Fort York Armoury Roof and Rainwater Leader Replacement

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.

Latest update

August 31 2026 - The authorities intend to make a determination regarding whether the carrying out of the project is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. To help inform this determination, the authorities are inviting public comments until September 19, 2026 respecting that determination.

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Key documents

Key documents
Document number Document title File Date
1 Public Comment Period on Intent to Make a Determination - August 31, 2026

Contacts

Rabi Gautam
Department of National Defence
Rabi Gautam, Engineering Officer, Real Property Operations Unit
1 Yukon Lane
Toronto, Ontario M3K 0A1
Email: Rabi.Gautam@forces.gc.ca


Disclaimer

This map is for illustrative purposes. The markers represent the approximate locations based on available data. More than one marker may be identified for a given assessment.

  • Location

    • 4 CDSG Garrison Toronto (Ontario)

  • Nature of activity

    • Building and Property Development

  • Assessment status

    In progress

  • Start date

    2026-08-31

  • Proponent

    Department of National Defence

  • Authorities

    • Department of National Defence
    • Environment and Climate Change Canada

  • Assessment type

    Project on federal lands

  • Reference number

    90735

Nearby assessments

...within 200 kilometres
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