Union Station Revitalization Project - Fifth Façade (Roof Replacement)

Union Station is the busiest commuter transportation hub in Canada. Public infrastructure includes UP Express Trains, VIA Rail, GO Train, TTC subway, and tunnels for the Pedestrian PATH.

The redevelopment of the Station includes the integration of Train, Bus, TTC Subway, Vehicular, and Taxi systems, as well as Pedestrian connectivity to the PATH, while maintaining an operating facility. Pedestrian traffic flow is stratified through the Station and to the City on 3 levels.

+VG was retained by the City of Toronto, the Province and Federal Government to provide heritage conservation for the roof of the Head House. This project became known as the “Fifth Façade” in recognition of the large number of towers that surround the site and look down on the roof giving it a public presence. +VG was one of many teams of professionals providing simultaneous, overlapping, or sequential design packages for implementation.

The scope of work for the Fifth Façade project includes the flat roof, copper roof enclosures, and copper and brass skylights: A building condition survey analyzed roof components and prioritized technical problems revealed during the investigations; Recommended construction procedures to ensure quality control were vetted by Parks Canada’s review process following established guidelines, and Heritage Impact Assessment process; Fully developed and approved drawings and specifications, tendering assistance and contract administration services.