Centre for Urban Innovation construction considers neighbourhood impacts
The Centre for Urban Innovation (CUI) is an adaptive reuse of Ryerson’s old Theatre School building, previously occupied by the School of Performance which has since moved to the Student Learning Centre.
Through the redevelopment, Ryerson agreed with City of Toronto Heritage Preservation Services (external link) to register this property as heritage. The original brick structure was built in 1886 as the home for Canada’s first pharmacy school, and a north addition built in 1891 followed by a transformative addition in 1940. Further minor renovations were made by Ryerson after acquiring the building in 1966. The proposed CUI project will maintain the 130 years of continuous institutional use for academic purposes on the site.
Project manager Danny Baltazar explains that this building is particularly unique due to its history, but also because of its close proximity to residential neighbours on three sides. From residents in the next-door highrise apartment to those backing onto CUI from McGill Street, the local community has been very involved throughout the project.
On Tuesday, October 3, 2017, Danny and the rest of the CUI project team will hold a public meeting to discuss progress on the site. These meetings are held monthly, and provide community members with an opportunity to learn about and provide feedback on the impacts of the development.
Beyond these public meetings, additional steps have been taken in consideration of the impact of demolition and construction. Ryerson follows all City of Toronto by-laws and the site is regularly inspected by the City.
Multiple mechanisms are used to control impact, including regularly monitored filter cloths and other sediment control measures used to prevent debris from exiting the property and entering city drains.
As the project develops, keeping the community informed and up-to-date remains a key priority. The monthly public meetings will continue on the first Tuesday of every month throughout the duration of the project construction. The next meeting is scheduled for November 7, 2017.
