A message from Ron Proulx, Executive Director of Facilities, Operations and Development:
I would like to bring you up to date on our continuing efforts to repair the damage caused by the January 28 flood and let you know about some of the steps we are taking to protect against any future inundations.
Work continues to bring a number of spaces back into operation. The James Annex and second floor of the James Administration Building remain closed while drywall and carpets are replaced and damage is repaired. Work begins on the second floor of James Administration on Monday (March 11) and is scheduled to be completed by the end of April. No date has been set for the start of work in the Annex.
The basement and main floor of 3534 University St. (home to McGill’s School of the Environment) remain closed and under repair, while occupants of the second and third floors will return to their areas on Monday.
Microscopy labs in the lower level of the Wong Engineering building remain closed while equipment is assessed, while others have reopened. Research labs on the second floor have, with one exception, been reopened, as have graduate student offices on the second floor. Some cosmetic work remains and will be completed after the end of term. First-floor classrooms in Wong should be ready to be used by Monday as well.
Repairs have been completed in the Birks Building.
Other largely cosmetic repairs remain in a variety of spaces and some of this work will take place following the end of term.
As the City of Montreal continues to upgrade its aging water mains running out of the McTavish Reservoir, we have begun installing concrete curbs about 18 inches high in strategic locations along McTavish Street as well as along the road between the Wong Engineering Building and the Rutherford Physics Building, in order to protect buildings in the event of any future torrent. The curbing will not adversely affect access to buildings or sidewalks.
In addition, we will use sandbags and Jersey barriers behind the Power House, the James Annex and the Wong buildings to better protect against the possibility of damage by rushing water.
We thank everyone affected for their patience and understanding during this difficult time.