

Joshua Freeman, CP24.com





Construction workers at Yorkdale Shopping Centre have been asked to stay away from the mall’s food court during their working hours.

A copy of the notice to workers was sent to CP24 Friday.

“No workers are allowed inside the mall during construction work hours,” the notice from construction firm EllisDon Corp reads. “The Food court or anywhere else in the mall is NOT permitted anymore. If workers are caught inside the mall they will be removed and dealt with accordingly.”

Yorkdale is currently in the midst of a $331 million expansion that is set to be complete next year.

In an email to CP24, a spokesperson for the company said the move is due to safety concerns.

“The construction site is exceptionally dirty right now and so after discussions with the construction teams, it was decided to ask workers not to come into the shopping centre in their full gear because of the mud that was being tracked in,” EllisDon spokesperson Dustin Luchka said. “Constant mud on the floors makes the environment dangerous for Yorkdale shoppers.”

Luchka said the request is not unusual on such projects.

“All we ask is that muddy boots and gear are removed before entering public spaces. All comes down to safety,” Luchka said.

The mall did not immediately return a request for comment.