Public Services and Procurement Canada
Status report on transformational and major Crown projects: 2018 to 2019 Departmental Results Report

Document navigation for "Status report on transformational and major Crown projects: 2018 to 2019 Departmental Results Report"

On this page

National Defence Headquarters Carling Campus Project

This project is to upgrade and refit the buildings at Carling Campus enabling the Department of National Defense (DND) to consolidate a significant portion of its accommodations, currently located in the downtown core, to a single, suburban crown-owned location by March 31, 2020.

Project outcomes

This project will ensure that National Defence will have secure location from which they can continue to communicate sensitive information with other international allies, and a new work location that will drive business transformation by introducing the workplace renewal initiative and opportunities for co-location of staff currently in multiple locations. It will provide office space to accommodate a 3 phased migration of up to 9,455 DND team members who will consolidate to the campus from other National Capital Area (NCA) leases with full migration expected to be completed by March 31, 2020.

This consolidation project will result in important savings and cost avoidance for Canadians. The purchase of the campus represents overall savings and cost avoidance of approximately $750 million over the status quo.

Industrial benefits

The Canadian construction industry in the Ottawa region (including small and medium enterprises) will benefit from this project as the service provider (Brookfield Global Integrated Solutions), through the construction manager (EllisDon), will solicit bidders for the work to be done at the campus using transparent processes.

Sponsoring department

Public Services and Procurement Canada

Contracting authority

Participating departments

Prime contractor

Brookfield Global Integrated Solutions (BGIS)

Major subcontractors

Project phase

The project is in the delivery stage of National Project Management System and has received 4 expenditure authorities.

Major milestones

Expenditure authorities 1: December 12, 2013

Expenditure authorities 2: June 9, 2015

Expenditure authorities 3: February 2018

Expenditure authorities 4: February 2019

Inception stage of National Project Management System

Identification stage of National Project Management System

Delivery stage of National Project Management System

Close-out stage

Completion: March 31, 2021

Progress report and explanation of variances

The Carling Campus project phase 1 move-in is completed as of December 2017 and the remaining phases (phase 2 and phase 3) will be moved-in in 2019. The project close-out is to be completed by March 31, 2021.

One phase 2 building has been moved into and the remaining phase 2 and phase 3 buildings are all at various stages of refit and work is progressing as planned.

Long Term Vision and Plan for the Parliamentary Precinct

The Long Term Vision and Plan (LTVP) is delivered by Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) on behalf of the parliamentary partners (Senate of Canada, House of Commons, Library of Parliament, and Parliamentary Protective Service), as well as the Office of the Prime Minister and the Privy Council Office. The LTVP is a complex strategy implemented through rolling programs of work that offer flexibility to respond to emerging priorities. It comprises multiple concurrent projects of varying sizes and duration, including large-scale heritage restorations, new construction projects, smaller fit-up and information-technology-related work, as well as planning initiatives.

First developed in 2001, and subsequently updated in 2006, the LTVP has made significant progress in addressing health and safety risks, and in modernizing the Parliamentary Precinct to meet the needs of a 21st century parliament, including providing modern information technology, multimedia, and security enhancements. This infrastructure investment is essential to maintaining the working heart of Canadian parliamentary democracy, and preserving its heritage for future generations of Canadians and visitors.

To accomplish this, the LTVP is implemented through the following 5 distinct programs:

The Major Capital Program focuses on the rehabilitation of major buildings in the Parliamentary Precinct, including the 2 remaining rehabilitation projects in the parliamentary triad (Centre Block and East Block), the 180 Wellington Building, and the Senate of Canada Building. In addition, this program also manages new construction projects such as the Visitor Welcome Centre complex that connects the parliamentary triad to improve visitor experience and enhance security, as well as support parliamentary operations.

The Recapitalization Program addresses projects in buildings that are occupied and operational but have not yet been fully rehabilitated. The projects are designed to preserve buildings, stop or reduce ongoing deterioration, respond to urgent building repair requirements, address health and safety issues, and reduce cost and complexity of future work. The Recapitalization Program is also responsible for the restoration and rehabilitation of the heritage Parliament Hill grounds.

The Building Components and Connectivity Program entails the modernization of the precinct's campus-wide communication and information technology.

The Planning Program focuses on the development of master plans to guide project planning and preparatory work for future projects, including the development of plans and cost estimates. It provides overall coordination between active projects to ensure they dovetail and contribute to broader objectives of the LTVP vision and guiding principles.

The Security Infrastructure Program (security, material handling, etc.) focuses on the implementation of security measures in the precinct.

Long Term Vision and Plan review

In 2018 to 2019, PSPC advanced the planning for the transformation of the precinct, into an integrated parliamentary campus. With the recent completion of the rehabilitation of the Senate of Canada Building (formerly known as the Government Conference Centre) and the West Block, and the construction of the Visitor Welcome Centre (phase 1), the integrated parliamentary campus vision will be achieved through the restoration of the remaining 23 buildings in the precinct. This includes core buildings, such as the East Block, Confederation Building, Victoria Building, the Office of the Prime Minister and Privy Council Building (formerly the Langevin building) and Blackburn Building, as well as several aging and underutilized buildings along Sparks and Wellington streets.

PSPC developed a Campus Master Plan to advance the vision of an integrated campus. This Campus Master Plan will be leveraged by the department to ensure the LTVP reflects the government and parliamentary priorities. This will also build on and replace the 2006 LTVP, and will guide decision-making about the future growth, development, rehabilitation, and infrastructure of the integrated parliamentary campus. Looking forward, PSPC, the parliamentary partners, and stakeholder working groups will continue to work collaboratively to identify functional, flexible, integrated, and creative approaches to realize the full potential of the precinct campus and its important role in the nation's capital.

Project outcomes

The LTVP is a complex multi-decade strategy designed to address the following 3 priorities:

Through the delivery of the LTVP, broader benefits are also realized, including:

The benefits of a well-conceived and well-executed LTVP are substantial. When the work envisioned is complete, the Parliament buildings will stand not only as proud symbols of Canadian heritage, but also as the hub of a parliamentary system of government equipped to handle the demands of a growing, dynamic nation in a rapidly changing world.

Industrial benefits

The LTVP also provides a multitude of benefits to Canadians, including:

Job creation

The modernization and preservation of the Parliamentary Precinct provides Canadian businesses and individuals with the opportunity to play a unique role in our collective history, all while supporting diversity in both the industry, and its public service workforce.

Throughout the rehabilitation of the West Block, PSPC provided the opportunity for contractors to establish a masonry apprenticeship program. At the peak of the masonry rehabilitation apprenticeship program, over 200 masons were on site every day, including 62 apprentices, 18 of whom were women. This represented a record number of participants for a program of this nature in North America.

Indigenous partnerships

PSPC continues to look at ways to increase the number of meaningful economic opportunities for Indigenous businesses, employment and capacity building. For instance, the LTVP is supporting set-asides for Indigenous firms and creating jobs for small and medium enterprises across Canada, representing a broad cross section of the economy. This resulted in a substantial amount of the expenditures on the major projects tendered to and through Indigenous firms in 2018 to 2019. Moving forward, PSPC will continue to leverage economic opportunities for Indigenous business involvement by including provisions in all major contracts to subcontract at least 5% to Indigenous firms.

Using voluntarily set-asides through a procurement strategy for Indigenous business, PSPC has awarded over $15 million in work for Indigenous firms since 2014 to 2015. All recently completed major projects have included the use of set-asides, providing for:

Youth and innovation

In restoring and modernizing the Parliamentary Precinct, PSPC has established partnerships with Canadian universities and colleges, including the universities of Alberta, Calgary, Carleton, Manitoba, and Montréal. These partnerships are enabling PSPC to leverage unique research capacity and expertise to strengthen the 19th-century heritage buildings to meet the needs of 21st century users and building codes. Partnerships are also providing multiple benefits for government, universities and students, and creating opportunities for hundreds of students to hone their skills and develop the experience they need to succeed.

Over the past year, PSPC has also directly hired 91 students, 33% more than the previous year, in various areas in support of the delivery of the LTVP.

The department is now using 3D imaging to improve the design, construction and operations of the Parliament buildings, and technology, such as 3D printing and robotic stone cutting, to restore them. The department is also working with the University of Guelph to propagate the American elm tree, previously located in the pleasure grounds on Parliament Hill, and provide genetic samples to support the university's Elm Recovery Project. The measures taken, in collaboration with the University of Guelph, will enable the legacy of this historic parliamentary tree to live on.

Environmental sustainability

Through the LTVP, PSPC is reducing the government's carbon footprint and transforming the precinct into a model of environmental sustainability that honours and protects its unique cultural heritage. Greenhouse gas reduction in the precinct remains at 56%, and PSPC is on track to reduce emissions by 80% by 2030, and attain carbon neutrality by 2050. PSPC is also diverting over 90% of demolition materials from landfills. The final waste diversion rate for the West Block and the Senate of Canada building is 93%.

Energy efficient measures that PSPC has incorporated into buildings include: capturing and reusing heat, green roofs, solar hot water panels, water-saving plumbing systems, new energy efficient windows, and energy saving electrical systems. Other measures include the installation of beehives on the roof of the Senate of Canada Building and green walls within renovated buildings.

In 2018 to 2019, the Parliamentary Precinct LTVP launched and completed a number key sustainability initiatives, including:

Universal accessibility

The Parliamentary Precinct is also a model for accessibility with the site and buildings more accessible, family-friendly and open to the public. New and restored buildings throughout the precinct, including the West Block, Senate of Canada Building, and the first phase of the Visitor's Welcome Centre, have been designed and built to meet and in many cases exceed buildings codes. Some of these measures include:

Hearing
Availability of hearing loops in committee rooms and the Chambers, as well as the use of voice floor indicators in elevators, and sign interpretation services.
Mobility
Barrier-free access has been created in all public areas, including into the Chambers, public galleries, offices, meeting places, washrooms, and corridors. Expanded accessible seating in the Chambers has also been added along with power assisted door openers and at elevators sized to accommodate a stretcher or a power-assisted wheelchair.
Visual
Tactile and braille signage, as well as stairs with contrasting edge strips.

To promote a more open and transparent parliament that is accessible to all Canadians, buildings have been modified to include enhanced broadcast capabilities and simultaneous translation for other languages (for example, Indigenous languages). Furthermore, buildings now include adult change table readiness; accessible changing stations; accessible drinking fountains; daycare, family, spouse and meditation/prayer rooms; and gender-neutral washrooms to reflect the modern needs of building users.

In 2018 to 2019, PSPC conducted an accessibility review in order to develop an accessibility action plan for the Parliamentary Precinct, including putting in place an external advisory panel to provide advice throughout the development of the plan.

Security

In recent years, PSPC has implemented additional measures in the precinct that balance security with the need to ensure access for Canadians to Parliament Hill. The Visitor Welcome Centre (phase 1), a newly constructed modern, multi-level underground facility helps maintain a balance between openness and security on Parliament Hill by acting as the principal entrance to Parliament during the rehabilitation of Centre Block. The structure provides enhanced secure access for parliamentarians and staff, and visitor screening outside the footprint of the main Parliament buildings. This feature improves the visitor experience to one of Canada's most important heritage sites and popular tourist attraction.

Sponsoring department

Public Services and Procurement Canada

Contracting authority

Public Services and Procurement Canada

Participating departments and agencies

The National Capital Commission, the Federal Heritage Buildings Review Office, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

Parliamentary partners

Prime contractor

Major subcontractors

Project phase

The LTVP encompasses numerous and varied individual major capital, recapitalization, building components and connectivity, and planning projects taking place simultaneously at different project phases at any one time. The major Crown projects are described below.

West Block rehabilitation

The West Block is the oldest building of the Parliamentary triad on Parliament Hill. This 4-story building was built in 3 phases between 1859 and 1909.

After a 7-year rehabilitation project, the beautifully restored and modernized West Block was officially transferred to the House of Commons on November 1, 2018, in time for the winter 2019 parliamentary sitting. Final work focused on completing the installation of electrical, information technology, multimedia and interior finishes.

The rehabilitation of the West Block was a key element of the LTVP, as the rehabilitated building houses interim legislative functions for the House of Commons during the rehabilitation of the Centre Block. Rehabilitation work began in 2011 with the aim to restore and modernize the West Block and address health and safety risks to meet the needs of a 21st century parliament. This included the structural restoration, seismic reinforcement and upgrading of all building systems to current standards. PSPC also leveraged the rehabilitation project to position Canada as a leader in the rehabilitation of heritage buildings, by reducing the precinct's environmental footprint, maintaining a balance between openness and security, and making an accessible and inclusive environment for parliamentarians, staff, and, visitors.

Following the rehabilitation of the Centre Block, the West Block will revert to a parliamentary building, containing office suites for members of parliament and their staff, committee rooms and associated support space.

Visitor Welcome Centre (phase 1)

The Visitor Welcome Centre (phase 1) is the first new building to be built on the Hill in over 100 years. The building was designed to perfectly blend with the historical structures and natural surroundings of Parliament Hill, and provides enhanced secure access for parliamentarians and staff, as well as visitor screening outside the footprint of the main Parliament building, shipping and receiving for the West Block and a utility pathway between adjacent buildings. The building also improves the visitor experience to one of Canada's most important heritage sites and popular tourist attractions.

In 2018 to 2019, PSPC completed the construction of the first phase of the Visitor Welcome Centre in time for the winter 2019 parliamentary sitting. Final work focused on installation of mechanical and electrical systems, interior finishes and furniture.

Senate of Canada building rehabilitation

Located outside Parliament Hill, the Senate of Canada Building (formerly known as the Government Conference Centre) occupies a prominent location in downtown Ottawa, along the Rideau Canal.

After a 4-year rehabilitation project, the beautifully restored and modernized Senate of Canada Building was officially transferred to the Senate of Canada in December 2018. Senate functions historically located in the Centre Block were relocated to the Senate of Canada Building, to accommodate the Senate Chamber, 3 committee rooms, and Parliamentary Office units for leadership and legislative functions for the duration of the Centre Block rehabilitation.

The rehabilitation of the building included significant interior renovations, such as the full replacement of key building systems to modern efficient mechanical, electrical and life-safety systems, and to remove hazardous substances. In addition to meeting the interim accommodation needs of the Senate, the rehabilitation of this building will help meet the long-term business needs of PSPC after the Senate returns to the Centre Block.

Final work focused on finishing the east addition of the building, the Chamber and committee rooms, information technology infrastructure, and interior finishes (such as drywall, mouldings, plaster ceilings, etc.).

East Block rehabilitation (phase 1)

The East Block on Parliament Hill was built in 2 major campaign periods. The first portion was completed in 1865, which included the main east and south wings (referred to as the 1867 Wing). Subsequently, in 1910, a second wing was added to the east to enclose the courtyard.

In 2018 to 2019, PSPC continued advancing the first phase of the East Block rehabilitation project. Rehabilitation work has started on 4 targeted areas to address the more pressing health and safety issues: the South West Tower, the South East entrance (Agricultural entrance), the South entrance and the Governor General's entrance. Work being completed to rehabilitate these areas included seismic upgrades, masonry rehabilitation, restoration of heritage stained glass, replacement of windows, exterior doors, and some of the copper roof, and the conservation of ornamental ironwork.

In addition, PSPC has continued to implement an enhanced maintenance program to provide targeted maintenance activities, and an ongoing screening and investigation program to identify urgent issues that need to be addressed before the building's full rehabilitation for which early planning activities continued this year. Examples of these activities include the development of a functional program, as well as technical and feasibility studies.

As part of the second phase, the department is assessing options for the remaining exterior rehabilitation and for advancing the full interior rehabilitation of the East Block. The full rehabilitation will address the remaining exterior work not addressed in the first phase, including the 1910 Wing, completing the seismic reinforcement program for the entire building, and replacing interior building systems with modern systems. The building will also be upgraded to meet the modern building standards and functional requirements to meet the accommodation needs of the Senate of Canada.

Centre Block rehabilitation

Built between 1916 and 1927, the Centre Block is one of Canada's most important national symbols. An icon of Canadian democracy, the Centre Block is home to the Senate of Canada, the House of Commons, and the Library of Parliament. The building is occupied by the Parliamentary Protective Service, the Privy Council Office and by PSPC for building maintenance.

The beautifully restored and modernized West Block, the Senate of Canada Building and Visitor Welcome Centre phase 1 were officially transferred to parliamentarians in fall 2018, achieving a key mandate commitment of moving parliamentary operations from the Centre Block. In 2018 to 2019, PSPC worked collaboratively with Parliament to ensure a seamless and phased transition of parliamentary operations into the interim spaces, and completed the move in time for the January 2019 parliamentary session.

Decommissioning activities are now underway in the Centre Block, and PSPC is completing assessments of the building's condition. This involves carefully opening up the walls and floors to better understand the building's condition, working with parliamentarians to clearly define the functions and requirements of a modern Centre Block, and developing an informed concept (or schematic design). Rehabilitation will include structural and seismic reinforcements, security enhancements, and completely new building systems that will extend the lifecycle of the building well into the 21st century. A series of enabling projects is also underway to address work that needs to occur before the start of major construction activities.

100 Wellington: A space for Indigenous peoples

PSPC is leveraging the delivery of the LTVP to advance efforts in reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. In 2018 to 2019, the department continued to work with Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNA), national Indigenous organizations, and the Algonquin Nation to transform the former United States Embassy located at 100 Wellington into a national space for Indigenous peoples.

Together with Indigenous partners, PSPC is also working with CIRNA to transform the 100 Wellington building into an Indigenous Peoples' Space. The Minister responsible for CIRNA is the federal lead on the development of the vision for the space, while the Minister responsible for PSPC is accountable for the rehabilitation of the building. The building has been converted into a temporary exhibition, meeting and press space for Indigenous peoples for use in the next 2.5 years, until major construction activities begin for the final long-term design. Collaboration is ongoing to refine the vision for the permanent space, and to establish an Indigenous-led not for profit organization to operate the space in the short and long term.

The Indigenous Peoples' Space project represents a unique and historic opportunity to promote reconciliation and a renewed relationship with Indigenous Peoples, all while enhancing Indigenous participation in the Parliamentary Precinct.

Major milestones

Long Term Vision and Plan

Since the completion of the Library of Parliament in 2006, PSPC has delivered 24 major projects in the precinct, all on time and on budget. Since 2015, 5 major projects have been completed: the Sir John A. Macdonald and Wellington Buildings, the West Block, the Senate of Canada Building (formerly known as the Government Conference Centre), and the new Visitor Welcome Centre (phase 1). The following table outlines the projects and their respective target and final completion dates.

Update to the Long Term Vision and Plan
LTVP project Target completion Final completion
Perimeter security project 2013 2013
East Block 1867 Wing—Northwest towers 2013 2013
Sir John A. Macdonald Building rehabilitation 2015 2015
Wellington Building rehabilitation 2016 2016
West Block rehabilitation 2018 2018
Visitor Welcome Centre (phase 1) 2018 2018
Senate of Canada Building 2018 2018
West Block Building rehabilitation
Visitor Welcome Centre (phase 1)
Senate of Canada Building rehabilitation
East Block rehabilitation (phase 1)
Centre Block rehabilitation

Progress report and explanation of variances

Variances of the budget

West Block rehabilitation

The total project cost within the approved budget was $862.9 million [excluding goods and services tax (GST)/harmonized sales tax (HST)], and the project was completed within this amount.

Visitor Welcome Centre (phase 1)

The total project cost within the approved budget was $129.87 million (excluding HST), and the project was completed within this amount.

Senate of Canada Building rehabilitation

The total project cost within the approved budget was $219.8 million (excluding HST), and the project was completed within this amount.

East Block rehabilitation (phase 1)

The total project cost remains within the approved budget of $80.6 million (excluding HST).

Centre Block program

Expenditure authority at an indicative cost estimate of $761.6 million (excluding HST) has been approved to execute enabling projects, detailed investigation programs to inform schematic design, and refine cost and scheduling and develop the decommissioning strategy to empty the Centre Block. It is anticipated that a more substantial cost estimate and schedule will be further realized in 2019.

Variances of the major milestones

There are currently no variances to the major milestones. An active management approach has been instituted to avoid project delays, and lessons learned have been captured and are being applied to subsequent projects in the LTVP Program.

Long Term Vision and Plan for investments in federal science

Federal science and research plays a key role in the lives of Canadians and is essential to achieving the Government of Canada's mandate of supporting the health, security and well-being of Canadians and advancing Canada's economic agenda. Investments in federal science are being implemented leveraging a whole-of-government approach which aims to build a stronger and more collaborative federal science and technology ecosystem, all while addressing the aging federal science infrastructure which has reached a critical state. Guided by a long term vision and plan, the initiative will revitalize federal science by building a national network of modern, multipurpose, federal science and technology laboratories. This will support evidence-based decision-making, promote collaboration with partners, and foster innovation in core program delivery, including regulatory responsibilities. This initiative creates the opportunity to engage with Canada's science landscape, build strong relationships with academic institutions as well as the private sector, and is expected to create over 20,000 jobs (person-years of employment) in its first phase in a broad footprint of the Canadian economy from architecture and engineering, to manufacturing, trades and construction.

These investments will enable federal scientists to conduct innovative and collaborative science in 21st century facilities across Canada. Implementation will take place in phases, with phase 1 addressing facilities in the NCA, Ontario, Quebec, Atlantic, and Western Canada regions.

The initiative is a joint undertaking by ministers responsible for science and for federal infrastructure, in partnership with science-based departments and agencies (science partners). The minister responsible for PSPC as well as Shared Services Canada is accountable for the infrastructure and information management and technology (IM/IT) aspects of this initiative.

In phase 1, the program serves 13 federal science-based departments and agencies, therefore significant horizontal engagement is required on an ongoing basis. Science departments and agencies have identified complimentary outcomes that are the basis for phase 1 infrastructure projects. The initiative partners have also identified 5 science clusters that are focused on opportunities to strengthen their respective research agendas, through enhanced interdisciplinary work and shared facilities where appropriate:

Project outcomes

The horizontal investments in federal science will create a world-class, national network of federal laboratories to support evidence-based decision-making, collaborative scientific discovery research with partners, and innovation in core program delivery across the science spectrum, including regulatory responsibilities by:

By addressing the science infrastructure, this initiative will also enable PSPC to meet its regulatory responsibilities pertaining to real property and infrastructure, including accessibility and sustainability.

Industrial benefits

These investments in federal science will provide a multitude of benefits for Canadians, ranging from enabling science excellence, to providing greater opportunities for talent, youth, minorities and women, while leveraging Canadian laboratories that are a model of sustainability and accessibility.

Science excellence

Federal infrastructure is a critical enabler of federal science excellence. Renewed, modern 21st century laboratory infrastructure, supported by robust and tailored IM/IT will support evidence-based decision-making and allow scientists to identify innovative solutions to address environmental and health issues, as well as invigorate Canada's research capabilities. This in turn will accelerate scientific breakthroughs and discoveries that will ultimately benefit Canadians.

A Diverse and inclusive talent pool

Enabling science excellence requires talented and innovative individuals who can find solutions, leveraging science to address the challenges facing Canadian society. State-of-the-art facilities and opportunities to collaborate with scientific leaders will help Canada recruit and retain high-caliber talent. Attracting and retaining a talented, diverse, and inclusive cadre of scientists, including early-career and international scientists, will build Canada's reputation as country of scientific innovation.

Gender and diversity

Positive indirect impacts for diverse groups of people are anticipated in the federal science and technology community as federal science sets standards for equal opportunity and treatment. Women comprise more than half of the federal scientific and professional occupational groups, even though they are under-represented in science, technology, engineering and mathematics in the broader Canadian labour force. The federal science community also includes representation of visible minorities, Indigenous peoples and those with disabilities that is reflective of the Canadian population. Furthermore, amongst all federal occupational categories, the visible minority population is the highest in the science community.

Opportunities for youth

Projects will create unique opportunities for Canada's youth. This initiative will offer opportunities for students to contribute to delivery of the program and build industry capacity. Student programming will be leveraged over the course of this initiative program of work through partnerships with universities to leverage innovative practices and deliver the program more efficiently.

Environmental sustainability

Environmental responsibility is a key principle of this horizontal initiative. Through renewed science laboratories, PSPC will demonstrate leadership in low-carbon, resilient, and green operations, with new facilities designed to meet federal standards for environmental sustainability. By reducing the overall footprint of federal science facilities and focusing on making new buildings environmentally sustainable, climate resilient, and targeting carbon neutral, the government will lead by example and support its commitments under the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change.

Accessibility

Investments in federal science will provide a significant opportunity to create work spaces and infrastructure that ensure accessibility and inclusion by accounting for these factors in the early design and planning stages. These investments will also pilot new approaches for design and implementation, through the inclusion of local community representatives for the development of accessibility standards in building design. Flexible and adaptable space will ensure that scientists can respond quickly to shifting priorities and stay at the cutting edge of their field. Specific and additional commitments to accessibility will set the bar higher for all Canadian workplaces through practices exercised in the initiative's spaces. From accessible laboratories to gender-neutral washrooms, the built infrastructure will create an environment from the ground up that is supportive of diversity and inclusion.

Sponsoring department

Public Services and Procurement Canada

Contracting authority

Public Services and Procurement Canada

Participating departments

Prime contractor

Not applicable

Major subcontractors

Not applicable

Project phase

Phase 1 is a critical first step to strengthening the science ecosystem in Canada and enabling Canadian scientists and researchers to excel in their respective fields by working hand-in-hand with them to build new and renewed facilities that support collaboration and evidence-based decision-making. It is about leveraging lessons learned and an established concept of collaboration to achieve science and research objectives.

In 2018, Cabinet approved the launch and delivery of a program of work comprising phase 1, most notably the federal laboratory renewal, which will focus on renewing aging critical science infrastructure and building new laboratories in the National Capital Region, as well as Ontario, Quebec and the Western Region.

Cabinet also approved 5 science priority areas, including security, regulation, health and safety, resource management, transportation and heritage conservation to be addressed over the 5 years of phase 1. Science plans have been completed for each of the science clusters, and outline their vision and desired outcomes.

Key priorities for phase 1

Major milestones

In November 2018, Cabinet approved the launch and delivery of the phase 1 program of work.

This initiative serves all federal science-based departments and agencies. Successful implementation of phase 1 requires horizontal engagement with these organizations, as well as central agencies and Shared Services Canada, on an ongoing basis.

The initiative is guided by a LTVP, with the following major elements to be completed during the first phase of the plan through 2023.

Site selection

The development of a transparent evidenced-based site selection methodology in collaboration with the science clusters in order to ensure that science and the scientific community are primary drivers of any decision made for new facilities.

Design and procurement

PSPC will tender and award an architectural and engineering services contract for laboratory design. The contractor will develop a laboratory standards catalogue, functional programming, and concept designs for the renewal of the critical science infrastructure elements.

PSPC will tender and award regional based architectural and engineering services and construction management contracts to design and build the smaller cluster facilities located in Ontario and the Western Region. The regional clustered approach creates a scale of economy that will improve quality and supports a streamlined and efficient approach to delivery in these areas while creating new opportunities for more firms to participate in this initiative.

Project delivery

Advance the planning, design and delivery of 11 science infrastructure projects with many being completed by 2023.

Effective life-cycle management of Canada's renewed federal science infrastructure

In order to best support the effective life-cycle management of new and renewed federal science infrastructure and the long-term viability of these important assets, PSPC is working with the Treasury Board Secretariat on 2 key initiatives:

Progress report and explanation of variances

Progress report

Variances of the major milestones

There are currently no variances to the major milestones.

Document navigation for "Status report on transformational and major Crown projects: 2018 to 2019 Departmental Results Report"

Date modified: