Healthy Building Profile: Yorkdale Shopping Centre

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Location: Yorkdale Shopping Centre 3401 Dufferin St, Toronto, ON M6A 2T9

Certification Type: Retail Building v2.1

Fitwel Rating: 2-Star

Certification Lead: Nichole Bonner, Director of Sustainability Services, CD Sonter Ltd., Fitwel Ambassador, LEED AP, WELL AP

Toronto's Yorkdale Shopping Centre, which is part of Oxford Property Group’s portfolio, has a 55-year history as Canada's leading super-regional shopping center. As of February 2023, Yorkdale is the only retail property in Canada to finalize Fitwel Retail Building v2.1 Certification, and just one of eight publicly disclosed in the world.

We sat down with Nichole to learn more.

Why did you choose to pursue Fitwel Certification? 

Yorkdale prioritizes sustainability in its operations and strives to create a welcoming environment and positive experience for everyone who works in or visits the shopping center. Fitwel offers tools that help Yorkdale unite its sustainability, inclusivity, and accessibility objectives. New initiatives and renewed support for existing programs and amenities through the Fitwel Certification process have allowed Yorkdale to further its environmental goals while improving employee and guest wellbeing.

What strategies did you implement to help achieve Fitwel Certification? 

The most notable new initiatives implemented include:

  • MicroHabitat rooftop vegetable and herb garden, with produce donated to The Stop Community Food Bank

  • Deployment of occupant commuter and satisfaction surveys

  • Installation of a Community Map adjacent to the main building entrance displaying information on local amenities

  • New entryway systems at multiple entrances

  • Desk plants distributed to all employees to offer views of nature from workstations

  • A new shared active workstation with educational materials shared with employees on ergonomics

  • A quiet room in the Operations office

  • A multipurpose room in the adjoining office building for holding wellness events

  • A fresh produce delivery program set up through Fresh City Farms

  • Health-promoting programs including a monthly walking group and numerous other activities for staff

  • A new publicly accessible water bottle filling station 

  • New AEDs throughout the office building and lower level

We want to thank all those at Yorkdale Shopping Centre under the leadership of Yorkdale Shopping Centre’s Director, William Correia for their efforts, and for Nichole’s contribution to this article.

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