In the spring of 2007, construction began on the Roy McMurtry Youth Centre, a $93-million campus-style detention/rehabilitation complex for young offenders. The project, for Infrastructure Ontario and the Ministry of Children and Youth Services, involved the construction of eight new buildings and the renovation of two others. The completed facility includes six 16-person residential units for up to 192 youth, a multifaith worship centre, a food and service building, and an education and activities building that includes an indoor gymnasium. A separate administrative building comprises health care, visitation, time out, and recreation facilities. The project is situated on a 90-acre site and has a total floor area exceeding 200,000 square feet.

Mechanical Systems

Kelson acted as the general mechanical contractor on the project, overseeing the installation of all mechanical equipment and piping systems. Kelson also administered the subcontracts for sheet metal, sprinklers, insulation, mechanical wiring, building automation controls, and air and water balancing.

  • Each building is provided with natural gas and water (domestic and fire) service from a ring main circling the complex.
  • Each building has standalone cooling, heating and domestic hot water systems. Air conditioning is provided by a rooftop chiller. Heating is delivered via gas-fired boilers and hydronic heat exchangers feeding hot water to air handling unit coils and radiant floor heating pipes. Domestic hot water is provided by gas-fired instantaneous hot water heaters. Air handling equipment supplies HVAC ventilation.