The University of Ontario Institute of Technology in Oshawa, about 70 kilometres east of WJ Canada’s head office in Toronto, is one of the country’s top institutions. It was also the site of one of our earliest projects in the region outside of the Crosstown LRT program.
Groundwater control is typically addressed early in a project’s planning. But sometimes, water shows up where it’s not expected. When that happens, having a trusted dewatering partner who can respond quickly is critical to avoiding costly delays.
That’s exactly what happened during early construction for a new building at Ontario Tech University. Planned to house the Faculty of Health Sciences, the Office of Student Life, and the Student Union, the project team encountered unexpected groundwater and reached out to WJ for support.
Thanks to our experienced team and well-equipped fleet, WJ was able to step in quickly. We developed a fit-for-purpose dewatering design, installed the system, and achieved the required drawdown within just a few weeks. The rapid turnaround kept the project on track and gave the client much-needed peace of mind.
To manage groundwater during bulk excavation and the construction of a deep central sump, WJ designed a wellpoint dewatering system tailored to site conditions. Typically, a project of this scale and depth would require a more costly perimeter eductor system.
Instead, we used our compact, extendable mast rig — known internally as the “Baby Giraffe” — to install the wellpoints with precision. Combined with thoughtful equipment placement and strong drilling technique, this approach eliminated the need for an energy-intensive and space-consuming eductor setup. The result was significant cost savings for the client.
The 100-point wellpoint system successfully drew groundwater down to a depth of 5 metres, creating stable, dry conditions for excavation. This level of drawdown is rarely achieved with wellpoints alone, demonstrating the impact of smart design backed by field expertise.
Given the site constraints and the connection to existing active buildings, space was limited and coordination was essential. WJ worked closely with the client throughout the project to ensure every stage moved forward without disruption.
The construction sequence had been planned before groundwater became a known factor. With the deep central sump scheduled early, a significant drawdown was needed right at the start, before the full dewatering system could be installed. Regular communication helped us adapt quickly and deliver exactly what was needed, when it was needed.
For both phases of wellpoint installation, WJ used our compact extendable mast rig. Its design allowed us to install wellpoints directly from ground level without building temporary rig platforms or access ramps. This reduced setup time and eliminated unnecessary costs.
Learn more about this project on the Ontario Tech University website.
“By avoiding the need for a space-consuming and energy-inefficient eductor system, we delivered significant cost savings for the client.”
This project at Ontario Tech University highlights WJ Canada’s ability to respond quickly, think creatively, and deliver effective dewatering solutions under pressure. By combining smart design, the right equipment, and close client collaboration, we kept the project moving and delivered real value where it mattered most: on time, on budget, and with confidence.
WJ have completed many projects in Canada and globally. Click on the links below to learn more about what we do.
Are you ready to see what else our vision can bring to your projects? Why not speak to our team of groundwater experts today?
