The Data Center Story

NOTICE OF MEETING

The Data Center Story

Date:

Monday, March 2nd, 2026

Venue:

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Toronto Downtown - Mandarin Ballroom, 108 Chestnut St, Toronto, ON M5G 1R3

EVENT SUMMARY

In this presentation our speaker, Shaunak, will deliver a comprehensive, macro‑level exploration of the modern Data Center ecosystem. He will walk through the full lifecycle of data center development—from the various classifications and operational models of today’s facilities to the critical design and construction considerations that shape them. Attendees will gain insight into the decision‑making process behind site selection and the rigorous path from commissioning through final handover.

Shaunak will also highlight the unique technical and logistical challenges that distinguish data centers from other building types, including extreme cooling demands, redundancy requirements, and rapid scalability pressures.

Special Notices:

1) Free LinkedIn Headshots - ASHRAE Toronto is excited to offer free professional headshots for all attendees from 5:00–6:00 PM. Whether you need to freshen up your current photo or get your very first one we highly recommend you take advantage of this service. Headshots will be uploaded to a public gallery for one week after the event so everyone can easily access and download their new photos. Use of this service is both free and optional.

2) Past Presidents Night - As always for our March dinner event we'll be celebrating Past President's Night where we will have many of the ASHRAE Toronto's former Chapter Presidents in attendance. This special evening brings the chapter together to honor its leadership legacy while exploring one of the industry’s fastest‑growing sectors.

SPEAKERS

Shaunak Pandit, P Eng., LEED AP

Senior Principal, Sector Lead Canada, Mission Critical

Shaunak Pandit is a senior engineering leader specializing in mission critical facilities, with deep experience across healthcare, pharmaceutical, laboratory, data center, central utility plant, cogeneration, and transit maintenance projects. He serves as a senior principal and sector lead at Stantec for their Mission Critical Facilities division in Canada, bringing nearly two decades of expertise in design, commissioning, and complex infrastructure delivery. His background includes leading multidisciplinary teams and advancing resilient, high‑performance solutions for some of the industry’s most demanding environments.

Venue Details:

Double Tree by Hilton - Downtown Toronto Venue

Join us at DoubleTree by Hilton – Downtown Toronto, located in the heart of the city. This welcoming and centrally situated venue offers easy access to transit, dining, and cultural landmarks, making it an ideal setting for professional gatherings, presentations, and networking.

Walk-in registrations will not be permitted.

Photography Disclaimer
Please be advised that a photographer will be present during this event. Photos may be taken and used for internal or promotional purposes. If you prefer not to be photographed, it is your responsibility to inform the photographer directly at the event.

Please feel free to reach out at cttc@torontoashrae.com if you need assistance.

Doug Waterston

ASHRAE Toronto CTTC Chair

Siddharth Singh

ASHRAE Toronto CTTC Co-Chair