Fort York Armoury Roof and Rainwater Leader Replacement

Public Comment Period on Intent to Make a Determination
Fort York Armoury Roof and Rainwater Leader Replacement

August 31, 2026 — The authorities must decide whether the proposed project is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

To help inform this decision, the authorities are inviting comments from the public on the project and its potential effects on the environment. All comments received will be considered public. For more information, individuals should consult the Privacy Notice on the Registry website.

Written comments must be submitted by September 19, 2026 to:
Rabi Gautam, Engineering Officer, Real Property Operations Unit
Mailing Address:  1 Yukon Lane, Toronto
Ontario, Canada, M3K 0K1
E-mail:  Rabi.Gautam@forces.gc.ca

The Proposed Project

The Department of National Defence (DND) proposes a project. The Fort York Armoury (FYA) is two-storey building with a partial third storey on the north and east side of the building and a partial basement below the drill hall. The first floor consists of a large double-height barrel vaulted roof drill hall with classrooms and offices neighbouring the hall. The second floor consists of mess functions arranged around the perimeter of the building with a ring balcony corridor overlooking the drill hall. The partial third floor consists of classrooms and band rooms, and the basement consists of classrooms, offices, storage rooms, and mechanical rooms.
The barrel roof, constructed in 1973, is a lamella design consisting of wood beams and planks. The existing flat roofing system, constructed in 2014, is of a modified bituminous material supported by a concrete structure. It is understood that both the flat roof and portions of the barrel roof are deteriorating, which has led to water penetrating the roof and leaking into the interior space, causing damage to interior finishes. In 2018, an infrared thermographic roof inspection identified several areas of wet insulation and water blistering in the roofing system. Rutting was also observed in several areas of the roof. There are concerns with the current design and functionality of both the rainwater and overall storm drainage system at the site. During heavy rain falls or long periods of rain, the two systems will back up into the basement of the building, resulting in floods.
There are also concerns regarding cracks which have developed throughout the exterior walls of the nine existing chimneys at FYA. Additionally, some sections of the chimneys require brickwork replacement.
This project consists of the complete removal and replacement of existing roofing systems, rainwater leader infrastructure, and the basement sanitary system at FYA to address the issues outlined above, including associated mechanical, electrical, architectural, and masonry chimney restoration work. The project activities include selective demolition, installation of new low-slope and barrel-roof assemblies, reinstatement of mechanical and electrical equipment, reconstruction and repointing of masonry chimneys, modification of roof access components, installation of new roof drainage systems, and all associated preparation, protection, and clean-up operations.