Mission-Critical Data Centre Construction and Fit-Out Across Ontario
These dedicated facilities are custom-built to meet a single organization's specific internal IT infrastructure requirements. Construction focuses on seamless integration with existing business operations and bespoke security protocols.
Colocation facilities are shared spaces where multiple tenants lease rack space, power, and cooling for their servers. Our construction emphasizes robust, scalable infrastructure with flexible power and network options to accommodate diverse client needs.
Smaller, geographically distributed facilities located closer to end-users, Edge Data Centres reduce latency for localized data processing. Construction prioritizes compact design, rapid deployment, and resilient, self-contained infrastructure.
Massive, enterprise-grade data centres built for cloud service providers, Hyperscale facilities demand extreme scalability and energy efficiency. Construction focuses on vast power and cooling capacities, advanced automation, and modular expansion capabilities.
This involves upgrading or building out dedicated server spaces within existing commercial buildings or offices. Scope includes specialized HVAC, power distribution, raised flooring, and fire suppression systems within a smaller footprint.
NOCs are command centres for monitoring and managing IT infrastructure and network performance. Construction emphasizes ergonomic design, advanced display technology, robust connectivity, and 24/7 operational readiness.
Comprising prefabricated, standardized units, Modular Data Centres offer rapid deployment and scalability. Construction involves site preparation for pre-engineered modules and their integration into existing infrastructure.
These secondary data centres are designed for business continuity, providing failover capabilities in the event of a primary site disruption. Construction ensures geographic separation, robust redundancy, and mirroring of critical infrastructure.
This includes constructing robust foundations for heavy equipment, installing raised floor systems for cabling and cooling, designing secure access points, and utilizing fire-rated materials with specialized finishes for optimal environmental control.
Comprehensive electrical infrastructure encompassing redundant UPS systems, backup generators, high-capacity switchgear, sophisticated power distribution units (PDUs), multiple utility feeds, and precision grounding systems.
Installation of precision cooling units (CRAC/CRAH), hot/cold aisle containment systems, liquid cooling infrastructure, chilled water systems, humidity control, and advanced ventilation crucial for equipment thermal management.
Deployment of advanced pre-action or inert gas fire suppression systems, early warning detection systems, emergency power off (EPO) controls, and strict safety protocols tailored for high-value IT assets.
Implementation of multi-layered physical security, including biometric access systems, CCTV surveillance, man traps, perimeter fencing, secure cage deployments, and environmental monitoring systems to protect critical data.
Extensive deployment of fibre optic and copper cabling infrastructure, redundant network pathways, cross-connect capabilities, and diverse entry points to ensure reliable and high-speed carrier services.
| Project Subtype | Size Range | Low | Mid | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enterprise Data Centre | 5,000 - 50,000 sq ft | $600 / sq ft | $900 / sq ft | $1,300 / sq ft |
| Colocation Facility | 10,000 - 100,000 sq ft | $550 / sq ft | $850 / sq ft | $1,250 / sq ft |
| Edge Data Centre | 2,000 - 10,000 sq ft | $700 / sq ft | $1,000 / sq ft | $1,400 / sq ft |
| Hyperscale | 100,000 - 500,000+ sq ft | $450 / sq ft | $750 / sq ft | $1,100 / sq ft |
| Server Room Fit-Out | 500 - 5,000 sq ft | $800 / sq ft | $1,200 / sq ft | $1,500 / sq ft |
| Modular Data Centre | 1,000 - 20,000 sq ft | $750 / sq ft | $1,050 / sq ft | $1,450 / sq ft |
Key cost drivers for data centre construction in Ontario are primarily influenced by power density (kW per rack), desired redundancy levels (N, N+1, 2N), and the specific technologies implemented, such as advanced liquid cooling versus traditional air cooling systems. Land acquisition costs, particularly in prime Ontario locations like the Greater Toronto Area, specialized labour availability, and the complexity of integrating diverse critical infrastructure components also significantly impact the overall project budget.
Furthermore, the choice of security infrastructure, from multi-layered access control to advanced surveillance, plays a substantial role in project expenditure. Supply chain volatility for specialized electrical equipment, generators, and cooling units can also affect pricing. Navigating Ontario's regulatory compliance for energy efficiency and environmental impact for large-scale facilities adds another layer of cost, requiring meticulous planning and expert execution.
This initial phase involves site selection, detailed architectural and engineering design, comprehensive power and cooling load calculations, and establishing the overall redundancy strategy for the data centre facility.
Securing all necessary municipal building permits, zoning variances, utility approvals, and completing any required environmental assessments specific to high-energy consumption data centre operations in Ontario.
Execution of earthworks, utility trenching, pouring heavy-duty foundations designed to support critical equipment loads, and erecting structural steel for the data centre facility's core infrastructure.
Installation of all critical MEP systems, including power distribution, precision cooling, fire suppression, security systems, extensive network cabling, and the construction of data halls with raised flooring.
Performing integrated system testing (IST), load testing of power and cooling systems, thermal imaging, operational readiness validation, and comprehensive client handover with final documentation for the data centre.
The Uptime Institute Tier system classifies data centres from Tier I (basic, 99.671% uptime) to Tier IV (fault tolerant, 99.995% uptime). Most enterprise Canadian data centres target Tier III (99.982% uptime, N+1 redundancy on all systems). Tier IV requires 2N redundancy on all infrastructure paths.
Traditional data centres planned for 100-150W per sq ft of white space. Modern hyperscale and high-compute environments require 400-1,000W+ per sq ft. Power density drives everything including UPS capacity, generator sizing, cooling infrastructure, and structural floor loading.
Critical MEP systems include: utility power feed (primary and redundant), on-site generators with automatic transfer switches, UPS systems, PDUs, precision cooling (CRAC/CRAH units, chilled water, or liquid cooling), fire suppression (FM-200 or Novec 1230 clean agent), and structured cabling infrastructure.