Our Rescent Projects
Basement Underpinning in Toronto
Basement Underpinning & Addition Project – Blackthorn Ave, Toronto
Strong Basements Inc. recently completed a comprehensive basement underpinning and addition project at Blackthorn Ave, Toronto (M6N 3H5). The existing basement had deteriorated foundation walls that required immediate structural reinforcement.
Structural Reinforcement
- The structure was stabilized with jack shores while all old wooden beams were removed and replaced with a poured concrete strip on top of the block foundation walls. To restore strength, we applied parging across the foundation walls and embedded four steel posts into the existing structure.
Basement Underpinning & Expansion
- We executed L-Shape underpinning sections flush with the foundation walls, minimizing the bench and maximizing usable basement space. The project included extending the basement 8 feet to the front and 15 feet to the rear. Using a combined method of cinder block walls and underpinning allowed us to avoid costly excavation shoring, saving the homeowner approximately $50,000.
Waterproofing & Drainage
- A full interior waterproofing system was installed, including wall membranes, perimeter weeping tile, and a sump pump. On the exterior, we added a backwater valve and a new drainage system to protect against flooding.
Concrete Floor Installation
- We insulated the subfloor, laid radiant heating pipes, and applied a vapour barrier with steel mesh reinforcement. Finally, a 4-inch, 32 MPa reinforced concrete slab was poured, delivering a durable and long-lasting basement floor.
Basement Underpinning in Newmarket
Basement Underpinning & Foundation Stabilization – King St, Mount Albert, ON
Strong Basements Inc. recently completed a structural underpinning project at King St, Mount Albert (L0G 1M0). The home stood on soft ground with a high underground water table, causing the southern foundation wall to crack and sink. While one engineering company proposed a solution as costly as building a new house, we delivered a proven foundation underpinning system that was 15 times more affordable.
Innovative Structural Underpinning
- We began by underpinning the section of wall designated for the conveyor belt opening. After installing steel braces, we cut through the foundation wall, set up the conveyor, and started excavation. The damaged floor and soil around the weakened foundation were removed.
- To reinforce the footing, we embedded epoxy-coated steel rebars into the existing concrete and built a 15mm steel rebar mesh tied to dowels. Then we poured a 4-foot-wide, 2-foot-deep, 35 MPa reinforced concrete footing along the original base, interlocked with rebar dowels. This expanded the structural footprint four times, preventing future settlement.
Waterproofing & Crawl Space Insulation
- After strengthening the foundation, we fully waterproofed and insulated the crawl space, ensuring the home remains safe, dry, and energy-efficient.
Cost-Effective Foundation Underpinning in Ontario
- This project shows how Strong Basements specializes in basement underpinning, structural underpinning, and foundation underpinning solutions that restore safety and stability without unnecessary costs.
- If you are dealing with foundation settlement or cracked basement walls, our team provides engineered, cost-efficient solutions across Toronto and the GTA.
Underpinning and Concrete in Keswik
Basement Underpinning & Structural Upgrades at Georgina Ice Palace, Keswick ON
Project Overview
The Georgina Ice Palace in Keswick, Ontario – a popular municipal ice arena – recently underwent a basement underpinning and structural upgrade project to support major facility improvements. Strong Basements, a specialist in foundation reinforcement and arena construction, was subcontracted through CIMCO Refrigeration to execute this complex project under the oversight of the City of Georgina. The upgrade was driven by the need to install new indoor ice melt systems and modernize the ice rink’s infrastructure. Working within a public-sector environment meant strict compliance with municipal building codes, careful coordination with city officials, and a tight summer off-season schedule to minimize disruption to arena operations.
Scope of Work
The project’s scope was comprehensive, addressing both structural integrity and water management for the ice rink foundation. Key components of the work included:
Construction of new ice melt wells – Two large indoor snowmelt pits were built to collect and melt ice resurfacer shavings, forming a core part of the upgraded ice melt systems.
Underpinning – The existing foundation was underpinned to increase its depth and strength, ensuring the arena’s structure could safely accommodate the new pits and equipment.
Excavation and rebar reinforcement – Significant excavation was required to create space for the pits and deeper footings. Steel rebar cages were installed in all new concrete works to provide robust structural reinforcement.
Installation of steel posts and I-beams – New steel load-bearing posts and I-beams were added to support the building during wall modifications and to carry additional structural loads.
New drainage system – A modern drainage network (including weeping tiles and sumps) was integrated to handle meltwater and prevent water accumulation.
Concrete waterproofing – All new and existing foundation walls were coated with waterproof membranes and cementitious sealants to waterproof the basement concrete against moisture intrusion.
Wall cut-out – An opening was cut through a foundation wall to integrate the new snowmelt pits with the arena floor. This was done only after the wall section was securely underpinned and braced, maintaining structural stability during the cut.
Project Outcome and Benefits
This structural reinforcement and upgrade project was completed on schedule and met all the City of Georgina’s requirements for safety and quality. By the end of the summer construction window, the Georgina Ice Palace’s infrastructure was significantly improved and ready for the fall reopening. The newly underpinned foundation and steel reinforcements have enhanced the building’s structural integrity, extending the lifespan of this important community facility. The addition of modern indoor ice melt pits has streamlined arena maintenance by efficiently handling ice waste, a feature that improves operational efficiency for arena staff. Furthermore, the comprehensive basement underpinning and concrete waterproofing measures have fortified the arena against groundwater intrusion and seasonal freeze-thaw effects, which is crucial for a public ice rink facility.
Strong Basements’ professional execution of this project highlights their capability in delivering complex arena construction upgrades in collaboration with public-sector partners. The close coordination with CIMCO and city inspectors throughout the process ensured that each phase—from excavation and underpinning to waterproofing and final concrete pours—was done in compliance with strict standards. The Town of Georgina now benefits from a safer, more resilient ice rink foundation and improved ice maintenance systems, all achieved with minimal disruption to the community. This case study stands as an example of how specialized basement underpinning, structural reinforcement, and waterproofing solutions can be successfully applied to upgrade and preserve essential recreational infrastructure