November 20, 2008

Dalton Company celebrates completion of historic Wychwood Barns project

The Dalton Company Ltd. joins Artscape in unveiling its latest project, Artscape Wychwood Barns, at an official opening on November 20, 2008. The event will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 76 Wychwood Avenue to mark the end of over five years of planning and construction.

As construction manager, Dalton has overseen the transformation of the Wychwood TTC streetcar repair barns into an innovative, multi-million dollar arts and environment centre.

"This is a special day for Dalton. We have been committed to helping Artscape build a facility focused on environmental sustainability, artistic innovation, cultural diversity and inclusiveness," says Randy Dalton, Dalton's Chief Operating Officer. "It is rewarding to see it all come to fruition."

Built between 1913 and 1921, the Barns are expected to be designated the first heritage building redevelopment project in Canada to receive Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Canada Certification.

To comply with guidelines established by the Canadian Green Building Council, Dalton ensured construction elements demonstrate environmental responsibility and energy efficiency.

LEED features include:

• Geo-thermal heating, ventilation and air conditioning with ground source heat pumps;

• Storm water harvesting and reuse;

• Energy efficient lighting and appliances; and

• Water conserving plumbing fixtures.

Environmentally friendly waste management programs at the Barns have led to the diversion of 75% of all construction waste from landfill.

Dalton built space for 12 not-for-profit organizations, 15 artist studios and 26 artist live/work spaces. A community gallery provides public access to arts and culture.

"Dalton's expertise in leading the construction has demonstrated their dedication to helping us achieve our goal," says Tim Jones, President and Chief Executive Officer of Artscape. "We are passionate about building vibrant, resilient communities - and with Dalton's involvement, I feel confident the Wychwood Barns will live up to this standard."

Artscape Wychwood Barns were recently awarded the Canadian Urban Institute's 2008 Brownie Award for Excellence in Project Development: Neighbourhood Scale. This award recognizes leadership, innovation and environmental sustainability in brownfields redevelopment across Canada.

"We are thrilled with the construction of the Barns; not strictly with the end result but with the way the entire team worked together throughout the project," says Randy Dalton. "Every step of the way, Dalton ensured that we adhered to our values: integrity, commitment, accountability, responsibility and experience - or ICARE. Because we do."

Dalton is passionate about promoting environmentally friendly construction. Currently, Dalton is working on The Southdown Institute, also to be submitted for LEED certification upon completion. Past LEED work includes the Toronto Botanical Garden, a certified Silver building with an energy-efficient green roof and award-winning ecologically conscious design.

– RCD Digital Media

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