The Toronto Eaton Centre, one of Canada’s busiest and most iconic shopping malls, has been undergoing a multi-year revitalization. As part of this transformation, Ontario Cutting & Coring worked under EllisDon in 2021 to complete large-scale concrete cutting and removal at 33 Dundas Street to create new open-concept atriums and escalator openings.
This five-month project required precise execution and coordination. With a crew of 8 to 10 people, we worked efficiently to cut and remove 20,000 square feet of concrete slab, including a suspended slab and structural beam three storeys above the Eaton Centre. And we did so with zero health and safety infractions, incidents or injuries.
Project overview
The challenges
Performing major structural modifications in an active retail space required careful coordination and a high level of precision.
- Live site constraints - While the construction zone was restricted for work, the surrounding mall remained open, requiring safety precautions, debris containment, and coordination with other trades.
- Structural complexity - Cutting through seven floors of concrete for escalator openings and removing 20,000 square feet of suspended slab required extreme precision to maintain the integrity of surrounding slabs and columns.
- High-risk removals - The removal of a suspended slab and concrete beam three storeys above the Eaton Centre required a controlled demolition process to ensure safety.
- Scheduling and coordination - Work had to be completed on time and in sequence with other trades to prevent site bottlenecks and maintain project flow.
Our work
We played a critical role in preparing the site for its new infrastructure. Our scope of work included:
- Creating two large atriums and escalator openings We performed saw cutting across seven floors to expand the atrium space and create structural openings for escalators. Each cut section was segmented into 4 ft x 8 ft panels for safe removal.
- Suspended slab and beam removal We removed 20,000 square feet of suspended slab, including a structural beam three storeys above the Eaton Centre, using precise cutting techniques to ensure a controlled demolition process.
- Scanning to prevent errors Before cutting began, all surfaces were scanned to detect buried infrastructure, preventing errors that could result in costly delays or damage to existing utilities.
- Coordinating with EllisDon and site trades Throughout the project, we worked closely with EllisDon, aligning schedules and executing removals efficiently to keep the site clear and maintain project momentum.
The result
The Eaton Centre atrium renovation highlights our expertise in structural concrete cutting, our ability to navigate complex site conditions, and our commitment to precision and safety. While the job may sound straightforward, it is our years of experience and the training we give the team that keeps us from making the mistakes other teams make. And as always, we worked seamlessly alongside EllisDon and other trades, proving once again why we’re trusted for complex, high-profile projects.