The Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR) is an innovative translational research organization dedicated to research on the prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. OICR occupies several floors in the MaRS Centre in Toronto’s Discovery District.
This project involved the fit-up of two floors (6th full floor and 5th floor partial) within the new tower (Phase II MaRS). A sky-bridge connects the 5th and 6th floors of the new and existing buildings (South and West Towers). The Phase II project includes Wet and Dry Labs, IT Office Space, and a Data Centre as well as meeting rooms, reception, staff spaces and executive offices.
Challenges included a very strict timeframe that OICR needed to meet. The schedule was carefully monitored to maintain the required timeframe. ZW led value engineering exercises at the initiation and planning phase which were successful in meeting budget constraints.

Design started in January 2012. Construction started in February 2013. OICR moved into their new space in January 2014. The project was completed 10% under budget.