Welcome to the Deep Services Replacement (DSR) project page, home of the latest information about ongoing work in G-100 as part of the G-wing renovation. We know this project will bring disruption, and we’re committed to keeping you informed about what to expect and the steps we’re taking to minimize the impact on our campus community.
Project overview
The DSR project will involve replacing sewer mains and drain pipes under G-100. This work will start in late November and is expected to last through June 2025. It includes cutting the concrete slab, excavating a trench, laying and connecting new pipes, and backfilling the area. There are approximately 91 metres (300 feet) of pipe in total and the trench will be up to 4.6 m (15 ft.) deep at points. While necessary for the future development of the G-wing, we know this work will cause disruption in surrounding areas.
That’s why the most disruptive work — including concrete cutting, excavation and backfilling/soil compaction — will take place between 5 p.m. and 8 a.m. In addition, we have proactively removed all classrooms adjacent to G-100 from the University’s booking system, which means classes will not be held in these areas for the duration of the G-wing renovation. Some offices have been moved as well.
What to expect
When disruptive work is being carried out between the hours of 5 p.m. to 8 a.m.. those in the area of G-100 — including Main Street, and B- O- and T-wings, the Iniskim Centre, the Cougars Campus Store and the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion — can expect the anticipated impacts below:
Noise
- General construction noise: If you’re in the vicinity of G-wing — including Main Street, the B- O- and T-wings, the Cougars Campus Store and the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion — you may hear sounds from slab cutting, excavating and laying pipes, with some periods being louder than others. The disruptions will lessen the further away from G-100 you are.
- Compaction work: Along with the initial slab cutting, this work will be the most disruptive, creating more noise and vibrations than other activities.
- Different noise levels: While some noise might blend into the usual campus hubbub, unfamiliar sounds can feel more disruptive because they’re different from what you’re used to. We're aware of this and are making efforts to minimize the impact.
- Noise mitigation: We’re building a sound-dampening wall sooner (initially planned for 2025) and upgrading from plywood to a structure with acoustical-impeding insulation sandwiched between two layers of drywall to reduce noise levels. This wall will be built on Main Street in November. In Spring 2025, a second wall on the second level of Main Street will be constructed. See more information below.
Vibration
- You may feel mild vibrations, especially in areas close to the construction, such as Main Street, O-wing, T-wing, and B-wing faculty offices. While these vibrations won’t cause significant movement, you may notice light fixtures or computer screens shaking.
Odours
- We’re using equipment with scrubbers to reduce the release of odours. This should help minimize the smells typically associated with large-scale construction work and sewer line replacement. In addition, industrial fans will push air out of the building into the T-wing courtyard.
Space on Main Street
- The wall we’re building on the first level of Main Street has sound-dampening qualities and is also needed for safety reasons. However, it will reduce how much space is available on Main Street. We’re asking you to “Keep Main Street Movin’: Stay right!” to reduce congestion during busy times. Also, consider using the suggestions in the section at the bottom of this page in order to get around campus more easily
Staying updated and sharing concerns
We’ll keep this page updated with the latest information on the project’s progress, including any changes that might affect access to services or facilities. If you have concerns related to the construction work taking place, reach out through Frontline:
- Employees via Frontline’s online portal, found on the Employee Resources & Timesheets page of MyMRU.
- Employees and students via the MRU Now app.
- Everyone: 403.440.6517.
- Everyone: mrufrontline@mtroyal.ca.
Part of DSR involves building a wall on the first level of Main Street for safety and to reduce disruption associated with this work.
Who will be affected?: The campus community will be affected by the wall, which will reduce how much room there is on Main Street. We’re asking you to “Keep Main Street Movin’: Stay right!” to reduce congestion during busy times. Also, consider:
- Using alternate routes when possible
- Using Main Street during non-peak times, when able
- Employees, schedule the start times of in-person meetings outside of class changes. These 10-minute windows take place at 10 to and 20 after the hour. (Class times include 10 a.m. to 11:20 a.m.; 11:30 a.m. to 12:50 p.m.; 1 p.m. to 2:20 p.m.; etc.)
When: Construction of the wall will begin in the last week of November and is expected to take two weeks. While the majority of the work will take place overnight, there will be some work during the day. The noise associated with this is not anticipated to be disruptive.
What: Originally slated to be built from plywood and constructed in April 2025, the wall has been upgraded to a framed wall with insulation and drywall. This upgrade will result in improved noise mitigation. It will serve as a barrier to the construction site through the completion of the G-wing renovation in Fall 2026. It’s being built earlier than anticipated due to the DSR work. Another wall will be built on the second level of Main Street in Spring 2025.
Where: The wall, which extends approximately six feet into Main Street, will be in place from west of the Recruitment office to the north side to T-wing. It will be on the north side of Main Street, opposite the Cougars Campus Store and Tim Hortons. You can still access lockers, stairwells and key areas such as washrooms.
Why: The wall needs to be in place for safety considerations as G-100 is becoming a construction site. In addition, the upgraded wall offers improved noise mitigation for the DSR project.
Frequently asked questions
What is DSR anyway?
DSR, while not technically a part of the G-wing project, needs to take place before the extensive renovations begin. As the lines are up to 4.6 m (15 ft.) beneath ground level, it is prudent to replace this aging infrastructure before renovating the portion of the G-wing above it.
There are four steps to this work. They take place in the following order:
- Cutting and removing the existing concrete slab in pieces.
- Excavating and building a trench in the cut section.
- Removing and replacing existing lines then reconnecting them to sewer mains and drain pipes.
- Backfilling the trench, and compacting the soil. This takes place in increments of approximately 30 centimetres (12 inches).
When these steps are completed in one area, work moves to the next section. This is repeated until the DSR is done.
The sections will vary in size and are done in a way to keep the system active the whole time. A combination of old pipe and new pipe will be active as work progresses on the DSR.
Where is this work taking place?
As we transform the former library into a vibrant hub of student services and community engagement, deep services replacement work will take place in G-100. Areas in the vicinity of G-100 — including Main Street, the B- O- and T-wings, the Cougars Campus Store and the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion — may experience disruptions that include noise, vibrations and odours. The disruptions will lessen the further away from G-100 you are.
Where and when will the most disruption take place?
The cutting of the concrete slab and backfilling/compacting soil over the replaced sections of pipe will be the most disruptive parts of DSR. This work will take place between the hours of 5 p.m. and 8 a.m. We will share important milestones, upcoming changes and any temporary disruptions to access/services on this page.
Who should I contact with a complaint about the disruption?
If you have concerns related to the construction work taking place, reach out through Frontline:
- Employees via Frontline’s online portal, found on the Employee Resources & Timesheets page of MyMRU.
- Employees and students via the MRU Now app.
- Everyone: 403.440.6517.
- Everyone: mrufrontline@mtroyal.ca.