As a leading university in Canada and globally, UU直播 recognizes the importance of investing in campus infrastructure to ensure a world-class learning and working experience.
Facilities Management and Ancillary Services is currently overseeing some 200 construction and renovation projects across the downtown and Macdonald campuses. Close to 60 are currently in the construction phase, while another 50 are slated to go to construction in the coming year. While often disruptive to the building occupants, these projects are vital to the maintenance and enhancement of our facilities, and will ultimately provide a more modern, comfortable, and safe environment for everyone on campus.
Here is a closer look at some of the projects approaching completion or set to kick off in the next couple of months. For a full list of the project happening in your building (or scheduled to start soon), consult our online maps of projects.
Ongoing projects
Macdonald Stewart Library Building
- Construction start: November 2020
- Planned construction end: Fall 2023
- Budget: $31,801,000
The Macdonald-Stewart Library Building, which houses the Schulich Library of Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, and Engineering, needed significant structural repairs and major internal upgrades. The renovation aimed to preserve the building's heritage character and improve its structural integrity and energy efficiency while increasing student seating capacity and improving the overall working environment. The scope of the project included the stabilization of the stone structure, foundation waterproofing, window replacement, washroom expansion and the installation of a new heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system.
Most of the construction has been completed and the library is set to reopen later this month. Meanwhile, landscaping around the building is still in progress.
Stewart Biology Building - West Wing
- Construction start: May 2017
- Planned construction end: December 2023
- Budget: $126,164,000
The Stewart Biology Building was built in 1965 and had started to deteriorate, creating numerous constraints for the researchers who work there. The West Wing鈥檚 interior spaces are therefore being completely redeveloped with the construction of new state-of-the-art research and teaching laboratories and full replacement of mechanical and electrical systems. The project also included the complete removal of asbestos and a repair of the building envelope.
Burnside Hall - Basement
- Construction start: June 2022
- Planned construction end: December 2023
- Budget: $8,174,000
The purpose of the project in the Burnside Hall basement, where all of the larger classrooms of the building are located, is to upgrade and enlarge rooms 1B36, 1B39, 1B45, 1B46 and to combine rooms 1B23 and 1B24 for maximum capacity and an interactive classroom experience.
Raymond Greenhouse
- Construction start: February 2022
- Planned construction end: December 2023
- Budget: $23,438,000
The existing Raymond and Summerby greenhouses had to be completely demolished due to severe deterioration of the structures. A new greenhouse is currently being constructed at the same location. The scope of the project also includes the construction of a service building (potting rooms, storage area, multi-functional room, meeting hall) connected to the Raymond Building.
Swine complex
- Construction start: January 2022
- Planned construction end: January 2024
- Budget: $5,233,000
The Swine Complex at the Macdonald Campus is used to teach labs in the areas of reproduction, nutrition, odor control and farm building design. This project consists of installing sprinklers and replacing the HVAC systems as well as related equipment.
Downtown Powerhouse - Boiler replacement
- Construction start: July 2021
- Planned construction end: August 2024
- Budget: $27,784,000
In line with the University鈥檚 objective to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, UU直播 is replacing one of its natural gas boilers at the downtown campus powerhouse with two electric boilers. The project also includes electrical infrastructure upgrades and modifications to support the installation of the new boilers, as well as the addition of a heat recovery system for the remaining natural gas boilers.
Sylvan Adams Sports Science Institute
- Construction start: December 2022
- Planned construction end: June 2025
- Budget: $42,501,000
As part of the creation of the Sylvan Adams Sports Science Institute, UU直播 is transforming four of its row houses on Pine Avenue into a complex comprising state-of-the-art testing labs, training suites, research offices, and meeting rooms.
The back sections of the houses will be completely rebuilt and expanded, while the front fa莽ades will be preserved. The project also includes the replacement of the HVAC, electrical and water distribution systems.
New Residence Hall - Restoration of fa莽ades
- Construction start: May 2023
- Planned construction end: March 2026
- Budget: $15,509,000
The project consists of a complete replacement of the block facing on New Residence Hall鈥檚 facades and the repair of concrete surfaces. Phase 1 consists of the North and East fa莽ades and is underway. Subsequent phases are planned in 2024 and 2025.
Strathcona Music Building - Restoration of building envelope
- Construction start: August 2018
- Planned construction end: June 2026
- Budget: $26,000,000
The Strathcona Music Building, situated on Sherbrooke Street and home to the Schulich School of Music, is one of UU直播鈥檚 heritage buildings. The restoration of the building envelope will include the consolidation of the foundations, the structural reinforcement of the gables and roofs, and the repair of the masonry walls and the windows. The work will be carried out over multiple years as work will be done solely during the summer months, so as to reduce disruptions to the building occupants.
Raymond Building
- Construction start: October 2021
- Planned construction end: TBD
- Budget: $54,431,000
The Raymond Building is undergoing physical infrastructure upgrades. The scope of the project includes the installation of sprinklers, repairs to the stone foundation around the building, structural repairs to the roof, the addition and replacement of emergency showers and eyewash stations, replacement of the HVAC systems, and replacement of fume hoods.
At the beginning of 2023, the Raymond, Macdonald Stewart and Barton buildings had to be closed due to the presence of asbestos-containing dust. The building closures and cleaning process have delayed the completion of the project, which was initially scheduled to be completed by March 2023.
Upcoming projects
Burnside Hall - Upgrade of electrical distribution system
- Planned construction start: June 2023
- Planned construction end: May 2025
- Budget: $18,501,000
Burnside Hall was built in 1970 and is located on the lower main part of the downtown campus. The project consists of the upgrade of the vertical power distribution system in the 13-story building. The current system dates back to the building鈥檚 construction and has reached the end of its useful life. Three elevators will be renovated in parallel.
McConnell Arena - Upgrade of building systems
- Planned construction start: June 2023
- Planned construction end: August 2025
- Budget: $12,872,000
The McConnell arena, built in 1956, is home to several UU直播 winter sports teams and UU直播 events. The objective of the project is to upgrade the building鈥檚 electrical infrastructure and HVAC systems, and to replace the ice-making system. The project will be executed in two phases to reduce the impact on the operation of the complex.
680 Sherbrooke - Replacement of curtain wall
- Planned construction start: March 2024
- Planned construction end: March 2026
- Budget: $13,452,000
In 2017, UU直播 became the sole owner of the 21-storey building at 680 Sherbrooke Street West. The building is almost 50 years old, and its outer covering, known as the curtain wall, has reached the point where it needs to be replaced. The project consists of replacing the curtain wall on all sides of the 680 Sherbrooke building. In doing so, the building鈥檚 energy efficiency will be improved, and the well-being and comfort of occupants enhanced, as different glazing finishes will be installed, based on each fa莽ade's orientation.
Upper Main Road
- Planned construction start: September 2024
- Planned construction end: September 2026
- Budget: $7,860,000
Following the upgrade of the lower section of the main road on the downtown campus a few years ago, the reconstruction of the upper main road north of the Y-intersection to the McCall MacBain Arts Building will start next year. The project aims to celebrate Main Road as a pedestrian zone, offering space for congregation, socialization and events. The work will include landscaping, lighting, paving, site furniture, and rainwater management.
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