Scarborough General Hospital, a major teaching hospital in Toronto, is undergoing significant renovations, including an upgrade to its Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system. This project, part of the Scarborough Health Network's expansion of infrastructure and equipment, aims to enhance the hospital's environment, ensuring the health and comfort of its patients and staff.

To achieve this, Sarens has been instrumental in the installation of Make-Up Air (MUA) units, each weighing 40.000 lbs, in collaboration with our partners at Amherst Crane.

The Scarborough General Hospital, the oldest and largest hospital in Scarborough, has been a cornerstone of healthcare since its opening in 1956. Located at the intersection of McCowan Road and Lawrence Avenue East, this facility requires advanced HVAC solutions to maintain optimal indoor air quality and temperature. The MUA units are designed to replace the air removed by process exhaust fans with fresh, tempered air from outside, ensuring a continuous supply of clean air within the hospital.

A make-up air solution is crucial for buildings that need enhanced ventilation due to environmental conditions. This system not only improves indoor air quality but also protects the health of everyone inside. The specialised air handling units deliver heated and cooled air, tailored to the building's needs.

The installation required meticulous planning, including securing permits and organising road closures around the hospital. The equipment, transported from Cambridge in nine trucks, arrived on-site and was installed over an eight-hour period. A 600-tonne AT crane was employed to lift the MUA units into place. As a safety precaution, the ICU was temporarily evacuated during the hoisting process. Our dedicated team of nine crew members worked diligently to complete the installation.

Cass Frey, C&R Supervisor at Sarens, commented on the operation: "We are very pleased to contribute to the Scarborough General Hospital's renovation, enabling better access to healthcare services. Despite some minor challenges, our team successfully completed the installation seamlessly."

The project faced a critical deadline, with the crane needing to be removed before the permit expired at 6 am the next day. Thanks to our team's expertise and efficient operations, the crane was dismantled and removed on time.

Sarens has long been a key player in the Canadian construction industry, known for our experienced team, sector knowledge, and extensive portfolio of cranes and modular transports. Our notable projects include the Finch West Station in Toronto and the renovation of Union Station, where we lifted and installed several heavy components.