Project Scope
QMC has worked with the team at Metrotown for over 25 years, since the construction of the mall’s second addition. This primary focus of this partnership has been the metering of the electrical systems throughout the entire mall and the three connected office towers. The project has since expanded to include water and gas metering, with a growing emphasis on remote data collection. This site currently houses over 400 metering points across various facilities, with further expansion planned. This project’s goal is to establish a comprehensive metering backbone with the flexibility to incorporate additional utilities in the future, making it easy for Metrotown to manage all utilities within a unified online platform.
Process
Previously, Metrotown’s team relied on manual reads, which is prone to human error and is a lengthy process with such a large metering system. QMC implemented a solution focused on digitizing data collection and eliminating manual reads. In addition to transitioning the water metering system to pulse outputs with wireless capabilities, we provided recommendations for proactive maintenance to avoid network dropouts as systems age. “This modernization effort also involved upgrading or recertifying older meters and updating legacy PLC systems, addressing challenges unique to large-scale, interconnected facilities.”


Outcome
The shift to online, remote monitoring has streamlined operations, reduced labor costs and minimized errors. The digital platform now enables Metrotown to access historical data easily, export reports and optimize resource usage across the facility. The modernization has led to more accurate and timely billing for tenants, including significant commercial spaces like Walmart. Additionally, adjustments to lease agreements have allowed for better management of costs associated with HVAC and cooling solutions, particularly in handling heatwaves. This upgrade has laid a foundation for future projects and simplified the expansion of metering to other utilities, strengthening QMC’s long-term relationship with Metrotown by delivering reliable, adaptable solutions that meet evolving needs.