Update on opening timelines for Stewart Biology Building

We are writing to provide users of the Stewart Biology Building with an update as to timelines for a safe re-opening. While damage occurred in both the North and South blocks, the North will be able to open sooner than the South.

In the North block, a frozen sprinkler burst in a storage room between floors 2 and 3, with water eventually reaching the ground floor. In the South block, a burst water pipe in a fire cabinet at the entrance from the courtyard caused water damage. In both these situations, water passed through materials that contain asbestos, resulting in asbestos being detected in some areas.

Though the damage was observed in these specific areas, we needed to confirm as well that no other areas in the building complex were affected by the events.

Our process after the building’s closure due to positive asbestos tests following water damage is as follows:

• Conduct further tests, if needed, to determine the extent of the issue
• Clean the areas concerned under asbestos protocols
• Re-test the areas after cleaning is completed.

Air testing validates that the cleaning has been performed to the required standards and the building is safe for occupants. Therefore, we need to ensure the air testing remains under the regulatory threshold after cleaning before we approve the re-opening of a building. Until we have this confirmation, we must continue to ensure that anyone entering the building wears fit-tested PPE for their protection.

Status and timelines for North block

Cleaning under asbestos protocols was completed in the North block today by an external firm. Wipe tests conducted after the cleaning were performed today and sent to an external laboratory for expedited analysis. The air tests required after the cleaning are expected to begin tomorrow. Barring unforeseen delays, we expect to have test results in hand by end of week.

If test results comply with regulatory thresholds, the North block will then reopen. If test results are concerning, timelines for opening will need to be extended. We are working on a Plan B for that scenario, as we recognize that research in this block is already seriously impacted.

Status and timelines for South block

Cleaning for the South block is still underway. Air and wipe tests will be done after cleaning and sent for analysis. Once those results are received, we will update as to next steps.

We understand that many people would like more complete information. At the moment, we are focusing on doing what needs to be done to get Stewart Biology open as soon as safety permits.

A reminder that you can find all previous messages related to the closure of the Stewart Biology Building on this webpage, including information on requesting access to the building for essential personnel.

We know that this is a difficult situation for everyone who uses the building. Initial timelines have shifted as the assessment of the building progressed and the availability of necessary external resources became better understood. We very much understand that is all very frustrating.

Please bear with us as we work towards a safe re-opening.

Pierre Barbarie,
Senior Director, Campus Public Safety, on behalf of the Emergency Operations Centre