Scotia Plaza Food Court Renovation Toronto, Ontario

Client: Kingsett
Architect/Engineer: WMZH/The Mitchell Partnership
Mechanical Contract Value: $5,000,000
Size: 12,000 sq. ft.
Completion: May 2022

Project Description
The scotia plaza food court renovation provided a much needed facelift for the concourse level space. From a mechanical perspective a new ventilation system was needed to control smoke and odors from the restaurants. The project comprised 4 separate phases as the food court and the PATH (Toronto’s downtown underground walkway) was to remain open to the public during construction. Working within the food and pedestrian environment presented logistical challenges that required foresight and intensive planning.

Background
As there are so many unknowns in this type of renovation, Kingsett agreed to the Design Assist methodology for this project to mitigate risk of cost overruns. This also allowed construction to start prior to final design drawing completion. Onyx worked with TMP and performed site surveys to find workable routes for both the ductwork and piping in the ceiling area, scoping out potential problems before they could arise and cause either delays and/or costing issues.

Project Scope
The food court area ceiling heights are quite low and installing the new ductwork and piping to meet required ceiling heights was a real challenge. On-site coordination with other trades was key as original as built drawings were incomplete. Mechanical upgrades included: two new make up air units with ductwork, a new kitchen exhaust system, washroom upgrades, the relocation of an emergency generator fuel oil system, fire protection and a building automation upgrade.

Outcome/Results
The food court area ceiling heights are quite low and installing the new ductwork and piping to meet required ceiling heights was a real challenge. On-site coordination with other trades was key as original as built drawings were incomplete. Mechanical upgrades included: two new make up air units with ductwork, a new kitchen exhaust system, washroom upgrades, the relocation of an emergency generator fuel oil system, fire protection and a building automation upgrade.