Learn how a Class A office tower improved underground parking safety with IP-based parking garage emergency communication that aligns with its smart, sustainable design.
Overview
This 24-story, Class A office tower in downtown Toronto serves as a national headquarters for a major Canadian financial institution. The LEED Gold-certified building combines smart building infrastructure, flexible office space, and four levels of underground parking.
Location
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Industry
Corporate headquarters and commercial office
Product used
IX | IXG Series IP Video Intercom, Emergency Solutions
10% of all property crimes occur in parking lots or garages. Source: Parking Lot Safety Statistics Report 2025, Gitnux.
7% of violent crimes in the United States take place in parking facilities. Source: Parking Lot Crime Statistics 2025, Gitnux.
30% of workplace violence incidents target employee parking areas. Source: Parking Lot Safety Statistics Report 2025, Gitnux.
21.2% of the global smart building market, the forecast compound annual growth rate from 2025 to 2032 reflects growing demand for security and emergency management solutions in commercial buildings. Source: Smart Building Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, Fortune Business Insights.
This tower was designed as a smart, people-focused workplace, with building systems connected over a fiber backbone for efficient monitoring and control. Its four-level underground garage supports hundreds of employees and visitors each day, keeping vehicles off surrounding streets while providing secure access directly into the building.
To match its position as a modern headquarters, the tower needed parking garage emergency communication in the garage that was as advanced as the technology in its office space. The solution also had to align with the tenant’s emphasis on employee safety and well-being, giving people a clear and reliable way to reach help in the event of an incident.
The owner partnered with Toronto-based security integrator Bond Securcom Inc. to design an IP emergency communication system using Aiphone’s IX | IXG Series that would integrate cleanly into the tower’s smart building infrastructure.
Challenges
Perception of Safety in a Multi-Level Garage
Multi-level underground parking structures can feel isolated, especially during early mornings, evenings, or weekends when fewer people are around. Concrete pillars, ramps, and partial walls limit visibility and make it difficult to see what is happening a short distance away. In this environment, even a minor issue such as a flat tire, a medical problem, or uncertainty about a stranger’s behavior can quickly feel serious. The building needed to reduce that sense of isolation and give people confidence that help was always within reach.
Clear, Accessible Path to Security
Employees and visitors had to have an obvious, intuitive way to reach security from anywhere in the garage. Equipment needed to be highly visible, vandal-resistant, and compliant with accessibility requirements, while still fitting a modern commercial setting and serving a wide range of users. The building also wanted emergency communication that supported inclusive design, ensuring that people with different abilities could recognize and operate the stations without confusion.
Integration with Smart Building Systems
The new system had to operate over the building’s IP network rather than relying on standalone analog phones. It needed to integrate with existing cameras, access control, and other smart building platforms, and scale if additional levels or tenant areas were added. At the same time, the client asked for a solution that would be reliable and trustworthy over the long term, avoiding frequent repairs or early replacement and matching the tower’s broader investment in smart, durable infrastructure.
Solutions
Emergency Call Stations at Key Locations
To meet these goals and achieve the primary goal of parking garage emergency communication, the project team installed Aiphone IX-SSA-2RA IP audio emergency stations in WB-CE stainless steel wall boxes at strategic points throughout the parking facility.
Dozens of emergency stations now line the driving lanes and pedestrian paths, including positions beside vehicle barriers at garage entrances and exits, near doors that lead from the parking levels into the building, and on an upper service level connected to the garage. From anywhere in the facility, users are always close to a clearly marked point where they can call for assistance.
Each IX-SSA-2RA station provides two distinct buttons. A standard call button handles routine assistance, such as access questions or minor issues. A dedicated emergency button is reserved for urgent situations. Pressing either button places a direct IP audio call to the on-site security team, using full duplex audio for clear, natural conversation even in an echo-prone parking environment. Power over Ethernet simplifies cabling and allows the stations to sit on the same network as the rest of the building’s security systems.
High Visibility Wall Boxes with Strobe
The emergency stations are housed in Aiphone WB-CE wall boxes with caged blue strobes and bold EMERGENCY lettering along the vertical edge. The stainless steel construction is designed for durability in demanding spaces such as garages, protecting the station from accidental impact and attempted vandalism.
When the emergency button is pressed, the blue strobe begins to flash, drawing attention and helping security staff quickly find the caller, even in large open areas or behind structural columns. The shallow depth and mounting height of the WB-CE enclosure support ADA requirements for reach and projection, while tactile labeling and Braille on the IX-SSA-2RA station itself align with broader accessibility goals for the site.
Centralized Monitoring in the Security Office
All audio and emergency calls from the garage terminate at an Aiphone IX-MV7 IP video answering station in the building’s security office. This master station acts as the communication hub for the entire deployment. Whenever a call button is pressed, an alert appears on the IX-MV7 screen, showing exactly which station is calling and allowing the operator to answer with a single touch.
The security office is the main point where all audio and emergency stations come together, and every button press appears directly on this monitor. From there, operators can speak hands-free with callers, keep them on the line while help is on the way, and activate door or gate controls that are tied into the intercom system’s relay outputs. Additional IX-SS-2G audio intercoms on site share the same IX platform, creating a unified communication layer that can expand with future needs.
Built on a Flexible IP Platform
Because the IX | IXG platforms support SIP and ONVIF-compatible integrations, the emergency stations can work alongside other IP-based systems already present at the facility, such as video management software and access control. Calls from a specific station can be associated with nearby camera views, helping security staff quickly see what is happening while they talk to the caller.
This IP foundation fits naturally into the tower’s broader smart building strategy and avoids the need for a separate, single-purpose emergency phone network. As the building evolves, the same infrastructure can support additional stations, new integrations, or cloud-based services without discarding the original investment.
Benefits
Stronger Safety in Multi-Level Parking
Visible, well-placed Aiphone emergency stations give people a clear path to assistance whenever they feel unsure or when an incident occurs. Instead of searching for a phone number or returning to the lobby, users can walk a short distance, press a button, and immediately speak with trained security staff. The flashing blue strobe and precise station labeling help responders identify the exact location, which is especially important in a multi-level garage where every floor looks similar.
For the building owner, this improved parking garage emergency communication layer directly addresses one of the highest risk areas on the property. It supports duty of care obligations to employees and visitors and helps reduce the likelihood that a small issue escalates simply because it was difficult to reach help quickly.
Accessible and Code Compliant Design
This headquarters already emphasizes inclusion and accessibility throughout its office spaces, and the emergency communication system in the garage follows that same philosophy. The combination of IX-SSA-2RA stations and WB-CE enclosures delivers ADA-compliant mounting, raised lettering, Braille signage, and highly visible indicators that are easy to recognize for users of all abilities.
This design helps ensure that everyone who uses the building, from employees and visitors to contractors and delivery personnel, can access the same level of protection when moving between their vehicles and the workplace. It also supports compliance with safety standards and accessibility guidelines that apply to modern commercial properties.
Simplified Operations for Security Staff
Centralizing all calls onto the IX-MV7 master station makes daily operation straightforward. New security team members can be trained quickly, since they only need to learn a single, intuitive interface to answer calls, talk with users, and coordinate a response. Because everything rides over the building’s IP network, there is no need to manage a separate analog phone system or maintain long copper runs throughout the garage.
The rugged, PoE-powered design of the Aiphone stations also reduces maintenance demands. Hardware is engineered for harsh locations like garages, where temperature changes, exhaust, and close vehicle traffic can stress equipment. That durability supports the client’s request for a solution that is not only effective on day one, but also reliable year after year.
Results
The Aiphone IX-based emergency communication system at this corporate headquarters extends the building’s smart, people-focused design into one of its most sensitive areas. Staff and visitors now have immediate access to assistance throughout the four-level underground garage, with clear audio communication and highly visible EMERGENCY stations at the points where they are needed most.
For the tenant and the property’s owners, the solution delivers a dependable, network-ready layer of safety that aligns with the tower’s status as a modern, high-performance headquarters in downtown Toronto. With Aiphone in place, the parking experience now matches the standard of security and comfort found in the rest of the building, helping everyone feel more confident from the moment they arrive on site.
Collaboration Behind This Project: Insights from Pipl Systems
This case study and the detailed look at the emergency communication system are the result of a collaboration between my team at Bond Securcom Inc. and Pipl Systems, a media platform dedicated to sharing real-world security expertise with the industry.
Oleg Bordiian, founder of Pipl Systems, visited the site to document how we deployed the Aiphone solution in a real-world multi-level garage environment. In a recent LinkedIn post reflecting on our project, Oleg shared:
“At Pipl Systems we recently filmed a really interesting security project in downtown Toronto together with Bond Securcom Inc. and their project Manager, Phillip Kiatipis. This is a commercial building where the security communications system is built entirely on Aiphone solutions. Not just audio intercoms, but also emergency call stations installed throughout a multi-level underground parking garage.
I know that many security professionals still don’t have much hands-on experience with emergency communication solutions. They’re not new, but in my opinion, today they’re becoming a must-have element for both residential and commercial properties.
In this project, there are 20+ Aiphone emergency stations installed along driving lanes, near barriers and doors. The idea is simple: no matter where you are, help is always close. One button press and you’re instantly connected with security. Visual and audible alerts help responders locate the person quickly and also act as a strong deterrent.
What I like about cases like this is that they show how these systems work in real life, not on paper. Aiphone offers a complete ecosystem from wall-mounted stations to towers and when implemented properly, it genuinely increases safety and confidence for everyone in the building or outside.”
Oleg’s perspective highlights the shift in modern security standards, where emergency communication is no longer just an add-on, but a critical “must-have” component. By documenting the practical application of these devices, this collaboration showcases how our well-designed ecosystem genuinely increases safety and confidence for facility users.
About Bond Securcom Inc.
In business for over forty years, we at Bond Securcom Inc. have established ourselves as a premier provider of innovative security and communications products in the Greater Toronto Area. Unlike large multinational corporations that often rely on “one-size-fits-all” solutions, we operate as a boutique supplier, prioritizing a personalized design approach. This philosophy allows us to deliver effective, custom-tailored solutions that address the specific security needs of a wide range of commercial, industrial, and residential clients.
Our expertise extends far beyond simple hardware installation. We integrate complex systems including CCTV, access control, and advanced telecommunications, ensuring we stay abreast of current trends in facility design and security processes. As demonstrated in this project, we serve as a preferred vendor for major commercial properties, applying modern approaches to balance the need for robust protection with the practical demands of today’s modern buildings.
For this headquarters, reliability was the client’s primary requirement, which led us to deploy the Aiphone solution. As the Project Manager, I oversaw the integration of over 30 Aiphone audio and emergency intercom devices on site. We consider Aiphone a “trusted product” that we confidently recommend. Our hands-on experience with IP-based emergency systems ensures that the technology is not only installed correctly but serves as a dependable lifeline for the building’s occupants.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why are emergency communication systems critical for underground parking?
Underground garages often have “dead zones” for cellular signals and can feel isolated, making them vulnerable areas for security incidents. Dedicated emergency stations provide a guaranteed, hardwired line of communication to security staff, ensuring that help is accessible even when mobile phones fail or during power outages (when backed by UPS).
How does an IP-based intercom differ from traditional analog systems?
Unlike analog phones that require dedicated copper wiring for each unit, IP-based systems like the Aiphone IX Series run on the building’s existing network infrastructure using Ethernet cables. This allows for easier scalability, remote health monitoring of devices, and advanced features like integration with video management software and access control systems.
What is the purpose of the blue strobe light on security stations?
The blue strobe light serves two main functions: deterrence and location. The high-visibility blue light acts as a psychological deterrent to potential criminals by signaling that the area is monitored. In an emergency, the flashing strobe helps first responders or security guards instantly locate the person calling for help, which is crucial in large, visually repetitive parking structures.
What makes an emergency station ADA-compliant?
To meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and similar accessibility standards, emergency stations must be mounted at a specific height for wheelchair access, protrude less than 4 inches from the wall (to avoid obstructing paths), and feature tactile usage instructions. The solution used in this headquarters includes raised lettering and Braille, ensuring the system is usable by individuals with visual or physical impairments.
Can the Aiphone IX Series integrate with video surveillance (VMS)?
Yes. The Aiphone IX Series is ONVIF compliant, meaning it can communicate with other standard security devices. When an emergency button is pressed, the system can trigger nearby CCTV cameras to focus on that location or display the camera feed directly on the security guard’s master station, providing immediate visual context to the audio call.
How does the dual-button system on the IX-SSA-2RA work?
The dual-button design separates “Emergency” calls from general “Info” calls. The Emergency button allows for urgent priority calling, often triggering strobes and alerting security immediately. The Info button is used for non-critical tasks like asking for directions or reporting a gate malfunction. This distinction helps security teams prioritize their response effectively.
