Monitoring Projects

The Project The Thora Avenue Storage Building Facilities in Scarborough required complex geostructural solutions at track level between Victoria Park Bridge and Signal 3279. This work involved significant safety and logistical challenges, including confined-space trenching and working-at-height requirements under MOL regulations. Our Role Tarra Engineering designed and implemented shoring and retaining wall systems and delivered a comprehensive Geotechnical Instrumentation and Monitoring (GIM) program. We collaborated with utility locators, contractors, and Metrolinx to coordinate the safe installation and monitoring of critical instruments. How We Delivered Our team managed complex site conditions through extensive coordination with multiple stakeholders, including Ontario One Call, PNR, Ledcor, Powell, and AECON. We installed and monitored instruments measuring track and ballast settlement, ground movements, inclinometers, and vibrations. All work was performed under stringent safety protocols for confined spaces and working at height. The Outcome Despite complicated utility coordination challenges, our monitoring program provided Metrolinx and its contractors with accurate, real-time data to support safe construction practices and protect vital transit infrastructure. The project reinforced our expertise in delivering geostructural solutions in highly constrained and safety-critical environments, contributing to the long-term resilience of Toronto’s transit system.

The Project: A landmark redevelopment at Bloor and Dufferin is transforming the area with a five-tower, multi-owner mixed-use community. The project also features a new underground pedestrian tunnel connecting directly to Dufferin TTC Station, enhancing transit accessibility in the neighbourhood. Our Role Tarra Engineering designed the shoring systems and delivered a comprehensive monitoring program for all towers, the pedestrian tunnel, TTC Dufferin Station, and the heritage-designated Kent School. This included managing the complexities of sequenced excavation across multiple blocks. How We Delivered Our team employed a range of advanced techniques—including caissons, soldier piles with lagging, multi-level tiebacks, micropiles, tunneling, and road decking—to support excavation and the construction of the pedestrian tunnel and station connection. All work was completed while maintaining the safety of surrounding infrastructure and minimizing community disruption. The Outcome Our design and monitoring approach ensured safe excavation, safeguarded heritage structures, and supported efficient project delivery. By protecting critical transit infrastructure and managing complex site challenges, Tarra Engineering enabled smooth progress on one of Toronto’s most significant urban redevelopment projects.

The Project: A six-tower mixed-use development is underway near the GO Station on Enterprise Boulevard in Markham’s rapidly evolving Unionville district. This project brings significant new residential and commercial density adjacent to critical rail and transit infrastructure. Our Role Tarra Engineering designed shoring systems and delivered a comprehensive Geotechnical Instrumentation and Monitoring (GIM) program to support excavation activities and protect surrounding structures. How We Delivered We deployed precision instrumentation and monitoring solutions in line with Metrolinx specifications and standards. Our team provided real-time data collection and analysis to track ground and structural performance, ensuring excavation work proceeded safely while minimizing risks to adjacent rail lines, bridges, and infrastructure. The Outcome Our monitoring and design approach enhanced public safety and reduced excavation-related risks. By providing reliable data and responsive oversight, Tarra Engineering exceeded client expectations and ensured the stability of critical surrounding infrastructure throughout the construction process.