Leading Change in Fire Safety: Nick Di Marco, Leading the Richmond Adelaide Centre Fire Hose Removal Project
Modernizing Fire Protection at Richmond Adelaide Centre
When it comes to fire protection, sometimes improving safety means removing equipment that no longer serves today's emergency response practices.
At Ignis Building Solutions, we're proud to recognize Nick Di Marco, Senior Fire Protection Consultant, for leading the successful fire hose removal project at Richmond Adelaide Centre (RAC) one of Toronto's premier commercial office complexes.
Nick managed the project from planning through completion, working closely with the ownership and project stakeholders to ensure a seamless transition while maintaining compliance with applicable fire safety requirements.
Why Are Fire Hoses Being Removed?
Many existing commercial buildings still contain occupant-use fire hoses housed in fire hose cabinets. While once considered a valuable firefighting tool, these hoses are increasingly being removed from buildings across Ontario.
Today's fire departments arrive equipped with their own specialized hose lines and equipment, making occupant-use fire hoses largely obsolete. In many buildings, these hoses:
Can be difficult and cumbersome to deploy
May create trip hazards during an emergency
Can delay evacuation if occupants attempt to fight a fire rather than leave the building
Require ongoing inspection and maintenance despite rarely being used
Removing these legacy hose systems helps simplify emergency response while reducing unnecessary maintenance costs for building owners.
Expert Project Leadership
Projects involving fire hose removal require careful planning, documentation, coordination with the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), and updates to life safety documentation.
Nick led every stage of the RAC project, ensuring the work was completed efficiently while minimizing disruption to building operations. His technical expertise and collaborative approach helped deliver a successful outcome for one of Toronto's landmark commercial properties.
Supporting Building Owners Through Modernization
As fire codes, best practices, and emergency response strategies continue to evolve, many property owners are evaluating whether legacy fire hose systems remain appropriate for their buildings.
Ignis Building Solutions works with building owners, property managers, and consultants to assess existing standpipe hose systems, develop removal strategies, prepare permit documentation, coordinate approvals and oversee implementation.
If your building still contains occupant-use fire hoses, now may be the time to determine whether removal is an appropriate option.
To learn more about fire hose removal projects or to discuss your building, contact the Ignis Building Solutions team. If your property has received a fire code, life safety, building compliance Notice of Violation, Inspection Order, or Administrative Monetary Penalty (AMP), quick action is critical to avoid delays, penalties, and disruption.
Ignis Building Solutions helps property owners, managers, and facility teams resolve compliance issues quickly and effectively.