The Kennedy Matheson Industrial Complex in Mississauga, Ont. was the first industrial asset overseen by Menkes Property Management Services Ltd. to achieve a BOMA BEST certification, and it’s one of the few industrial complexes in Canada to earn a BOMA BEST Silver certification.

“Having managed this complex since it opened 15 years ago, it is very meaningful to me both personally and professionally to have pursued and achieved BOMA BEST Silver certification,” said general manager Elena Muto. “One of the most rewarding aspects in achieving certification was getting the tenants on board and the ability to collaborate with them towards this designation.”

Muto has another reason to be proud now, as an efficient building and close tenant collaboration earned the Kennedy Matheson Industrial Complex The Outstanding Building of the Year (TOBY) Award for industrial office buildings from Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) of Canada on Sept. 22 as part of its BOMEX 2016 conference and exhibition.

Kennedy Matheson Industrial Complex is owned by 3883281 Canada Inc. and is comprised of three buildings located at 550 Matheson Blvd. E., 570 Matheson Blvd. E. and 5655 Kennedy Rd. It has 624,245 square feet of office and warehouse space, with units ranging in size from 18,000 to 209,000 square feet. Its 11 tenants employ approximately 285 individuals involved with distribution, manufacturing, warehouse storage, sales and service, and administration.

Fully leased for seven straight years

“KMIC takes pride in being 100 per cent leased for seven consecutive years and, consequently, it has been a stable source of employment within the community,” said Muto.

Kennedy Matheson Industrial Complex has: a separate loading dock with a mix of drive-in loading ramps and rear-dock loading; a series of sectional overhead loading dock doors in the shipping/receiving areas; clear ceiling height of 28 feet; and warehouse floors that can accommodate weight loads more than 200 pounds per square foot. There are 952 parking spaces, owing to its proximity to major highways, as well as bicycle parking and convenient access to three different public transit bus routes.

While Kennedy Matheson Industrial Complex hasn’t undergone any major renovations, it has made upgrades over the years. It installed LED exterior lights this year that will result in annual energy savings of 79 per cent. It installed backflow preventers in the sprinkler rooms of each building in 2014.

“We operate our complex prioritizing safety, energy conservation and cost efficiency, which align with our tenants’ priorities as well,” said Muto.

Environmental and sustainability practices

Kennedy Matheson Industrial Complex’s landscaping practices are designed to minimize the need for irrigation and water consumption. It requires all tenants, designers and contractors to use environmentally responsible products and practices, including: the reuse of materials and equipment; purchasing products with recycled content and material from sustainable sources; and maximizing recycling practices to divert waste from landfill.

“Our tenants are managing and upholding best environmental and sustainability practices — encompassing recycling, hazardous materials, water and energy conservation, WHMIS, first aid, fire and life safety, emergency preparedness, spill protection, green purchasing and pest control — as confirmed when we complete our annual building checks and on-site inspection,” said Muto. “They are consistently in compliance with our policies, which we share during tenant move-in and as they are updated.”

Menkes connects with tenants and communicates with them in person via tenant meetings as well as through phone calls, emails and memos. While tenants are responsible for managing their own space and independently maintaining and operating their units, Menkes often offers support by providing suggestions and resources.

Kennedy Matheson Industrial Complex’s staff and tenants are also involved with several community events and charitable projects, including: supporting the Carassauga Festival and the Kids in Nature Corporate Challenge; involvement with the “20-Minute Toronto Makeover” clean-up project and Earth Hour; collecting toys for the CP24 CHUM Christmas Wish and food for the Daily Bread Food Bank; and the undertaking of a tree restoration effort.