New facility accessibility design standard
Facilities & Services has launched a new tri-campus standard that will guide the accessible design of campus facilities. The standard was developed through a tri-campus technical working group following a community consultation process, and complies with accessibility requirements set out by the Ontario Building Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) Design of Public Spaces Standards. The new standard was effective as of June 15, 2023, for all new construction, renovation, renewal, maintenance, and capital projects—including projects currently in early design stages. Where possible, feedback received through the consultation process was incorporated into this version; the remainder [...]
Four OREP colleagues are honoured with Simcoe Hall Vice-Presidential Staff Awards!
Established in 2013, the Simcoe Hall Vice-Presidential (SVP) Staff Award recognizes outstanding contributions by staff (Confidential, Unionized, or Professional & Managerial at any level) who work in service of the President’s Office, the Division of the Vice-President & Provost, a Vice-Presidential Division (where the Vice-President is a member of Simcoe Hall Vice-Presidents), or the Office of the Governing Council. Recipients of the SVP Staff Award demonstrate outstanding leadership advancing the University’s mission and / or exceptional service to enhance the University experience for students, faculty, librarians, and / or staff. This year, four OREP colleagues were honoured: Brian Szuberwood, Executive [...]
2023 Operations & Real Estate Partnerships Annual Staff Achievement Awards Program is now open for nominations! (deadline: May 12 2023)
The Vice-President Operations & Real Estate Partnerships (OREP) established the annual Staff Achievement Awards Program in order to recognize exceptional staff contributions to the success of their particular unit, the Operations & Real Estate Partnerships portfolio and the University. The program provides Operations & Real Estate Partnerships with an opportunity to thank staff for the valuable work performed throughout the year. The awards will be presented at the VPOREP Thank You BBQ on August 28 (save the date – details to come!) Three Award categories are now open for nominations: The OREP Impact Awards (Individual or Team) The Impact Award has been designed to [...]
Ron Saporta, COO, is the 2023 Chancellor’s Award (Influential Leader) Winner!
The Division of People Strategy, Equity & Culture at the University of Toronto has announced the 2023 recipients of the Pinnacle Awards and we are delighted to announce that Ron Saporta, Chief Operating Officer, Property Services & Sustainability, Operations & Real Estate Partnerships, has been named the winner of the Chancellor's Award 2023, Influential Leader category. The citation states: Ron has led and collaborated on a broad range of initiatives since he joined U of T that have had a significant and lasting impact on the institution. Lauded by his colleagues and staff as “incredibly collaborative”, “supportive”, “unflappable”, “inspirational”, “innovative, energetic, [...]
President’s Excellence Awards Recognizes S&E’s Gloria Cuneo
The Division of People Strategy, Equity & Culture at the University of Toronto has announced the 2023 recipients of the Pinnacle Awards and we are delighted that one of our favourite people at Spaces & Experiences, Gloria Zangari Cuneo, has been awarded the President’s Excellence Award for Emerging Excellence. You can read more here!
Spaces & Experiences Celebrates International Women’s Day
In honour of International Women’s Day, S & E met up with six incredible women who work with us in various areas of our university operations. These consummate professionals are just a few of the individuals who keep things running behind the scenes at U of T, always with a smile and a focus on providing excellence in service to our community. Here are their stories.
OREP Team members win inaugural Exemplary UofT Ambassador (EUTA) Awards!
The inaugural recipients of the EUTA Awards were recently announced, and several OREP colleagues have been honoured! Established in 2022, the Exemplary U of T Ambassador (EUTA) Award recognizes the contributions and achievements of librarians and staff, as individuals or in teams, who have provided outstanding service, furthered the strategic priorities of their unit, department, faculty, or division, and made a significant, positive impact on the University. Congratulations to OREP members: Mark Simpson, Former Director, Building Services, Grounds & Trades, recognized for fostering innovations that increased productivity and efficacy, and providing thoughtful, supportive, and collaborative leadership for caretaking, grounds, trades, [...]
Schwartz Reisman Innovation Centre (SRIC) awarded the Best Higher Education/University Building 2023
We were delighted to learn that SRIC was awarded the Best Higher Education/ University Building 2023 by the Pre-Cast /Pre-Stressed Concrete Institute (PCI). We're pretty proud of her too!
UofT News: U of T extends Scott Mabury’s term as vice-president, operations and real estate partnerships, and vice-provost, academic operations
Professor Scott Mabury, a renowned environmental chemist, will serve as University of Toronto vice-president, operations and real estate partnerships and vice-provost, academic operations for another three years. At a meeting on Dec. 15, the university’s Governing Council approved an extension of Mabury’s term until June 30, 2026. “Professor Mabury’s visionary leadership of this large and complex portfolio has had a profound impact at the University of Toronto,” President Meric Gertler said. “The extension of his term ensures that the university maintains momentum and maximizes opportunities to complete the major initiatives currently underway. “I am deeply grateful to Scott for his outstanding service to the university, [...]
Ron Saporta receives Clean50, Clean16 awards
OCTOBER 13, 2022 Ron Saporta, chief operating officer at the University of Toronto’s Facilities & Services, has been named a 2023 Canada's Clean16 and Clean50 honouree by Delta Management Group. The Clean50 awards recognize sustainability leaders in Canada across 16 industry categories – with the leader in each category receiving the Clean16. “As an environmental engineer and an alumnus of U of T, I am grateful for the rare opportunity to work on a lifelong passion – bettering our environment with technology and innovation – alongside excellent and dedicated colleagues,” Saporta said. “We have rolled up our sleeves and are excited to make [...]