AGO construction project impacts OCAD U’s Distribution Centre, community reminded of safety measures

On April 8, the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) begins construction on the Dani Reiss Modern and Contemporary Gallery, a major expansion project that will significantly increase space for the museum’s growing modern and contemporary art collection

The new gallery will sit one storey above the AGO’s and OCAD University’s existing loading dock, nestled between the AGO and OCAD U. 

This two-year construction project will result in the closure of the laneway between OCAD U and the AGO and the installation of a large building crane in this space during the project’s construction. Excavation of this area is expected to take place from May to August 2024.

As a result of the construction project, effective April 8, OCAD U’s loading dock (Central Receiving) and Distribution Centre will be relocated to Lambert Lounge on the ground floor at 100 McCaul St. 

During construction, OCAD U reminds students, faculty and staff to:

• Observe all signs and safety perimeters established around the construction site and hoisting areas.
• Use designated travel paths during construction.
• Pay attention when walking, running or cycling near the construction zone entry on McCaul St. 
• Use only one earbud when using headphones while walking, running or cycling near the construction site entrance.
• Use alternate routes and entry doors outside of the laneway when going to classrooms, studios or gathering spaces in 100 McCaul St.

CENTRAL RECEIVING/DISTRIBUTION CENTRE – NEW LOCATION

Effective April 8, OCAD U’s loading dock (Central Receiving) and Distribution Centre will be relocated to Lambert Lounge on the ground floor at 100 McCaul St. 

This means that all incoming deliveries will be made to Lambert Lounge, via Butterfield Park, as the new central receiving area. Canada Post mail and couriers may use the front lobby entrance to access drop boxes located directly opposite the security desk or in-person at the new central receiving entry doors. 

Effective April 8, the Distribution Centre’s hours of operations will resume:

• Monday to Friday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Saturdays and Sundays: closed

All Canada Post mail and courier packages addressed to OCAD U can be delivered during regular hours of operation.  A drop box (Amazon, FedEx, etc.) is available directly in front of the security desk for small packages during non-operational hours. Security staff will not accept deliveries.

SAFETY IS IMPORTANT

• OCAD U is collaborating with the AGO and the construction company to ensure the highest safety standards are maintained during the construction period; the laneway will be closed off to the public. An emergency egress path will be retained solely for emergency exiting to McCaul St. 
• The Distribution Centre will be making deliveries of materials to the studios through the lobby of 100 McCaul St., and through the Fabrication Centre throughout Monday to Friday. Students, faculty and staff are asked to be aware of these deliveries as they may impact the corridor. 

WHAT ELSE WILL BE AFFECTED?

• Lambert Lounge use: Effective April 3, Lambert Lounge will be unavailable for use by internal and external members of the community for events.
• Traffic congestion: During the AGO’s expansion project, we expect there will be increased traffic congestion along McCaul St. We remind all students, faculty, staff and visitors to be mindful of increased traffic when coming to campus.
• Noise and vibrations: OCAD U is working with the AGO to implement proactive measures to minimize noise disturbances. From time to time, especially during the excavation project, 100 McCaul St. may experience vibrations and noise. To mitigate noise, insulated hoarding is being installed on several windows directly adjacent to the construction site. In addition to this plywood hoarding, several windows at the basement level are being filled in with an existing assembly type of brick. Safety disposable ear plugs are available upon request at the Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) office by contacting ehs@ocadu.ca.

HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE?

• Regular updates regarding potential operational changes, construction progress and any potential disruptions will be communicated through various channels, including OCAD U’s website, social media and on-site signage.
• If you have questions or want to know more about the project, please email Team_cpp@groups.ocadu.ca.

ABOUT THE AGO EXPANSION PROJECT

• The Dani Reiss Modern and Contemporary Gallery is a major expansion project that will significantly increase space for the museum’s growing collection of modern and contemporary art.
• The project will increase the museum’s gallery space by 40,000 square feet, with at least 13 new galleries across five floors.
• From the exterior, the expansion will complement the AGO’s existing built environment, respecting the scale of the surrounding neighbourhood.
• The new gallery will sit one storey above the AGO’s and OCAD U’s existing loading dock, nestled between the AGO and OCAD University. It will seamlessly connect to, and be accessed by, the AGO’s existing galleries from four locations, substantially improving visitor circulation throughout the museum.