The scope of work at various City-owned properties across Toronto involved comprehensive interior and exterior accessibility upgrades, carried out as part of the City’s commitment to improving public facilities under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). All project sites remained fully occupied and operational during construction, requiring a high level of coordination, safety planning, and sensitivity to the needs of occupants.

Project locations included a diverse range of facilities such as fire stations, community and recreational centres such as West Scarborough Community Centre and the Scarborough Arts Council, and shelters like Margaret’s Housing and Community Support Services. Many of these facilities serve vulnerable populations, which added complexity and urgency to the renovations.

The work encompassed a broad range of upgrades, including structural modifications, drywall installation, flooring and ceiling replacements, masonry and painting, carpentry, doors and hardware, miscellaneous metal work, building envelope repairs, window replacement and glazing, plumbing upgrades, new signage, HVAC improvements, electrical work, and general repairs. Due to the critical nature of these facilities and the continued occupancy during construction, the projects demanded meticulous planning, enhanced safety protocols, and seamless communication to minimize disruptions while ensuring the safety, accessibility, and functionality of each site.

This project involved the construction of a new 5,000sf, single-storey slab-on-grade EMS reporting station, featuring a 4-bay garage to accommodate emergency response vehicles. Designed as an active response facility, the building supports both operational efficiency and staff well-being through a thoughtfully planned program of spaces.

Key interior components include locker and change rooms with showers, a staff lounge, administrative offices, a kitchen, an A/V and IT room, a meeting and write-up room, and dedicated storage areas. The facility was designed to support the daily operational needs of EMS personnel while providing comfortable and functional spaces for rest, administration, and coordination.

The scope also included complete site development, with both hard and soft landscaping, as well as the provision of parking spaces to support staff and operational requirements. The project reflects a focus on durability, functionality, and readiness to support critical emergency services in the community.

This new 17,450sf LEED Silver facility was constructed on a greenfield parcel of land and features a 1,140sf courtyard centrally located within the building. Phase I of the project consisted of a single-storey, three-bay structure designed to accommodate storage for six ambulances, along with a dedicated driver training pad for ambulance training. Built to meet post-disaster category requirements, the facility features a primarily steel-framed structure supported by conventional cast-in-place spread footings and a slab-on-grade floor. The exterior façade is a blend of cladded masonry and metal wall panels, combining durability with a modern aesthetic.

To meet LEED Silver sustainability goals, the project incorporated a range of energy-efficient systems. These include a mechanical system supported by a ground heat exchanger, geothermal heating and cooling, ventilation via a dedicated outdoor air handling unit (DOAS), and a design-build rooftop photovoltaic (PV) system. A pad-mounted transformer provides power alongside stand-by backup, and electric vehicle chargers support sustainable transportation. All mechanical systems are monitored and controlled through an integrated building automation system (BAS).

The scope of work also included the installation of electrical systems, fire and life safety systems, audiovisual infrastructure, and IT and communication networks. Site development featured hard and soft landscaping and parking for 54 vehicles, aligning with both operational and environmental performance standards.

This Youth Shelter is a multi-storey, purpose-built facility located in the heart of North York, Toronto managed by Eva’s Initiatives is dedicated to supporting at-risk and homeless youth in the community. Originally constructed to serve as a safe haven for vulnerable individuals, the shelter recently underwent a comprehensive interior renovation aimed at modernizing the space, optimizing functionality, and enhancing overall livability.

The scope of work included full base building construction and interior fit-out of sleeping quarters, common living areas, administrative offices, counselling rooms, dining and kitchen facilities, as well as outdoor amenity spaces. The facility was constructed to meet stringent accessibility standards and incorporates durable, low-maintenance materials suited for 24/7 use.

Emphasis was placed on trauma-informed design, energy efficiency, and long-term operational sustainability. The building systems include high-efficiency HVAC units, advanced fire protection systems, and secure access controls to ensure resident safety and staff functionality.

The project was executed in a dense urban setting, requiring extensive coordination with local authorities, utility providers, and neighboring stakeholders.

This new 12,000sf, 4 vehicle apparatus bay fire station with hose drying tower, was constructed on a vacant site with vehicular access from Rutherford Road South. This facility was designed to meet post-disaster requirements and included provisions for a diesel generator capable of providing backup electrical power for the operation of the entire facility during power outages.

The programming for this facility included mechanical, electrical, IT and communication systems. The scope of work also included vehicle washing stations, kitchen, lounge and dining areas, a 13 bed dormitory, fitness room, shower and locker rooms, decontamination room, gear storage, crew rooms, administrative areas as well as state-of-the-art exhaust extraction systems.

The exterior scope of work consisted of new services and utilities, EV charging station, hard and soft landscaping and exterior lighting.

As part of its State of Good Repair Program, the City of Toronto has undertaken a series of renovations and upgrades aimed at improving AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act) compliance across a range of City-owned facilities. These include fire stations, long-term care homes, youth and childcare centres, and recreational facilities, many of which are fully occupied and operational during construction.

The scope of work varies by location but generally includes both interior and exterior accessibility upgrades. Notable projects under this program include renovations at the Toronto Archives and St. Alban’s Boys & Girls Club. The comprehensive work involved structural modifications, drywall installation, flooring and ceiling replacement, masonry repairs, painting, carpentry, doors and hardware updates, and miscellaneous metal work. Additional improvements included building envelope repairs, window replacement and glazing, plumbing upgrades, new signage, and HVAC and electrical system repairs.

This program ensures that City facilities remain safe, functional, and inclusive, extending their usability and aligning them with current accessibility standards.

This 18,000sf interior renovation project included the demolition of existing ceiling, drywall, doors, mechanical equipment, lighting fixtures and devices. To meet York Region’s LEED objectives, demolition, removal and disposal for this project was carried out in accordance with the Region’s applicable building operations solid waste management policy.

Work was completed after business hours to accommodate this fully operational facility.

This multiple phase renovation project was carried out in a partially occupied 4 level, 30,400sf seniors shelter. Improvements included a complete renovation of all existing bathrooms on the 3rd floor, fit out of the 2nd floor including 8 new multiple bed client suites. Program rooms, ground floor work including common areas, administration spaces and 4 additional multiple bed suites were part of the scope.

Work on the basement level involved a brand new, modern commercial kitchen, updates to the client dining areas and washrooms, as well as major structural work to create a walkout to an enclosed outdoor patio area flanked by cast-in-place concrete retaining walls on 3 sides. The scope of work for this project also involved increased barrier-free accessibilities including power door operators, universal washrooms, accessible entrance and ramp, and barrier-free washrooms. The patio area includes a ramp and stairs leading to grade level where new asphalt paving, curbs, sidewalks and landscaping was created to improve the exterior of the site.

The building’s exterior improvements required restoration of the brick veneer by means of extensive brick replacement and re-pointing as well as replacement of waterproofing coatings in multiple areas. The existing flat roof was replaced as well as all of the rooftop mechanical equipment servicing the building.

Work at the Sir Robert Peel Centre – Division 22 included a 19,300sf interior renovation to the Road Safety, Records, Community Engagement and Inclusion Departments. Renovations included the demolition of existing walls/partitions, ceiling, mechanical and electrical systems. The new, modernized layout included partition walls, doors and window screens, flooring, wall and ceiling finishes, systems furniture, mechanical, electrical, lighting, fire, life and safety systems, raised access flooring, IT, communications and security. Included in the scope of work was renovations to the washrooms, lockers and shower rooms on the ground floor.

Renovations at 29,450sf Emil V. Kolb Centre in Mississauga included a new, state-of-the-art Communications Centre. The scope of work for this project included the demolition of existing walls/partitions, ceiling, mechanical and electrical to accommodate the new layout that tie into the existing infrastructure, HVAC (new air-handling unit), new partition walls, doors and window screens, new flooring, raised access floor system in main area, and ceiling finishes, systems furniture, lighting, fire, life and safety systems, IT, communications and security.

These projects were completed in phases to accommodate full day-to-day operations throughout the construction period.

The Mount Dennis Childcare Centre is a 19,000sf, two-storey plus basement facility located within the City of Toronto’s first net zero energy neighbourhood pilot project. As the largest childcare centre in the city, it accommodates up to 98 children and was the first of its kind to be designed to achieve both net zero energy and net zero carbon emissions. The building supports a full range of early childhood programming with two infant rooms, three toddler rooms, and three preschool rooms, as well as a parent resource room located close to the entrance lobby. Additional features include a demonstration kitchen for food-based activities, a rooftop playground, a multi-purpose room, offices, laundry, storage, and a staff room.

Designed according to Passive House high-performance building principles, the centre incorporates a robust building envelope, triple-pane windows, and heat recovery ventilation to minimize energy consumption. The facility is equipped with rooftop solar panels capable of generating approximately 112,000 kWh annually, exceeding the building’s projected energy use of 91,000 kWh per year. Battery storage and well-insulated below-grade walls further enhance energy efficiency and resilience.

The project also included extensive hard and soft landscaping, with the addition of new trees, benches, bike racks, and designated parking and drop-off areas. The Mount Dennis Childcare Centre sets a new benchmark for sustainable civic infrastructure, demonstrating how thoughtful design can support both environmental goals and community needs.