CALGARY, AB — Bankers Court, Calgary's newest office building, received the prestigious 2009 Urban Architecture Award at the Mayor's Urban Design Awards Gala. The building is Canada's first commercial project to achieve a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification for Core & Shell, as recognized by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). Owned equally by the British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (bcIMC) and Brookfield Properties Corporation, this 261,000-square-foot building integrates numerous sustainable features into a beautiful contemporary design created by architects Cohos Evamy integrated design.

Among the many sustainable advancements, Bankers Court is designed to maximize energy savings through the use of high-efficiency chillers and condensing boilers. Significant water conservation is achieved through use of low-flow washroom fixtures and elimination of landscape irrigation. The building has an Energy Star roof which reflects solar heat off of the property. The most striking feature is the triple-glazed curtain wall which provides a high proportion of vision panel glazing, permitting ample natural light for office occupants while providing expansive and unobstructed views. The glazing system reduces heating and cooling costs while contributing to the comfort of tenants.

"We are delighted that our newest building has surpassed our expectations and will continue to enrich the environment for occupants and visitors alike for years to come," commented Chuck Swanson, Vice President, Real Estate for bcIMC. "We believe Bankers Court confirms that it is entirely possible to build office buildings that are environmentally sensible, aesthetically pleasing and economically sound."

One primary design goal was to create an inviting community space, drawing visitors to the building through the strategic placement of art. Modern sculptor Beverley Pepper's 18' steel figure, Nuova Twist, accentuates the entrance and Canadian artist Bryan Ryley's vibrant abstract paintings BC I (Schooner) and BCII (Elevator) engage viewers both within and outside of the building.

"Making a positive contribution to the communities in which we operate is a distinctive part of our business strategy and culture at Brookfield," said Tom Farley, President and Chief Executive Officer of Canadian Commercial Operations at Brookfield Properties, whose flagship buildings serve as a backdrop to many free public art exhibits and installations across North America.

Construction of Bankers Court commenced in 2006 and was co-developed by Brookfield Properties and GWL Realty Advisors acting on behalf of bcIMC. The property is now fully leased to Fraser Milner Casgrain and Compton Petroleum.

For more information, visit www bcimc.com or www.brookfieldproperties.com.

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