Con-Ed Opportunities Detail

 TIME: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Description

Civic infrastructure reflects community identity and priorities. Contemporary firehalls must balance safety, durability, inclusivity, and sustainability. This session uses Mississauga’s new all-electric Station 123 as a case study to show how design can strengthen resilience, equity, and environmental performance. A panel with designers and fire leadership will share lessons and benchmarks for next-generation firehalls.

Learning Objectives

1. Identify the key design principles that ensure durability and operational resilience in firehalls operating 24/7.
   
2. Explain zoning and design strategies that prevent cross-contamination and support firefighter health and wellness.
   
3. Evaluate approaches to advancing gender diversity and equity through inclusive planning of accommodations, washrooms, and shared spaces.
   
4. Assess sustainability measures such as energy-efficient systems, low-carbon materials, and resilient site strategies that position firehalls as civic exemplars.

Presenters: 

Petra Matar, Principal, Design Partners in Architecture and Interiors (DPAI)

Petra Matar is a Principal at Design Partners in Architecture and Interiors (DPAI), where she brings a rigorous, design-driven approach to civic and community architecture. Her work spans Firehalls, Libraries, Art Galleries, and Housing, with a particular focus on projects that combine operational performance, clarity of planning, and strong civic presence. Petra has played a leading role in advancing firehall design for the City of Mississauga, including the assessment of 14 existing fire stations and the development of standardized design templates to guide all future facilities. She is also the Partner in Charge for the City’s most recently commissioned Fire Station 123.

Petra is passionate about good design at every scale of a project—from early planning and project management through to the final built outcome. Her approach is highly organized and process-driven, emphasizing clear roadmaps that allow teams and clients to understand, visualize, and actively participate in the design process. Her work is characterized by clarity in visual communication, disciplined coordination, and a strong aesthetic sensibility. As a Passive House Certified Designer, Petra integrates high-performance and sustainability principles into her projects, with the goal of delivering buildings that serve clients, communities, and the environment responsibly.

Petra grew up in Dubai, UAE, and graduated from the American University of Sharjah with a degree in Architecture. She joined DPAI in 2011 and became a Principal in 2022. In parallel with her architectural practice, she is also a practicing visual and installation artist. Her work has been featured in several group and solo exhibitions in Hamilton, Dubai, and Sharjah, reflecting her ongoing commitment to creativity and making across disciplines.

Sebastian Lubczynski, Principal, Design Partners in Architecture and Interiors (DPAI)

Sebastian brings extensive experience in the planning, design, and delivery of fire stations and emergency services facilities, having worked on multiple firehall projects throughout his career. He is the Project Architect and Project Manager for the City of Mississauga’s new all-electric Fire Station 123, where he has led the project through all phases of design and delivery. In this role, Sebastian has coordinated complex operational requirements, technical systems, and stakeholder engagement, working closely with fire leadership and municipal teams to ensure the facility supports resilience, safety, inclusivity, and long-term performance.

Sebastian is a passionate and driven Senior Architect with a keen interest in enriching the built environment and enhancing the human experience. With over 15 years in the architectural profession, his design and management experience spans emergency services, offices, healthcare, civic, hospitality, residential, and mixed-use projects. He brings a thoughtful, detail-oriented approach to design, balancing operational rigor with architectural clarity and human-centred outcomes.

 Sebastian holds a Professional Bachelor and Master of Architecture from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University). He remains actively engaged in architectural education and mentorship, teaching as a Sessional Instructor in the Architectural Technology program at Sheridan College, where he leads design studios and supports emerging professionals. He also regularly participates as a guest critic at student presentations.

A proud father with a unique sense of humour, Sebastian’s creativity and curiosity continually inspire him to design buildings that enrich lives, strengthen communities, and support the people who rely on them every day.

Paul Marcoccia, Senior Project Manager, City of Mississauga
Paul Marcoccia grew up in Mississauga, Ontario, and completed his undergraduate degree in Architectural Science from Ryerson University in 1992. He then went on to complete a Master in Architecture from the University of Houston in 1994.  Paul’s professional career began at WZMH Architects, Toronto, working as an Intern Architect and was involved in various high-profile projects both in Canada and overseas.  Paul later joined CS&P Architects, where he spent the majority of his career as a practicing Architect.  Paul’s work focused on institutional projects, specializing in the design of both justice and higher-education facilities. After working as an Architect for just over 22 years in the private sector, Paul’s career shifted to a municipal environment when he joined the City of Vaughan as a Project Manager in 2016.  Paul was instrumental in the development of the new Carrville Community Centre, a ground-breaking facility achieving LEED Gold—Design, Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification—Design Gold, and CAGBC Zero Carbon Building Standard—Design Certified. Paul was also involved in the Template Standards project for all future Vaughan firehall designs. Paul joined the City of Mississauga in early 2022, and has since worked on a variety of project types which incorporate the requirements of the City’s ambitious Corporate Green Building Standards. Paul worked on the new Fire Station 123 from its onset until completion of its design phase.

John Crozier, Deputy Chief, Capital Assets, City of Mississauga
John Crozier is a strategic municipal executive with over 18 years of progressive leadership experience in public works, fire services, fleet and asset management, infrastructure, and capital planning. Raised in Mississauga, Ontario, John has built his career on delivering complex municipal operations that align with Council priorities and community needs.

Currently serving as Deputy Chief, Capital Assets for Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services, John provides strategic direction for capital planning, infrastructure renewal, emergency operations support, and asset management. He has overseen capital programs exceeding $300 million, led the planning and delivery of multiple new fire stations and major facility renovations, and integrated Net Zero principles into emergency services infrastructure.

John is recognized for his ability to build high-performing, inclusive teams and foster a culture of innovation and accountability. His leadership ensures operational readiness, health and safety compliance, and service excellence across 24+ fire facilities. He is adept at stakeholder engagement, aligning departmental plans with City Council and community priorities, and navigating political and public environments to deliver outcomes that enhance community resilience.