RC122 JanFeb 2026 - Magazine - Page 37
joints, the new design kept the existing membranes in place, with
backer rods and additional silicone membranes incorporated within
the drainage track to create a multi-layered defence system. Stainless
steel caps were installed over the membranes to ensure a robust and
long-lasting barrier, directing water to the drainage channels at the
base of the skylight.
New louvres were installed along the shelter, incorporating a
self-adhering membrane to create a continuous barrier against water
back昀氀ow. The membrane was applied beneath the louvre, terminating
on a steel angle upturn, ensuring that any water that passed beneath
the louvre would be redirected outside the structure, rather than back
into the skylight system. A new sloped metal pan 昀氀ashing was also
installed between the louvre posts to capture water that might bypass
the louvres. This 昀氀ashing extended beneath the louvre, ensuring any
water that would have been siphoned into the skylight by the piston
e昀昀ect was directed away from the structure. Additionally, sealant
was applied at the base of each louvre to ensure a tight, leak-free seal
against the 昀氀ashing, and drain holes were incorporated into the system to allow for any trapped water to be e昀케ciently expelled. The inner
and outer louver head 昀氀ashings were replaced to ensure a secure and
continuous seal around the entire perimeter of the louver assembly.
To support ongoing maintenance e昀昀orts, the access systems within
Yorkdale Station were modernized with the introduction of four access
hatches to the precast shelter, accessible from the interior A-frame
platform. Safety features, such as horizontal lifelines, were added to
improve the safety and usability of these systems, allowing TTC personnel to access hard-to-reach sections of the skylight for cleaning and
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minor repairs with greater ease and reliability. In addition, the existing
interior moving platform and exterior ladder systems were repaired
and recerti昀椀ed.
The construction phase of the project commenced in May 2021 and
concluded in August 2024. The work was divided into six distinct
phases, each focusing on a speci昀椀c section of the skylight. These phases allowed the team to work in manageable sections while minimizing
disruption to the station’s operations. Construction work was scheduled during overnight hours to maintain uninterrupted service for
commuters during the day
A third-party testing 昀椀rm was brought in to inspect and verify the
silicone installation, with 昀椀ve per cent of the strips being tested for
performance. Rigorous water testing was also conducted across 100
per cent of the skylight joints, ensuring that the new seals would hold
up under real-world conditions. The testing also required careful
attention to temperature di昀昀erentials, as rapid changes in temperature
could cause cracking of the glass, especially during colder months.
COVID-19 impacted material delivery and sta昀케ng. Supply delays
and distancing slowed progress, especially in con昀椀ned spaces. Work
was coordinated with TTC operations to minimize service impact.
Sca昀昀olding and boom lifts were used to access hard-to-reach areas
This project illustrates the value of strategic, minimal-intervention
solutions in transit infrastructure. Prefabricated silicone strips and
new louvres improved waterproo昀椀ng and extended skylight life
within operational and budgetary limits. The Yorkdale Station retro昀椀t
shows how innovative materials and logistics can enhance public
infrastructure performance and safety.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026
2025 – RENEW CANADA 37
