learn more about the WELL Health-Safety Rating, visit https://www.wellcertified.com/health-safety.
About CIBC SQUARE
CIBC SQUARE epitomizes the best of everything Toronto has to offer. Comprising two highly innovative office buildings, the downtown urban destination will offer cutting-edge office and collaborative spaces. At 49 and 50 storeys, it will offer expansive views of Lake Ontario and Toronto's skyline.
The signature amenity of CIBC SQUARE is a one-acre elevated park, spanning one of North America's busiest railways to connect the two buildings at the 4th floor level. The project was designed by architect firms Wilkinson Eyre and Adamson Associates to exceed mechanical, electrical and security expectations. The complex will attain LEED® Platinum Core & Shell certification, WELL Platinum Certification and WiredScore Platinum accreditation.
About Ivanhoé Cambridge
Ivanhoé Cambridge creates a sustainable impact with its comprehensive urban solutions focused on people’s needs. The company develops and invests in high-quality real estate properties, projects and companies that are shaping the urban fabric in dynamic cities around the world. It does so responsibly, with a view to generating long-term performance. Ivanhoé Cambridge is committed to creating living spaces that foster the well-being of people and communities while reducing its environmental footprint.
Ivanhoé Cambridge invests alongside strategic partners and major real estate funds that are leaders in their markets. Through subsidiaries and partnerships, the Company holds interests in more than 1,200 buildings, primarily in the industrial and logistics, office, residential and retail sectors. Ivanhoé Cambridge held close to C$9 billion in real estate assets as of December 31, 2021, and is a real estate subsidiary of the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (cdpq.com), a global investment group. For more information: ivanhoecambridge.com.
About Hines
Hines is a privately owned global real estate investment firm founded in 1957 with a presence in 255 cities in 27 countries. Hines oversees investment assets under management totaling approximately $83.6 billion¹. In addition, Hines provides third-party property-level services to more than 367 properties totaling 138.3 million square feet. Historically, Hines has developed, redeveloped or acquired approximately 1,486 properties, totaling over 492 million square feet. The firm currently has more than 171 developments underway around the world. With extensive experience in investments across the risk spectrum and all property types, and a foundational commitment to ESG, Hines is one of the largest and most-respected real estate organizations in the world. Visit www.hines.com for more information.¹ Includes both the global Hines organization as well as RIA AUM as of June 30, 2021.
About CIBC
CIBC is a leading North American financial institution with 11 million personal banking, business, public sector and institutional clients. Across Personal and Business Banking, Commercial Banking and Wealth Management, and Capital Markets businesses, CIBC offers a full range of advice, solutions and services through its leading digital banking network and locations across Canada, with offices in the United States and around the world. Ongoing news releases and more information about CIBC can be found at www.cibc.com/en/about-cibc/media-centre.html.
