Demolition of Centennial Pavilion’s former operating rooms (ORs) begins this week and anyone working in the surrounding areas should be prepared for noise and vibration.

This work is the first phase of a larger project to relocate the Centre of Excellence for Simulation Education & Innovation (CESEI) from Jim Pattison Pavilion to a new and larger space within Centennial Pavilion (CP). VCH offices and Sleep Rooms will be relocated within the newly renovated space on CP2 as well.

For all who work at or visit VGH — and especially CP — here’s what you need to know:

What to expect when

Demolition of the former operating rooms on CP2 will take place in the area shaded light grey.

Every effort will be made to conduct the noisiest work on weekends; however, most of the work will be carried out from Monday to Friday (7 am to 4 pm). Due to CP’s construction, demolition is expected to generate a high level of noise, accompanied by vibration. The vibration will transfer to the floors below and above the former operating rooms.

Demolition is scheduled for completion by the end of March 2017.

Who will be affected

Demolition noise and vibration will affect CP2 occupants and anyone located directly above (CP3) and below (CP1) the work area the most. However, it’s expected that anyone on CP1, 2, 3 and the Ground Floor will be affected to some extent too. Hearing protection will be provided by Lower Mainland Facilities Management to the departments directly adjacent to the area of work.

Protecting health and safety

For the project’s duration, sealed hoarding will be installed between the work area and the remainder of the functioning space in CP. The separation will prevent dust contamination and will also provide a noise buffer. The hoarding will be constructed to meet and exceed infection control requirements and current Occupation Health & Safety rules and regulations. As noted above, hearing protection will be provided to departments immediately adjacent to the work area.

Access and closures during work

Inside Centennial Pavilion

During demolition, the areas outside the hoarding on CP2 will remain functional and fully accessible. The main elevators and service elevators on CP2 will remain fully operational and their operation won’t be affected by the work. Regular access to CP1 and 2 will be maintained.

Outside Centennial Pavilion

Shaded area represents approximate outline of where the temporary disposal chute will be located over the stairwell entry to CP.

For the duration of the project, entering and exiting CP at the east-facing staircase no. 9 isn’t recommended. Although this access point will remain open, project debris will be disposed via a temporary chute above the doorway (refer to photo at right). Temporary scaffolding with a built-in and fully covered pedestrian access path will be installed on the pathway to staircase no. 9. Please follow signage, use designated pedestrian paths and stay within marked areas to be safe if you choose to use this access point.

We thank you for your cooperation and understanding as we upgrade our facilities.