Press Releases

Project to build Thunder Bay consolidated courthouse attracts industry interest

Toronto, Sept. 10, 2009 /CNW/ - Infrastructure Ontario and the Ministry of the Attorney General announced today that three companies have been short-listed to design, build, finance and maintain a new consolidated courthouse that will be located in downtown Thunder Bay. The new courthouse will improve access to justice in Thunder Bay by consolidating the services of existing courthouses within one modern facility. It will increase the number of courtrooms available and will provide better public access and security, and improve health and safety standards. Based on a request for qualifications (RFQ) process that began in May 2009, three companies were pre-qualified for the project. All three pre-qualified companies will be invited to respond to a request for proposals (RFP), expected to be issued this fall. The three pre-qualified companies are:

- Forum Social Infrastructure - Forum Equity Partners, Stantec Architecture Ltd. / Rosser International Inc., Dominion Construction Co Inc., G4S Security Services, Brookfield Financial Corp. (Financial Advisor)

- Integrated Team Solutions - Ellis Don Corporation, Fengate Capital Management Ltd., NORR Ltd / AECOM Design, Honeywell Ltd, Scotia Capital (Financial Advisor)

- Plenary Justice - Plenary Group, Adamson Associated Architects / Ricci Green Associates, Bird Construction Company, Johnsons Controls LP

The pre-qualified companies were selected based on their development, design, construction, financial, and facilities management capacity to undertake a project of this size and complexity. "We are committed to creating a more modern and effective justice system," said Attorney General Chris Bentley. "I am pleased we are moving forward to ensure the people of Thunder Bay have secure, accessible justice services that best utilize public funds." "I'm very excited that we are close to moving into the next phase for consolidation of Court Services in Thunder Bay," said MPP for Thunder Bay-Atikokan Bill Mauro. "This will be a large construction project and a significant part of a revitalized downtown core." "This is an exciting step in a project that will help revitalize our downtown core, making it a focal point for investment and a more diverse place to work and visit," said Michael Gravelle, MPP for Thunder Bay - Superior North.

Infrastructure Ontario and the Ministry of the Attorney General are working to develop the new courthouse, which will remain publicly owned, publicly controlled and publicly accountable. Infrastructure Ontario is a Crown corporation dedicated to managing some of the province's larger and more complex infrastructure renewal projects - ensuring they are built on time and on budget.

Visit www.infrastructureontario.ca for more information.

Disponible en français

For further information: Jennifer Sclisizzi, Infrastructure Ontario, (416) 325-7409; Brendan Crawley, Ministry of the Attorney General, (416) 326-2210

Project to Redevelop Ontario Provincial Police Facilities Attracts Industry Interest

Toronto, July 27, 2009 - Infrastructure Ontario and the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services (MCSCS) announced today that three companies have been short-listed to design, build, finance and maintain new Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) facilities located in 15 communities across the province including: Armstrong, Kenora, Iroquois Falls, Timmins, Nipigon, Peterborough, Smiths Falls, Burk's Falls, Orillia, Walkerton, North Bay, Chatham-Kent, Dryden, and Mount Forest and Long Sault.

The project will include the construction of new detachments, regional headquarters and forensic identification units. The new facilities, which in many cases are replacing facilities that have exceeded their useful life (40 to 50 years), will feature up-to-date amenities to better support the demands of modern police operations and meet the needs of the community.

"This project provides the OPP with the modern facilities and technologies they need to keep our communities safe. We're committed to giving police the tools they need to do their job," said Rick Bartolucci, Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services.

Based on a request for qualifications (RFQ) process that began in February 2009, four companies were pre-qualified for the project. Three companies were short-listed and will be invited to respond to a request for proposals (RFP), expected to be issued in summer 2009. The three short-listed companies are:

Forum Social Infrastructure (FSI): Forum Equity Partners Inc., Brookfield Financial Corporation, Stantec Inc., Bondfield Construction Company Limited, M. Sullivan & Sons Limited, Dominion Construction Company Inc., Johnson Controls Inc., and TD Securities Inc.

Integrated Team Solutions (ITS): Ellis Don Corporation, Fengate Capital Management Ltd., LPF Infrastructure Fund, WZMH Architects, Genivar Consultants Limited Partnership, PBK Architects, Smith Group, Habib Architects, Kalmantis Architects, Tom Jones Corporation, Finn Way General Contractor Inc., Monteith Building Group Ltd., Black & McDonald, and Scotia Capital.

SHIELD Infrastructure Group (SIG): HOCHTIEF PPP Solutions North America Inc., Bird Design-Build Limited, Honeywell Limited, NORR Limited Architects & Engineers, Shore Tilbe Irwin & Partners, MCW Consultants Ltd., Banerjee & Associates Ltd., MMM Group Limited, Evans Bertrand Hill Wheeler Architecture Inc., Trow Global Inc., Frecon Construction Limited, Collaborative Structures Limited, Miller Paving Limited, and CIT Financial Ltd.

The remaining pre-qualified company will act as reserve in the event that one of the three short-listed companies is unable to bid. Pre-qualified companies were selected based on their development, design, construction, financial, and facilities management capacity to undertake a project of this size and complexity.

Infrastructure Ontario and the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services will work to develop the new OPP facilities, which will remain publicly owned, publicly controlled and publicly accountable. Infrastructure Ontario is a Crown corporation dedicated to managing some of the province's larger and more complex infrastructure renewal projects - ensuring they are built on time and on budget.

Visit www.infrastructureontario.ca for more information.

New Corporation Launched to update Canada’s aging Ice Rinks

Huron Sports Services Inc. created to expertly and affordably update rink infrastructure

Toronto – May 12, 2009 - Forum Equity Partners Inc. and Rink Management Services Corporation today announced that they have created Huron Sports Services Inc. (www.huronsportsservices.com) - a corporation that will specialize in the design, construction and management of ice arenas and recreational facilities in Canada.  To address a truly national requirement for new ice rink facilities, Huron Sports Services has established offices in Vancouver and Toronto.

“We are proud to announce with our partner that we have created Huron Sports Services Inc. - a company that can provide the expertise and resources needed to replace existing ice rink facilities in municipalities across Canada,” said Richard Abboud, president of Forum. “Given that the majority of Canada’s arenas are older than their life expectancy and in a state of significant disrepair, municipalities need a credible and innovative way to replace their existing ice rink infrastructure with new facilities designed to meet the expectations of the communities they serve.”

Huron Sports Services Inc. was specifically created to design, build, finance and operate community ice arenas and recreation centers across Canada. Building upon the strengths of its founding partners, the new company will fill a “design, management and funding formula gap” that exists in Canada. Rink Management Services Inc. brings years of expertise in the design, development, operation and maintenance of multipurpose sports facilities together with Forum Equity Partners - a company familiar with the creation of Public Private Partnership (P3) projects. 

“Canada is known globally as the home of hockey and world class skating. More importantly, a community ice rink is part of Canada’s recreational culture. Clearly, Canadian’s deserve ice rink facilities that are amongst the best in the world,” said Tom Hillgrove, president of Rink Management Services Inc. “We are proud to be one of the founding partners of Huron Sports Services and believe that the new company will be the best option for Canadian municipalities as they address the issues regarding aging ice rink facilities.” 
 
About Forum Equity Partners Inc.:
Forum is a Toronto based private real estate company specializing in the development of public use facilities in partnership with the public sector.  Forum has bought built and sold over $500 million of real estate assets since 2002.  www.forumequitypartners.com

About Rink Management Services Inc.
Rink Management Services Corporation is the largest operator of ice skating facilities in the United States, with over 1,600 employees and operations in 14 states.  (www.rinkmanagement.com)

FORUM LEASEHOLD PARTNERS INC. ANNOUNCES THE FINANCIAL CLOSE OF THE ORLEANS TOWN CENTRE PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP

Toronto, JUNE 20, 2007 – Forum Leasehold Partners Inc. (‘Forum’) today announced the financial close of the Public Private Partnership (P3) between the Forum-led Orléans Town Centre Partnership and the City of Ottawa, and the ground breaking for the Orléans Arts Centre.  The mixed-use project, announced in 2006, represents an investment of more than $225 million, including the Orléans Arts Centre located in the city’s east end. Construction is scheduled to commence this summer.

When the arts centre opens in January, 2009, it will be the focal point of the town centre development and will serve as the cultural hub for the community.  The 86,000 square foot arts centre will feature a 500-seat theatre , a 100-seat studio theatre, two  art galleries as well as instructional and rehearsal  spaces for the visual, media and performing arts. 

In addition to the arts centre, 19 acres of adjacent land will be developed into a new town centre.  The plan incorporates complementary mixed-use retail and office space, a hotel, two office buildings, a 100-unit seniors’ home, a 140-unit seniors’ condominium, and more than 300 residential housing units.  The development also includes a new gymnasium and an indoor pool for the National Capital Region YMCA - YWCA.

“Forum is proud of this dynamic project, which will redefine Ottawa’s east end. It will surely be the heart of the Orléans community, providing residents of all ages with access to an array of amenities,” said Richard Abboud, president, Forum.  “This P3 is an example of the value creation and risk allocation that can be achieved when public and private sectors work together.” 

“The significance of this project to our east-end residents and businesses cannot be overstated. The entire town centre will bring new businesses and residents to the community, and will help grow the local economy. The Arts  Centre will bring together many local arts groups and contribute a wealth of arts programming for people of all ages,” said Orléans Councillor Bob Monette. “This P3 project is a great example of innovative procurement strategies that can turn dreams into reality. We all look forward to the grand opening of the Arts Centre.”

The City of Ottawa began the process to select a private-sector partner with a Request for Qualification in July 2005, and a Request for Proposals in December 2005.  Orléans Town Centre Partnership was selected as its preferred proponent in May 2006.    The P3 reached financial close in May, 2007. 

Forum is proud of the Orléans Town Centre Partnership team and looks forward to providing residents of the City of Ottawa and the community of Orléans with a town centre for all to enjoy.

For more information on project partners, please visit the following website links: Orleans Town Centre Partnership, Forum Leasehold Partners, City of Ottawa, Aecon Construction Group Inc., Lalande + Doyle Architects, and Johnson Controls Inc./BLJC.

About the Orléans Town Centre Partnership

The Orléans Town Centre Partnership is led by Forum Leasehold Partners Inc. and, as applied to the Arts Centre, includes Aecon Buildings, Lalande + Doyle Architects, and Johnson Controls/BLJC. Forum has established joint ventures with Phoenix Homes for the residential components, Verdiroc Development Corporation for affordable housing, and Kingsway Arms Management Services for the seniors’ residences and condos.

About Forum

Forum Leasehold Partners is active in acquiring and developing single-tenant properties leased to the public and private sectors.  This project represents the company’s fourth public private partnership.  Established in 2002, the company’s portfolio currently consists of more than 800,000 sq. ft. of property and will surpass 1,000,000 square feet upon completion of this project.  More information is available at www.forumequitypartners.com.

For more information, please contact:

Richard Abboud,

President
Phone:  416-947-9532

Orleans Arts Centre

Forum Leasehold Partners Inc. announces $220 million Orléans Arts Centre and mixed-use Town Centre in Ottawa

Toronto, Oct. 11 /CNW/ - Forum Leasehold Partners Inc. ('Forum') today announced that Ottawa City council has approved the proposed public-private partnership (P3) between the Forum-led Orléans Town Centre Partnership and the City of Ottawa to design and build a new multi-disciplinary arts centre, as well as develop a new town centre in the community of Orléans, located in Ottawa's east end. The entire mixed-use project represents a total investment of approximately $220 million (plus approximately $37 million for the Arts Centre).

The new 86,000 square foot Orléans Arts Centre will feature a 500-seat performing arts theatre, a smaller 100-seat studio theatre, an art gallery, and studio space for the visual arts. The arts centre will be the centerpiece of the project and is designed to become a cultural hub for the community. The new Orléans Arts Centre is scheduled to open in the late fall/early winter of 2008.

In addition to the arts centre, 19 acres of adjacent land will be developed into a new town centre, which will provide the community with mixed-use and retail space, including two office buildings, a hotel, 100-unit seniors' home, a 140-unit seniors' condominium, and more than 500 single family units.

"We are honoured to have the opportunity to provide the community of Orléans with an exciting mixed-use community facility where people can live, work and play," said Richard Abboud, president, Forum. "This unique P3 project is designed to meet the needs of the community as well as provide opportunities for economic growth in the area."

"This project is the largest investment commitment in the history of East Ottawa. The project's innovative design will fill a longstanding need for residents as well as strengthen the local economy," said Mayor Bob Chiarelli. "I want to thank Forum and the members of the Orleans Town Centre Partnership, our private sector partner for this P3 project, for their initiative and ingenuity in bringing creative thinking to benefit our citizens."

The new Orléans Arts Centre and Town Centre will be built on vacant land surrounding the City's Orléans Client Services Centre on Centrum Boulevard. A detailed concept plan of the centre can be found on www.forumequitypartners.com.

The City of Ottawa began the process to select a private sector partner with a Request for Qualification in July 2005, and a Request for Proposals in December 2005. Forum was named the selected proponent in May 2006. Final agreements and financial close are expected in January 2007. Construction is slated to begin in the spring of 2007.

About the Orléans Town Centre Partnership

The Orléans Town Centre Partnership is led by Forum Leasehold Partners Inc. and, as applied to the Arts Centre, includes Aecon Buildings (www.aecon.com), Lemay + Doyle Architects (www.lemay.qc.ca), and Johnson Controls/BLJC (www.johnsoncontrols.com). Forum has established joint ventures with Phoenix Homes for the residential components, Verdiroc Development Corporation (www.verdiroc.com) for affordable housing, and Kingsway Arms Management Services (www.kingswayarms.com) for the seniors' residences and condos.

About Forum

Forum Leasehold Partners is active in acquiring and developing single tenant properties leased to the private or public sector. This project represents the company's third public private partnership. Established in 2002, the company's portfolio currently consists of more than 800,000 sq. ft. of property. More information is available at www.forumequitypartners.com.

ROB TV

Recently, Richard Abboud, President of Forum Equity Partners Inc., had the privilege of sharing his views on P3s with Kevin O'Leary and Libby Znaimer on ROB TV's "Squeezeplay".

Toronto, NOVEMBER 30, 2004 - Forum Leasehold Partners Inc. (‘Forum’) today announced that it has broken ground on the headquarters building for Ottawa Paramedic Services, and is responsible for the design-build-lease and operation of it through its Public-Private Partnership (P3) with the City of Ottawa (‘The City’).  Construction on the 100,000 square foot, purpose-built facility has begun and is scheduled for completion in December 2005.

The project, valued at approximately $20,000,000, will be located at 2465 Don Reid Drive in Ottawa.  The City’s lease arrangement with Forum extends 30 years.

The City of Ottawa began the selection process of a private sector partner in July 2003 when it issued a Request for Expressions of Interest followed by a Request for Proposal (RFP) in September 2003.  Forum submitted a joint proposal with Aecon-Westeinde Alliance Inc. and Trammell Crow Company Canada.  The City selected Forum’s RFP in January 2004. 

Aecon-Westeinde Alliance Inc. will be responsible for the design and construction process while Trammell Crow Company Canada will serve as property manager.

“We are proud to participate in this exciting partnership, which will result in an outstanding facility for Ottawa Paramedic Services and ultimately Ottawa residents,” said Richard Abboud, president, Forum.  “Throughout this process, the City of Ottawa has been a proactive and highly committed partner.  Moving forward, we are optimistic about a growing number of P3 opportunities as the public sector continues to implement alternative capital utilization strategies.”

“Our public-private partnership with Forum for the design, construction, financing, and operations of our new 100,000 sq. ft. paramedic service headquarters marks our fifth P3 at the City of Ottawa,” said Rejean Chartrand, director of the Strategic Delivery Unit, the City of Ottawa.  “Forum has been an excellent partner to work with and has provided us with very competitive long term financing.  We look forward to a productive and successful 30 year partnership with Forum.”

Forum Leasehold Partners is active in acquiring and developing single tenant properties leased to the private or public sector.  Established in 2002, the company has acquired a portfolio valued at over $100,000,000.  More information is available at www.forumequitypartners.com.

Aecon-Westeinde Alliance Inc. (AWAI) is a wholly owned division of Aecon Construction Group Inc. In 2003, Aecon made a strategic acquisition of assets and the staff of Westeinde Construction Ltd. in order to strengthen its position in the Ottawa market.

Aecon Group Inc. (TSX: ARE) is Canada’s largest publicly traded construction and infrastructure development company. With almost a century of experience, Aecon provides design, build, operate, finance, procurement and development services to the public and private sectors. Aecon's global capabilities bring bold and innovative solutions to some of the world's most complex projects through a unique approach to partnering. By encouraging innovation and through leadership, the Aecon team continues to build things that matter. Further information is available at www.aecon.com

Trammell Crow Company Canada is a Canadian subsidiary of Trammell Crow Company. Founded in 1948, Trammell Crow Company is one of the largest diversified commercial real estate services companies in the world.  With more than 6,400 employees worldwide, the company is organized to deliver building management, brokerage, project management, and development and investment services to two customer groups: users of commercial real estate and facilities and investors in commercial real estate.  Further information is available at www.trammellcrow.com

For more information, contact:
Richard Abboud
President
416-947-9532

NEWS RELEASE / COMMUNIQUÉ

For immediate release:

November 29, 2005

City celebrates grand opening of paramedic headquarters – a P3 project

Ottawa – Today, the City of Ottawa along with Forum Leasehold Partners Inc. celebrated the grand opening of the new Ottawa Paramedic Service Headquarters at 2465 Don Reid Drive. Mayor Bob Chiarelli joined Richard Abboud of Forum, Councillor Diane Deans, Deputy City Manager Steve Kanellakos and Anthony Di Monte, Chief of the Ottawa Paramedic Service for the official ribbon cutting and opening of the new facility.

“This event acknowledges the commitment and hard work of the City’s first responders in making Ottawa a safer city for residents and visitors,” said Mayor Chiarelli. “This Public-Private Partnership has been a top priority because the new headquarters is a more efficient way to provide paramedic service to the community. It will help save more lives.”

The 100,000 sq. ft. Ottawa Paramedic Service Headquarters will result in improved efficiencies of the paramedic service through the consolidation of services and staff who were located at 1887 St. Joseph Boulevard and 530 Tremblay Road. The construction of the headquarters is the result of an innovative Public-Private Partnership (P3) between the City of Ottawa and Forum Leasehold Inc. Forum’s partnership with Griffiths Rankin Cook, Aecon Westeinde and Trammell Crow Company highlights the City’s commitment to providing quality emergency care.

This state-of-the-art, energy-efficient facility provides a central location to deploy and train paramedics and process all emergency vehicles and equipment. The facility includes a world-class decontamination bay for vehicles and personnel that respond to incidents or accidents that involve hazardous materials. It also provides improved facilities for public community medicine training programs such as Paramedic Public Access Defibrillation Program and CPR. It includes an outstanding work of art created by Jean Halstead and Svetlana Swinimer, commissioned as part of the City’s Public Art Program.

“Building the paramedic headquarters is another critical component that we need to effectively put our operational plan in place,” said Chief Di Monte. “We are working towards continuing to improve the level of service delivered in Ottawa for our citizens and visitors”

The City has entered into a lease agreement with Forum to occupy the building. At the end of the 30-year term, the ground lease will expire and the land and facility will transfer to the City for $1. Trammell Crow Company will be responsible for the property management of the facility for an annual management fee. All costs related to the operation of the facility will be borne by the City without mark-up or contingencies.

This project has also been selected as part of the Community Legacy Program to commemorate the City of Ottawa’s 150th anniversary. The program combines celebrations of this historic occasion with community-oriented capital projects being completed or initiated in 2005.

A plaque bearing the Ottawa 150 logo will be mounted on the Ottawa Paramedic Service Headquarters because it is enduring, accessible, and will create a lasting legacy for future generations of the City of Ottawa.

For more information:

Media contact

613-580-2450

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