How much does it cost to install makeup air ductwork for a commercial kitchen in Toronto?

Make-up air ductwork for a commercial kitchen in Toronto typically costs $5,000 to $20,000 or more, depending on the exhaust hood CFM rating, the length and complexity of the make-up air duct run, whether tempering (heating) of incoming air is required, and the specific requirements of Toronto Public Health and the Ontario Building Code. Small commercial kitchens with a single hood may fall in the $5,000 to $10,000 range, while full-service restaurant kitchens with high-volume exhaust often run $12,000 to $20,000 or higher.

The Ontario Building Code requires make-up air whenever total exhaust capacity exceeds 75 litres per second (approximately 159 CFM). Commercial kitchen exhaust hoods typically range from 1,000 to 4,000 CFM or more, which means every commercial kitchen in the GTA requires a dedicated make-up air system — this is not optional. The make-up air unit must be interlocked with the exhaust hood so that make-up air flows whenever the hood is operating, and the incoming air must be tempered during Toronto's heating season to avoid dumping -20 degree Celsius outdoor air directly into the kitchen.

The major cost components include: the make-up air unit itself ($2,000 to $8,000 depending on capacity and whether it includes gas-fired heating, electric heating, or a hot water coil), ductwork from the exterior intake to the kitchen ($1,500 to $5,000 depending on run length and routing), roof or wall penetrations and weatherproof intake hoods ($500 to $1,500), gas piping for a gas-fired tempering coil ($500 to $1,500, TSSA-registered contractor required), electrical wiring and controls ($800 to $2,000, ESA-Licensed Electrical Contractor required), and balancing and commissioning ($500 to $1,000).

Commercial kitchen ventilation in Toronto must comply with both the Ontario Building Code Part 6 and the Ontario Fire Code. The duct system must be constructed from minimum 18-gauge galvanized steel for grease-laden exhaust ducts, with welded or soldered seams — mechanical fasteners and duct tape are not permitted on grease exhaust ductwork because grease accumulates at screw points and tape joints, creating fire hazards. Make-up air ducts do not carry grease-laden air and can use standard commercial duct construction, but they must be sized to replace 80 to 100 percent of the exhausted air volume to maintain neutral or slightly negative pressure in the kitchen.

City of Toronto permits are mandatory for commercial kitchen ventilation work. You will need a mechanical permit for the ductwork and ventilation system, a plumbing permit if the hood includes a grease trap connection, and potentially a building permit if structural modifications are needed for duct routing. Permit fees for commercial mechanical work typically run $500 to $1,500. Toronto Public Health also inspects commercial kitchen ventilation as part of their food premises requirements.

Timing matters in the GTA commercial kitchen market — experienced sheet metal contractors who specialize in commercial kitchen ventilation are in high demand, and lead times of 4 to 8 weeks for equipment and scheduling are common. Start the process early in your restaurant buildout timeline. Toronto Ductwork can connect you with qualified contractors experienced in commercial kitchen ventilation through the Toronto Construction Network.