Case Study: When Edmonton’s Winter Won Against This Redevelopment
Edmonton winters are unforgiving. Long stretches of –25°C and below weather, rapid freeze–thaw cycles, and harsh winds push buildings to their limits. Most condo corporations know that winter maintenance is important - but every so often, a real-world example shows truly how much is at stake.
A great example is an Edmonton redevelopment project set inside a historic former hospital, which gained attention several years ago when residents began experiencing severe winter-related building failures. What should have been a unique and exciting residential conversion quickly turned into a cautionary tale about envelope design, insulation quality, and climate-appropriate construction practices.
Living Inside An Ice Castle
During the first major cold snaps, residents reported:
Ice forming on interior walls and window frames
Frost building up inside bedrooms and living rooms
Extreme drafts despite closed windows
Condensation and moisture damage spreading along exterior-facing rooms
In some cases, the cold air infiltration was so severe that ice sheets accumulated on interior surfaces, a sign that heat was escaping and exterior air was penetrating deep into the building’s construction.
What Went Wrong
Based on publicly documented accounts and expert commentary from the time, several contributing factors were identified:
1. Inadequate or Improper Insulation
Older institutional buildings often lack the insulation required for residential comfort, especially in an extreme climate. If the retrofit doesn’t fully address this - or if insulation is inconsistently installed - cold spots and condensation become inevitable.
2. Envelope Gaps and Air Leakage
Older structures can have complex, layered walls. If air barriers and vapor barriers aren’t properly continuous, warm interior air can meet cold exterior air, leading to frost and moisture inside walls.
3. Windows Not Designed for Edmonton Winters
Some units reportedly had windows with insufficient R-value or poor sealing. Even brand-new windows will fail if the installation doesn’t fully integrate with the envelope.
4. Freeze–Thaw Strain on an Older Structure
Aging concrete and brick expand and contract through Edmonton’s temperature swings. These shifts can open new gaps or force old ones wider.
The Impact on Residents and the Building
The consequences were significant:
Ongoing discomfort
Higher heating costs
Moisture intrusion causing mold risks
Accelerated deterioration of walls, frames, and finishes
Loss of property value and buyer confidence
In many cases, additional construction, sealing, and insulation work was needed, which could have been mitigated with a stronger build strategy and maintenance plan.
The Lesson for Condo Boards: Winter Can Expose Hidden Weaknesses
This case is a powerful reminder that a building performing well in summer can reveal major failures the moment Edmonton’s winter hits. For condo boards, the takeaway is clear: thorough building audits are crucial, especially for older structures. Proper insulation is non-negotiable, as quick fixes rarely address deeper heat-loss issues. Windows and doors also remain common failure points. Preventative maintenance plays a major role too, since small cracks, poor caulking, or minor air leaks can turn into major issues in rapidly freezing temperatures. Ultimately, every aspect of the building must be designed and maintained with Edmonton’s climate in mind, using materials and methods suited to its extreme conditions.
