Kingston Penitentiary is a maximum security prison located in Kingston, Ontario. Originally constructed in 1833–1834, and officially opened on June 1, 1835 as the "Provincial Penitentiary of the Province of Upper Canada". It is one of the oldest prisons in continuous use in the world. It is often referred to as "Alcatraz North". On April 30, 1997 Kingston Penitentiary was designated a National Historic Site. Kelson was responsible for the mechanical renovation project completed in 1997. The project was a renovation of the existing building. Kelson was responsible for all the mechanical systems, including: HVAC, plumbing, and temperature controls in this occupied facility.
Mechanical Systems
Kelson was the Mechanical Contractor for the Kingston Penitentiary. This project was an occupied facility of a maximum security penitentiary in a historical building. Kelson was responsible for the overall project schedule. Security procedure for all disciplines. Integrating inmate rotation with construction schedule to ensure proper sequence of construction through out the occupied facility.Complete upgrade to Mechanical System with challenge of maintaining services.Â
Kingston Penitentiary is a Historical Building with concrete walls. No existing accurate “as-built” drawings. Kelson Company provided mechanical solutions to exceed owner expectations. Security Requirements – Maximum security penitentiary. This meant very time consuming project with specialized procedures that were used. We needed to adhere to the Kingston Penitentiary strict security guidelines for all construction. Coordination of deliveries and materials control within a maximum security penitentiary. This penitentiary had huge mechanical systems and related components. It was critical that major pre-installation and co-ordination planning was carried out to ensure the mechanical installation did not have conflicts either within ceiling spaces or in the under floor access spaces. As a result of the supervisory team developing interference drawings and weekly coordination meetings, almost all conflicts between the major building systems were avoided.Â