Planned electrical shutdown to affect lower downtown campus – Sunday, February 4th

The shutdown has been confirmed to proceed on February 4, 2024, as announced.

A major electrical shutdown scheduled to take place on the morning of Sunday, February 4, 2024, will affect multiple buildings on the lower downtown campus. The electrical shutdown will start at 6 a.m. and conclude by 12 p.m. (noon).   

The shutdown is a necessary intervention part of the renovation project at the downtown powerhouse to replace a natural gas boiler with two electrical boilers.  

Only emergency power will be available throughout the shutdown. As a result, there will be: 

• No regular electricity (including no card access) 
• No heating and ventilation 
• No functioning elevators 

To reduce the inconveniences to building users, the following mitigation measures have been put in place: 

• Heat will be increased overnight in the affected buildings to ensure a minimum building temperature is maintained. 
• Electricians will be on site to ensure emergency power is on and to verify that all building systems are functioning once the shutdown has been completed. 

Opening hours library locations 

There may be service disruption including possible closures until noon at the following library locations: 

• Schulich Library of Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, and Engineering located in the Macdonald Stewart Library Building 
• Islamic Studies Library located in Morrice Hall 
• Marvin Duchow Music Library located in the Elizabeth Wirth Music Building 

Alternate library locations like the McLennan-Redpath Library Complex and Nahum Gelber Law Library will be open the morning of Sunday, February 4. Please consult the opening and service hours for more information. 

In case you have questions or concerns about the shutdown, please contact your building director.