University Health Network consists of Toronto General, Toronto Western Hospitals, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, and The Michener Institute of Education. The scope of research and complexity of cases at University Health Network has made it a national and international source for discovery, education and patient care. It has the largest hospital-based research program in Canada, with major research in cardiology, transplantation, neurosciences, oncology, surgical innovation, infectious diseases, genomic medicine and rehabilitation medicine. University Health Network is a research hospital affiliated with the University of Toronto.
Mechanical Systems
Kelson mechanical highlights:
Kelson was Prime on this project and is the Construction Manager (CM) for delivering services and work for HVAC replacement project at Toronto Rehabilitation Institute (TRI) Bickle Centre. The scope consists of: replacement of nine (9) existing Air Handling Units (AHU’s). Building was occupied and remained operational throughout the project execution. Replacement for all nine (9) units into four (4) different work packages. The 4 work packages are demarcated by the location of the units across the facility.
Work Package A - First level North Pod Mechanical Room
Work Package B - First level South Pod Mechanical Room
Work Package C - Penthouse North Pod Mechanical Room
Work Package D - Penthouse South Pod Mechanical Room
In order to facilitate the air handling unit swap outs, Kelson installed and commissioned temporary air handling units for all major equipment to serve the building air requirements during the main unit shut downs. Kelson proposed the temporary units, and was instrumental in the design measures to facilitate the construction of the project. Part of the Scope B was funded by the UHN energy department. This work included the installation of air valves and VAV’s in the downstream ductwork which operated on a schedule to minimize AHU usage for the areas that are not occupied 24/7. This scope also included the installation of VFD’s on all equipment as well as heat pumps to recover heating and cooling from the exhaust air. The project phases had very tight timelines for completion. The temporary equipment had only limited heating capacity, and no cooling, which limited shut down period to the “shoulder season” of 12 weeks in the spring and in the fall. This included installation and commissioning of new temporary units, demolition of 6 AHU’s and associated services, and installation of new AHU’s and associated testing and commissioning. The work was completed on schedule and handed over to the client on the agreed upon dates.
Kelson acted as the prime contractor on this project as well as the construction manager. The role as construction manager resulted in involvement prior to design finalization. This allowed us to have an important impact on the final design and comments for modifications to minimize system downtime and ensure constructability. Running a project of this size as a prime contractor posed additional challenges but Kelson worked very effectively with UHN to run a smooth and effective project.