Facilities Management and Ancillary Services - Recent Notices

Fall shoulder season

McGill University — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 20:11:50 +0000

We are entering a 6-week period referred to as the "fall shoulder season", which runs from end of September to early November. It is during this period that we switch from cooling our buildings to heating them. This transition does not affect the ventilation levels in the spaces, only the temperature.

Although the University is transitioning toward more flexible and adaptable systems, it remains difficult to maintain stable temperatures in some of our buildings at this time of the year, given the outdoor temperature fluctuations.

Steam shutdown planned on downtown campus on Oct. 3

McGill University — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 17:44:41 +0000

A shutdown of steam distribution is planned on the downtown campus on the morning of Thursday, October 3, 2024, between 1 a.m. and 7 a.m. This shutdown is necessary for Facilities Management and Ancillary Services to replace pieces of equipment.

This shutdown will affect all buildings on the downtown campus that rely on steam for:

domestic hot water production,
sterilization,
humidification,
and heating.

The buildings that will be affected are:

Safety around construction sites

McGill University — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 13:15:10 +0000

As construction activities continue on McGill campuses and surrounding areas, here are a few safety instructions and tips:

Closure of buildings for major electrical shutdown at Macdonald Campus - May 3 to 5

McGill University — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 15:55:02 +0000

Please be advised there will be a major electrical shutdown the weekend of May 3-4-5, 2024, at the below list of Macdonald Campus buildings. To facilitate this shutdown, all the buildings listed will be CLOSED starting Friday, May 3^rd, at 00h01, until Sunday, May 5^th, at 23h59.

Spring shoulder season

McGill University — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 20:50:42 +0000

We are entering a 3- to 4-week period referred to as the “spring shoulder season”, which runs from early April to May. It is during this period that we switch from heating our buildings to cooling them. This transition does not affect the ventilation levels in the spaces, only the temperature.

Mar. 13 - Moyse Hall to remain closed through the summer

McGill University — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 19:40:37 +0000

Original message was sent on March 13, 2024.

Since we last wrote, we have made significant progress in identifying the extent of the remediation work that will be required in Moyse Hall. We can now confirm that the closure will extend through the summer. We are aiming to be able to reopen the spaces in time for the Fall 2024 semester but are not able to confirm yet whether this will be possible.

Planned electrical shutdowns to affect downtown campus – Sunday, March 3rd

McGill University — Fri, 23 Feb 2024 15:38:25 +0000

The shutdown has been confirmed to proceed on March 3, 2024, as announced.

A major electrical shutdown scheduled to take place on the morning of Sunday, March 3, 2024 will affect multiple buildings on the downtown campus. The intervention will consist of a set of electrical shutdowns, starting at 6 a.m. and concluding by 12 p.m. (noon).

Feb. 19 – Reopening of auditorium 2/36 at SAD on schedule

McGill University — Tue, 20 Feb 2024 14:46:20 +0000

Based on the latest information received from our external service provider, we should be able to reopen auditorium 2/36 at the Strathcona Anatomy and Dentistry Building by Thursday morning, February 22, as announced last week.

This will be our last update, unless an unexpected issue arises that forces us to delay the reopening. Should this occur, we will inform you as soon as possible.

Feb. 16 – Update on testing and closure of auditorium 2/36 SAD

McGill University — Fri, 16 Feb 2024 22:03:32 +0000

As we mentioned in our Feb. 14 message, samples of building materials were collected in the ceiling cavity of auditorium 2/36 at the Strathcona Anatomy and Dentistry Building earlier this week. We are glad to report that all samples tested negative for asbestos.

Feb. 14 - Closure of auditorium 2/36 SAD extended at least until Feb. 21

McGill University — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 14:37:24 +0000

We have received some good news since we wrote to you last week about the closure of auditorium 2/36 at the Strathcona Anatomy and Dentistry Building. The room had been closed due to a report of multiple missing ceiling tiles and the presence of dust and debris in the room.

The air sample taken in the room shortly after the closure returned a result under the regulatory threshold for asbestos concentration and McGill’s more stringent threshold. Additionally, debris of a ceiling tile found in the room tested negative for asbestos.

Feb. 8 – Auditorium 2/36 SAD remains closed

McGill University — Thu, 08 Feb 2024 20:49:46 +0000

On February 5, 2024, Facilities Management and Ancillary Services (FMAS) closed access to auditorium 2/36 at the Strathcona Anatomy and Dentistry Building. The closure is related to a report of multiple missing ceiling tiles and the presence of dust and debris in the room.

FMAS is assessing the work required before we can reopen the classroom. This evaluation was complicated by the need to bring in scaffolding to access the ceiling. We hope to have a clearer picture of the work needed and the timeline to reopen in the coming days and will update you as soon as we do.

Feb. 7 - Update on closure of Moyse Hall

McGill University — Thu, 08 Feb 2024 14:59:17 +0000

Original message was sent on February 7, 2024.

As we communicated on January 19 and 25, Moyse Hall and certain connected areas are closed following the discovery of plaster debris that tested positive for asbestos.

The assessment of the repair and cleanup work required was slowed down last week after a visual inspection raised concerns about the structural integrity of the catwalk located above the stage. A structural engineer was brought in and has now confirmed that the structure is sound.

Jan. 25 - Update on closure of Moyse Hall

McGill University — Thu, 08 Feb 2024 14:55:53 +0000

Original message was sent on January 25, 2024.

As we communicated on January 19, we closed Moyse Hall and connected areas following the discovery of plaster debris that tested positive for asbestos. We are continuing our assessment to better understand the extent of the remediation work that will be required.

This assessment involves inspecting each space to examine the condition of the walls, ceilings and floors. It also includes further testing to get a more comprehensive account of the presence of asbestos in building materials.

Jan. 19 - Temporary closure of Moyse Hall

McGill University — Thu, 08 Feb 2024 14:52:15 +0000

Original message was sent on January 19, 2024.

Facilities Management and Ancillary Services (FMAS) has closed several spaces in Moyse Hall following the discovery of plaster debris that has tested positive for asbestos. The debris tested was found in the back of the stage (room 165A). Until further notice, no one may access room 165A nor the adjoining spaces (165, 165C and 100) unless authorized by FMAS. Out of an abundance of caution, we have also closed the section of basement of the McCall MacBain Arts Building located directly beneath the theatre.

Planned electrical shutdown to affect lower downtown campus – Sunday, February 4th

McGill University — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 16:54:25 +0000

The shutdown has been confirmed to proceed on February 4, 2024, as announced.

A major electrical shutdown scheduled to take place on the morning of Sunday, February 4, 2024, will affect multiple buildings on the lower downtown campus. The electrical shutdown will start at 6 a.m. and conclude by 12 p.m. (noon).

Expansion of gender-inclusive washrooms

McGill University — Fri, 19 Jan 2024 14:28:20 +0000

Facilities Management and Ancillary Services recently completed the installation of new signage making single-stall washrooms on the downtown campus gender-inclusive, wherever possible. The installation of new signage for gender-inclusive single-stall washrooms at the Macdonald campus will be completed in the coming weeks.

This follows the adoption by McGill’s Joint Board-Senate Equity Diversity and Inclusion Committee, in the fall of 2023, of an amendment to the 2007 resolution on Gender-Inclusive Washrooms. The updated resolution calls for:

Steam and noise expected near downtown powerhouse due to boiler tests

McGill University — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 21:49:57 +0000

A series of boiler combustion tests are scheduled for Wednesday, November 22, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Thursday, November 23, from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. These tests might cause a large steam plume and high levels of noise. It is important to note that the tests will not pose any health or safety risk.

During these tests, we will temporarily increase steam demand beyond normal levels. This helps us simulate the impact of adding more buildings to our network, such as the New Vic, and ensure that our equipment can safely handle this increased demand.

Campus tree removal necessary for community’s safety

McGill University — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 19:21:22 +0000

In the following weeks, approximately 30 trees across the downtown campus will need to be taken down. The trees have become unstable due to various reasons and pose a potential risk to people and property.

Steam and noise at the downtown powerhouse due to boiler tests

McGill University — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 13:52:35 +0000

As part of McGill’s efforts to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, a natural gas boiler in our downtown powerhouse has been replaced by two electric boilers. Additionally, we have installed equipment that allows us to conduct annual boiler combustion tests. These tests might cause a large steam plume and high levels of noise. It is important to note that the tests will not pose any health or safety risk.

Update on water advisories

McGill University — Mon, 28 Aug 2023 20:51:39 +0000

Dear members of the McGill community,

We are pleased to inform you that the drinking water advisory for Carrefour Sherbrooke student residence has now been lifted. The water is safe to drink and use in food preparation. It was retested twice last week, with samples taken less than 72 hours apart, as per provincial regulation.

This follows the lifting of the water advisories at La Citadelle and Elizabeth Wirth on ��Ҵ�ýapp0, 2023.

Water advisory for the Barton Building at Macdonald Campus

McGill University — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 19:56:19 +0000

Dear members of the Macdonald Campus community,

Please do not drink the water from Barton Building taps and fountains until further notice. You must also avoid using it in meal preparation and teeth-brushing. The water is safe for washing hands and dishes. A routine water test in one washroom indicated that lead levels were above the regulatory threshold.

To ensure that occupants are aware of the issue, we are putting up signage and shutting off water fountains.

Water advisories lifted in two McGill buildings

McGill University — Thu, 10 Aug 2023 17:23:00 +0000

Dear members of the McGill community,

Following a new round of testing since our previous message about water advisories being issued for six McGill buildings, two of the water advisories that had been put in place have been lifted.

It is now safe to drink the water in the following buildings:

Water advisory issued in six McGill buildings

McGill University — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 14:34:59 +0000

Original message was sent on July 27, 2023

Dear members of the McGill community,

This message is to inform you that routine water testing has indicated the presence of lead above the threshold set by the Government of Quebec in six McGill buildings:

Winter 2023 Stewart Biology closure – Testing reports now available online

McGill University — Tue, 25 Apr 2023 14:18:26 +0000

The reports from the testing done during the February 2023 closure of the Stewart Biology Building are now available online. You will find the reports on the Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) website. We will continue to post the results from the monthly air tests undertaken since the reopening.

Update on Barton re-opening timelines

McGill University — Fri, 03 Mar 2023 20:57:34 +0000

Message from Fabrice Labeau, Co-Acting Provost and Vice-Principal (Academic), Deputy Provost (Student Life and Learning) and planning chief for the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) on behalf of the EOC

Dear members of the Macdonald Campus community,

As Reading Week draws to a close, I am pleased to provide some updates for you on the building closures.

Macdonald-Stewart re-opening on track

Stewart Biology: South and North Blocks Now Open

McGill University — Wed, 01 Mar 2023 00:52:05 +0000

After extensive cleaning and air-testing, we are pleased to announce that the South Block of the Stewart Biology Building is safe for use and is open effective immediately. This follows the re-opening of the North Block last week.

All in-person teaching, research, administrative work and other activities in the South Block may resume as of tomorrow.

Stewart Biology: South Block update

McGill University — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 02:41:36 +0000

On Friday, a fresh round of cleaning took place in the South Block of the Stewart Biology Building. New air samples were taken over the weekend and sent to a lab for analysis, and as was the case for previous tests, we are happy to share that these results are in full compliance with Quebec regulatory standards.

Stewart Biology: South Block update

McGill University — Fri, 24 Feb 2023 00:13:49 +0000

Following yesterday’s reopening of the Stewart Biology Building’s North Block, we had hoped to complete cleaning and testing in the South Block today, and reopen it this evening once it was confirmed that the test results met Quebec government safety standards.

Unfortunately, the cleaning in the South Block is not yet complete. This in turn has delayed the air testing in the South Block. The result is that we will not receive air test results until the evening of Monday, February 27.

Stewart Biology: North Block open

McGill University — Thu, 23 Feb 2023 02:28:11 +0000

After extensive cleaning and air-testing, we are glad to announce that the North Block of the Stewart Biology Building is safe for use, and is open effective immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions: Stewart Biology Building Water Incident and Closure

McGill University — Thu, 23 Feb 2023 02:13:26 +0000

On this page: Building closure | Information about testing | Asbestos and health | Communications about the closure | Renovation of the Stewart Biology Building

Stewart Biology: Next Steps and Possible Re-opening

McGill University — Mon, 20 Feb 2023 23:11:15 +0000

Last Thursday, we noted that some areas of the Stewart Biology Building would be re-cleaned, and that a fresh round of air tests would determine whether the building could re-open sometime this week. The re-cleaning was completed over the weekend, and new air samples will soon be taken from the North and South Blocks for testing.

Update on Stewart Biology Building

McGill University — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 23:02:50 +0000

Since our previous update, extensive testing has taken place in the North Block of the building, and the affected areas have undergone comprehensive cleaning under asbestos safety protocols. Results so far are encouraging. Wipe tests have helped to guide and target our air-testing and cleaning efforts, and following our cleaning operation, all air tests have indicated that this area is now safe for use.

Update on opening timelines for Stewart Biology Building

McGill University — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 00:57:24 +0000

We are writing to provide users of the Stewart Biology Building with an update as to timelines for a safe re-opening. While damage occurred in both the North and South blocks, the North will be able to open sooner than the South.

Stewart Biology closure extended

McGill University — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 23:26:01 +0000

As mentioned in the message sent to the Stewart Biology listservs and posted on the web this morning, tests revealed the presence of asbestos in some building materials damaged by flooding. To be cautious, testing has been extended to other areas of the building not covered in the initial round of tests.

Assessment, testing and clean-up ongoing in Stewart Biology Building

McGill University — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 11:26:15 +0000

Assessment, testing, and clean-up are well underway in the Stewart Biology Building, following the flooding on Sunday caused by burst pipes. As many of you are aware, the building contains asbestos, as do many buildings of its era. Out of an abundance of caution, testing protocols and follow-up cleaning procedures (where indicated by test results) have therefore been undertaken in the affected areas. As some public access areas have also been affected, the entire building complex has been shut until testing and clean-up have been completed.

Burst pipe in Stewart Biology Building

McGill University — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 20:35:44 +0000

Extreme temperatures over the weekend have caused pipes to burst in the Stewart Biology Building.

It will take at least two more days to complete the clean-up and thoroughly assess the extent of the damage. Therefore, the building (North and South blocks) will remain closed until at least Thursday morning.