Information Hubs & Meeting Places

Archives of Ontario /​ York Research Tower

Project Photos

This facility is the result of the Design, Build, Finance, Operate (DBFO) model of the Government of Ontario’s Alternative Financing Procurement (AFP) program. This model was designed to transfer risks such as price certainty, scheduling and facility maintenance to companies that are best suited to mitigate liabilities. York University selected Plenary Group to design, construct, finance and operate this facility and we worked collaboratively along with them and PCL Constructors Inc.

Located on the university’s Keele Campus and envisioned as a hub for people and information, this project has two major components: a three-storey podium containing the new Archives of Ontario and the six-storey York Research Tower. To ensure easy accessibility to the facility, it will feature a station entrance for the future Spadina subway line extension.

As the second largest archive in Canada, the Archives of Ontario building provides access to a unique and multi-faceted collection. This collection includes records dating back to the late 16th century and contains everything from hand-written ledgers to electronic files, hand-drawn maps, architectural drawings, photographs, films and sound recordings. Using environmental systems that offer high quality storage, contingencies have been made to ensure that articles are safe in the case of mechanical failure, maintenance or fire.

The six-storey York University tower consists of office and research space. Creating the environment and support that students need to reach their potential, this facility is an essential component of strengthening the York University brand.