Oakville
Trafalgar Hospital

Scope of Work
The hospital, originally built in the 1940s and expanded over time, spanned a gross floor area of 41,810 m² across five stories and a multi-level basement. The secondary office building was a three-story structure covering 1,860 m². Both buildings featured concrete framing and floors, with exterior walls constructed from brick, terracotta, concrete block, and glazing. The hospital also included a 48-meter-high steel-lined brick chimney.

Execution
Preparation and Abatement
Before demolition, Delsan-A.I.M. secured all necessary permits, arranged for utility disconnections, and managed the abatement of hazardous materials over an 8-month period. This included the removal of:

• Asbestos-containing materials
• Ozone-depleting substances
• Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
• Radioactive materials found in architectural finishes and mechanical systems

Additionally, groundwater and soil remediation was conducted to address localized contamination.

Environmental Monitoring
An environmental consultant performed pre-construction surveys to document conditions of neighboring properties. Vibration levels were monitored using seismographs, while noise and dust levels were tracked by the Town of Oakville. All parameters remained within the specified limits throughout the project.

Demolition Methods
The demolition was completed using a combination of conventional and specialized equipment:

• Large excavators with attachments such as shears and hydraulic hammers for building demolition
• A high-reach excavator with a range of up to 28 meters for safely dismantling taller structures

For the chimney, which exceeded the safe operating range of conventional equipment, Delsan-A.I.M. used mechanical methods to control-drop the structure in a predetermined direction. This operation followed detailed engineering procedures to ensure safety for workers, the public, and neighboring properties.

Material Recycling
All concrete rubble from the demolition was crushed on-site using a mobile crusher. The processed material was used to backfill below-grade voids, compacted to meet contract specifications.

Project Success
Delsan-A.I.M. completed the decommissioning and demolition of the Oakville Trafalgar Hospital complex safely and efficiently. The project met all regulatory requirements and environmental standards, preserving the integrity of the surrounding community while facilitating the site’s redevelopment.