U of T launches $300M infrastructure renewal program to strengthen campus facilities
The university is making a historic commitment to preserve and enhance its facilities for future generations.
The University of Toronto is investing $300 million over the next three years to preserve, enhance and future-proof the St. George campus. This major initiative, known as the RISE program (Revitalizing Infrastructure, Strengthening Education), will support up to 300 projects to prevent costly and disruptive infrastructure failures and improve climate resiliency and energy efficiency.
The investment is part of U of T’s strategy to address the deferred maintenance backlog — essential infrastructure renewals that have been postponed due to financial constraints.
The deferred maintenance backlog for the St. George campus is valued at $1.2 billion and growing, driven by aging buildings from construction booms in the 1960s and early 2000s, rising construction costs due to inflation and extreme weather that strains older infrastructure.
Addressing this backlog is critical to preventing minor issues from escalating into major failures.
“Deferred maintenance is a challenge faced by universities across Ontario, as institutions work to balance aging facilities and the changing needs of campuses,” said Ron Saporta, U of T’s chief operating officer, property services and sustainability. “On such a historic campus, we feel this pressure acutely. The RISE program is a proactive investment to renew our world-class spaces while advancing sustainability and energy efficiency.”
Prioritizing critical upgrades
On a large, historic campus, there is always a long list of things to do. To measure urgency and identify the most critical deferred maintenance projects, Facilities & Services has developed an evidence-based multi-factor modelling tool.
Each building on the St. George campus is audited at least once every five years to assess its age, condition and design compliance. Each is scored based on the physical condition of the building, the impact of failures on building users and other infrastructure, and the building use – prioritizing academic and research buildings.
The RISE program will support up to 300 of these priority projects in up to 80 buildings (depending on supply costs and project complexity), allowing F&S to tackle more of the highest-scoring issues over the next three years.
Dedicated solely to deferred maintenance — not new spaces or expansions — RISE activities will include everything from elevators, HVAC upgrades and roof replacements, to electrical and fire protection measures.
Maximizing efficiency and long-term savings
“Investing $300 million now will help avoid significantly higher infrastructure repair costs in the decades ahead,” says Saporta.
“It’s a bold approach, but a smart one. Investing strategically over a short time allows us to streamline the work and reduce both costs and the impact on the campus community.”
Beyond this, energy-efficient upgrades are expected to lower operating costs over time.
“The RISE program is not just about addressing immediate infrastructure needs; it’s about ensuring a sustainable and resilient future for U of T’s St. George campus,” adds Saporta.
With planning already underway, U of T community members can stay informed about planned maintenance in their buildings by subscribing to F&S service alerts.