Toronto Transit Commission:

Replacement of McBrien Building Switchboards.

The Urban Environment and Development Committee recommends that Council endorse the action taken by the Toronto Transit Commission, embodied in the following communication (October 8, 1998) from the General Secretary of the Commission:

At its meeting on Wednesday, October 7, 1998, the Toronto Transit Commission considered the attached report, entitled "Replace McBrien Building Switchboards."

The Commission approved the Recommendations contained in the above report, as listed below:

"It is recommended that the Commission approve:

(1)proceeding with the replacement of McBrien Building Switchboards at a total cost of $290,000.00;

(2)forwarding this report to the City of Toronto Council advising it of a scope change; and

(3)staff to proceed with this expenditure and hold in TTC accounts, pending City Council project approval."

The foregoing is forwarded to City of Toronto Council for the necessary project approval, as detailed in the report.

(Toronto Transit Commission Report No. 18, entitled

"Replace McBrien Building Switchboards".)

Recommendations:

It is recommended that the Commission approve:

(1)proceeding with the replacement of McBrien Building Switchboards at a total cost of $290,000.00;

(2)forwarding this report to the City of Toronto Council advising it of a scope change; and

(3)staff to proceed with this expenditure and hold in TTC accounts, pending City Council project approval.

Funding:

Due to lower costs than anticipated for surface vehicle hoist in Project 3.2, sufficient funds are available in 1998 for this unbudgeted expenditure within Project Program 3.2 - Equipment of the 1998-2002 Capital Program as approved by City Council on April 29,1998. This item has been included in the proposed 1999-2003 Capital Program under 3.2 - Equipment.

Background:

The existing primary electrical distribution system (switchboard), located in the basement of the McBrien building, receives, controls and directs power to the entire building. The switchboard is approximately 40 years old and does not meet present Ontario Hydro code requirements for short circuit capacity. On July 28, 1998, the Chief General Manager approved funds in the amount of $46,000.00 commence design work.

Discussion:

Following maintenance work to the switchboard in March 1998, Ontario Hydro approved power re-connection with the understanding that upgrade of the major internal components will be carried out within approximately one year.

The main concern with the switchboard is the fact that the 50,000A short circuit capacity of the existing main breakers is significantly lower than the recently upgraded Toronto Hydro service, which has a short circuit capacity of 100,000A. As a result of this incompatibility, there exists the potential for damage to the building facilities in the event of a short circuit fault. The switchboard could be destroyed creating a power blackout in the entire building for an extended period of time.

Justification:

The work identified is to be completed in late 1998 or early 1999, in order to address the high risk of damage to the McBrien Building electrical distribution systems, computer systems and heating and ventilation systems, and to return this facility to a state of good repair and safety. Project approval will provide the necessary funds to complete this project this year and thereby comply with the Electrical Code.