Meet Salena Ali. With a long and distinguished career in human resources—including over four years of dedicated service at ARS Responds Canada—Salena embodies the heart, dedication, and values that define our workplace culture. As an HR Generalist supporting both our Canadian and U.S. divisions, her days are packed with variety—ranging from payroll processing and employee benefits to organizing internal initiatives and tackling whatever comes her way next. While her to-do lis

The data is clear, and the headlines are persistent. From Calgary hailstorms and Montreal flash floods to the growing threat of wildfires across Canada, the country remains caught in an increasingly costly cycle of disaster, recovery and rebuild. As Glenn McGillivray, Managing Director of the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction (ICLR), recently noted in a Canadian Underwriter article by Sonia Sache: “We know exactly what to do. We’re just not doing it.” For years, the p

The Story of ARS’s Canada Day Flood Response

When a water loss occurs, the visible damage is often only the beginning. While standing water may be removed within hours, moisture that remains hidden behind walls, beneath flooring, above ceilings, or inside building systems can continue to damage a property long after the initial emergency appears to be over. For property owners, managers, condominium boards, facility operators, insurers, brokers, and adjusters, the greatest risk isn't always the immediate water loss—it's

Some people show up to work simply to do a job. Others show up determined to make a difference. For Intiaz “Taz” Hussein, Project Coordinator at ARS Responds Canada, that difference is felt every day — by clients navigating stressful property losses, by teammates who know they can count on him, and by the people closest to him: his two sons, Malik and Jayden. Since joining ARS just over seven months ago, Taz has quickly built a reputation as someone who genuinely cares. Wheth

As wildfire activity continues to impact communities across Canada, many property owners and managers are learning that smoke infiltration can cause long-term issues long after the air clears. In the disaster recovery industry, this is known as Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) smoke exposure where smoke from wildfires carries contaminants from not only trees and vegetation, but also burned homes, plastics, electronics, vehicles, and construction materials. The challenge? Much o

Why electrical rooms are often the most overlooked—and most dangerous—part of any water loss event What You Will Learn in This Article: Why electrical rooms present a “silent risk” even after visible drying is complete. How corrosion creates delayed system failures and fire risk. The critical warning signs property managers and insurers should never ignore. How early intervention can prevent costly replacement and business disruption. The Risk Most Teams Don’t See After a wa

Meet Cole. As one of our Project Coordinators, he helps keep projects on schedule by managing communication, adjusting plans when needed, and resolving site issues quickly.

What You Will Learn in This Article Using AI to analyze layouts so crews arrive with the exact equipment needed. How IoT sensors stop minor leaks before they become million-dollar floods. Reducing onsite visits and labour costs through remote moisture monitoring. Eliminating "supplement battles" with millimeter-accurate 3D digital twins. AI and Weather Preparedness 1. AI-Driven "Surgical" Response Gone are the days of broad, destructive "rip and tear" investigations. I

What You Will Learn In This Article: Using IR thermometry to detect moisture signatures hidden from the naked eye. How "Surgical Restoration" reduces demolition and keeps industrial tenants operational. Leveraging thermal scans as objective "Proof of Loss" to streamline the insurance process. Identifying subsurface dampness to stop structural rot and mould before they start. Why thermography is essential for managing building envelopes during Canada’s freeze-thaw cycles.

Meet Sabrina. She brings a strategic, dynamic approach to her role, blending high-level executive support with a focus on business development and client relations. Beyond traditional administration, she manages client-facing communications and coordinates hosted events that strengthen partnerships within the property management and insurance sectors. By streamlining processes and aligning priorities, Sabrina ensures the team is prepared for both planned opportunities and une

For Canadian Property Managers overseeing mission-critical infrastructure and for Insurance Brokers protecting high-value assets, a "minor incident" in a data centre doesn't exist. Whether it is a small electrical fire, a cooling failure, or a breach in the building envelope, the technical complexity of these environments means that traditional restoration methods simply won't cut it.

What You Will Learn in This Article: Understand what a Digital Twin is. Learn how virtual walk-throughs and drone data accelerate damage assessment and restoration planning, saving crucial time during emergencies. Discover how verifiable 3D documentation leads to faster assessments, approvals, and payouts to reduce business interruption. See how real-time sensors can flag issues like humidity or leaks early, preventing small problems from becoming massive claims. In the

Meet Marco. To the outside eye, restoration is just about the immediate response, but Marco’s role is defined by the strategic work that happens out of sight. Whether he is breaking down technical reports, building comparison estimates for insurance partners, or navigating site-specific protocols, Marco is the driving force behind the seamless flow of our projects. He balances complex logistics with a commitment to risk mitigation, ensuring every job is backed by clear commun

What You Will Learn In This Article:  Primary Threat:  Learn why the freezing and bursting of fire suppression and industrial pipes is the most common and costly cold-weather risk. Key Prevention Strategy:  Understand the importance of using pipe insulation and electric heat tracing for exposed and critical lines. Temperature Rule:  Discover the minimum temperature of that all facility areas must maintain to prevent freeze-ups. Actionable Water Management:  Learn which

What You Will Learn in This Article: Recognize the four primary chemical categories of fire residue: Wet, Dry, Protein, and Fuel Oil Soot. Understand that smoke is a complex chemical cocktail, not just simple carbon soot. Learn that using an incorrect solvent can permanently "set" or smear smoke damage, increasing costs. Understand that the remediation technique (e.g., solvent vs. degreaser) must strictly match the smoke's chemical signature. When a property sustains fire

What You Will Learn In This Article: To prevent catastrophic pipe bursts. Secure against water damage. Boost physical security. Ensure technical resilience. Execute the mandatory Final Walkthrough to confirm all winterization and security measures are complete. December is a time for winding down, but for building operations, it's the peak season for risk. The combination of unpredictable Canadian weather—freezing rain, heavy snowfall, and rapid temperature swings—m

What You Will Learn In This Article: Learn to recognize the three primary holiday fire risks—decorations, electrical overload, and increased cooking—and their specific mitigation requirements. Understand the necessity of enforcing the use of  CSA-approved  (Canadian Standards Association) materials for all festive lighting and decorations. Grasp the critical importance of strictly managing  occupancy limits . Recognize how non-compliance can provide grounds for claim de

What You Will Learn In This Article: The financial crisis is a systemic revaluation of risk, not an insurer-only problem. Three drivers are increasing costs: climate change, high-risk development, and construction inflation. Historic risk models are now fundamentally broken. The solution requires shared responsibility (governments, communities, homeowners). Preparation is mandatory to keep insurance affordable. The financial impact of natural disasters is changing faste

The Barrie branch team, led by Branch Manager Holleigh St. Amour , is consistently demonstrating how a robust internal culture directly translates into unmatched client service. Working closely with Project Coordinator Kayla Shave and Project Management Administrator Katie Daigle , this trio operates with a high level of cohesion that delivers impressive results for their local clients. An Empowering and Unified Culture The Barrie office has cultivated a work culture roote