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Elevator Modernization Plan

Preventative maintenance will extend the lifespan of the new DCC elevators

As critical facility assets, elevators are part of an extensive planning and budgeting process for preventative maintenance, as well as upgrades and gradual replacement of our older elevators and infrastructure. TMU’s elevators range from 45 years old to brand-new installations and our community has been growing with more people than ever using our facilities. 

The Elevator Modernization Plan is an initiative by Facilities Management and Development (“Facilities”) to improve elevator service and reliability. A study to evaluate our elevators, escalators and other lifting devices was completed in 2019:

  • Twenty two elevators were assessed and identified as requiring modernization to upgrade obsolete parts that are no longer manufactured and are difficult to replace or upgrade. 
  • Sixty-four elevators, escalators and other lifts were assessed as being in good working condition and remain on a regular preventative maintenance regime to maximize their life expectancies.

In partnership with an external elevator consultant and elevator service providers, Facilities developed an action plan that prioritizes our oldest elevators and sole-elevator buildings for upgrades or replacement, while enhancing preventative maintenance programs for all elevating devices. 

Elevator Modernization Plan

Elevators requiring modernization were prioritized for scheduling based on their age, failure rate and role as critical systems for accessibility and operations.

Ten critical units have been identified for modernization for the Elevator Modernization – Phase I beginning in the 2020/21 academic year. These elevators are located in buildings where there is only one elevator or they are critical to support accessibility, academic and scholarly research and creative activities. 

The remaining twelve elevators were slated for modernization in the 2021/2022 academic year. 

Phase II of the Elevator Modernization Plan has started but work was impacted by Covid. The schedule was adjusted for the major work to resume in the Spring Term 2022 after Winter Term exams have concluded.

Phase II (2021/2022): In progress

Building and elevator(s) Estimated Start
Eric Palin Hall (EPH) freight elevator Complete 
Kerr Hall northwest passenger elevator Complete 
Library Building (LIB) - elevator LIB-C-S (#1) Complete 
Library Building (LIB) - elevator LIB-C-SC (#2) Complete 
Jorgenson Hall (JOR) - elevator JOR-SE-E (#1) Complete 
Jorgenson Hall (JOR) - elevator JOR-SE-C (#2) Complete 
Jorgenson Hall (JOR) - elevator JOR-SE-W (#3) Happening now
Victoria Building (VIC) - five passenger elevators
Happening now

Phase I (2020/2021): Complete!

Building and elevator(s) Status
Civil Engineering Building – Monetary Times (MON) Complete 
Eric Palin Hall (EPH) northwest passenger elevator Complete 
Kerr Hall southeast passenger/freight elevator Complete 
Kerr Hall southwest passenger elevator Complete 
Library Building (LIB) – passenger elevator #3 Complete 
Library Building (LIB) – passenger elevator #4 Complete 
Parking Garage (PKG) Complete 
Recreation and Athletics Centre (RAC) Complete 
Rogers Communications Centre (RCC) Complete 
School of Interior Design (SID) Complete 

As modernization work is completed on each unit, the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) will provide the last step, to ensure it meets safety requirements before the elevator is returned to service.

Questions?

If you have any questions, please contact the Facilities Help Desk at fixit@torontomu.ca or 416-979-5091.

Report a malfunctioning elevator

To report an malfunctioning or out-of-service elevator, contact the Facilities Help Desk at fixit@torontomu.ca or 416-979-5091.