Public Services and Procurement Canada
Status report on transformational and major crown projects: 2020 to 2021 Departmental Plan

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Long Term Vision and Plan for the Parliamentary Precinct

Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) is implementing the Long Term Vision and Plan (LTVP) for the Parliamentary Precinct—a multi-decade plan for the restoration and modernization for the buildings and grounds on and around Parliament Hill. The Parliamentary Precinct is comprised of 35 Crown-owned buildings, of which 28 are designated federal heritage properties, including the parliamentary triad (West Block, Centre Block, and East Block), as well as several leased properties throughout the National Capital Region.

The LTVP is delivered by 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 Privy Council, and is designed to:

This complex and strategic plan is delivered through rolling programs of work that offer flexibility to respond to emerging priorities. First approved 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, all while respecting its heritage character.

To manage and advance the LTVP, PSPC has established 5 closely connected and interdependent programs, the:

The Major Capital Program focuses on the rehabilitation of major buildings in the Parliamentary Precinct, including the Centre Block rehabilitation project, as well as previously completed projects such as the West Block, the 180 Wellington Building, and the Senate of Canada Building. In addition, this program manages new construction projects, such as the Visitor Welcome Centre Complex.

The Recapitalization Program addresses buildings that are occupied and operational and 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 character of the Parliament Hill grounds.

The Building Components and Connectivity Program entails the modernization of the precinct's campus-wide communication and information technology. These projects are occurring in more than 30 buildings in the precinct to ensure they meet modern parliamentary business needs.

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. Through studies, design guidelines and strategic advice, the planning team supports the initiation of new projects and coordinates active projects to ensure they support and contribute to the broader objectives of the LTVP.

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

Each program of work is comprised of multiple concurrent projects of varying sizes and durations, including large-scale heritage restorations, new construction projects, smaller fit-up and information-technology related works, as well as planning initiatives.

Over the course of the past 15 years, the Parliamentary Precinct's LTVP has focused on the rehabilitation of the parliamentary triad (West Block, Centre Block, and East Block), and the upgrade of numerous other assets, which faced serious deterioration. During this time, the LTVP has planned and delivered a complex sequence of interdependent projects and moves throughout the precinct. This process was necessary to develop the swing space needed to vacate the Centre Block, and commence the strategy to fully restore and modernize other key heritage assets. PSPC successfully accomplished this objective in fall 2018 when parliamentary operations were successfully transferred from the Centre Block into the beautifully restored and modernized West Block, Senate of Canada Building, and the newly constructed Phase 1 of the Visitor Welcome Centre―the first new building to be constructed on Parliament Hill in over 100 years.

Current LTVP efforts are now focused on the historic rehabilitation of Centre Block and rehabilitating the remaining precinct assets in need of intervention including the redevelopment of the 3 city blocks across from Parliament Hill known as Blocks 1, 2, 3 (area bound by Wellington, Bank, Sparks and Elgin streets).

In order to further meet the needs of a 21st century parliament, an update to the LTVP is currently underway through the development of a Campus Master Plan, shifting the LTVP from a building-by-building approach towards an integrated parliamentary campus. The LTVP update will guide decision-making about future growth, development, rehabilitation, and infrastructure with the underlying objective of building an integrated parliamentary campus that considers important connective infrastructure issues including: accessibility, sustainability, security, and the movement of people, goods and vehicles.

The strategy for transitioning the broader precinct into an integrated campus that meets the needs of a 21st century parliament will advance significantly beginning with the launch of an international design competition in the summer of 2020 to redevelop aging and underutilised Crown properties along Wellington and Sparks streets (Block 2), the completion of which will enable the restoration of the remaining buildings on Parliament Hill, including the East Block. A design competition will bolster innovative ideas and promote design excellence, all of which reflect the significance of the site.

PSPC is also working with Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs (CIRNA), and the National Representative Organizations (NROs) (Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, and the Métis National Council), and with the Algonquin Anishinabeg Nation to transform the 100 Wellington Street building into a national space for Indigenous Peoples.

PSPC is supporting CIRNA, the NROs, and the Algonquin Anishinabeg Nation in the continued development and delivery of this project in order to establish a clear vision for the space that will provide an exciting new addition to Canada's Parliamentary Precinct. PSPC is responsible for managing the construction and fit-up of the 100 Wellington building, while CIRNA and the Indigenous partners are leading the vision development. PSPC has converted the space into a temporary exhibition, meeting and press space for Indigenous peoples for use until major construction activities begin for the permanent design.

PSPC will continue to work with CIRNA and Indigenous partners and support their recommended pace and approach for the development of the permanent vision for the space.

Project outcomes

Through the delivery of the LTVP, PSPC ensures the integrity of the nation's most iconic assets and that parliamentarians are provided with accommodations that enable them to carry out the ongoing work of the country effectively, efficiently and with minimal interruption.

With parliamentary operations fully transitioned out of the Centre Block in 2018, current LTVP efforts are now focused on the:

As the LTVP program advances, 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

Job creation

With the recent completion of major projects, the rehabilitation of the West Block, the Senate of Canada Building (formerly known as the Government Conference Centre), and the construction of phase 1 of the Visitor Welcome Centre, the LTVP has produced thousands of person-years of employment. Looking forward, the LTVP is expected to generate thousands more by continuing to stimulate the economy through contracts with small, medium, and large companies across varying sectors such as manufacturing, architecture, engineering, construction, and skilled trades, and to benefit Canadian social, cultural and heritage landscapes.

Indigenous partnerships

PSPC continues to look at ways to increase the number of meaningful economic opportunities for Indigenous businesses, employment, and capacity building. The LTVP focuses on Indigenous benefits and uses Indigenous firms in its procurement process. PSPC has awarded over $40 million in work for Indigenous firms since 2007 to 2008 on projects within the scope of the Parliamentary Precinct. All recently completed major projects have included the use of set asides, providing for:

In support of the short-term use of the Indigenous Peoples' Space, Indigenous consulting firms were used to support the NROs in the early vision and design development for the space.

The historic rehabilitation of the Centre Block will provide even more opportunities for meaningful Indigenous engagement. An Indigenous participation plan has been developed, and over the term of the project, it will develop long-term capacity and sustainable and meaningful socio-economic benefits for Indigenous tradespeople, professionals and businesses in a variety of fields.

Youth and innovation

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

PSPC has leveraged the hiring of students and has established partnerships with Canadian post-secondary institutions, such as: the University of Alberta, the University of Calgary, Carleton University, the University of Manitoba, University of Guelph, and l'Université de Montréal to help to create unique opportunities for young Canadians to contribute to these historic projects and to build industry capacity. These partnerships provide invaluable job experience for Canadian youth, creating opportunities to hone the skills and practical experience they need to succeed, while contributing to the historic work within the precinct.

These partnerships have directly contributed to the delivery and development of the LTVP. Through a continued partnership with Carleton Immersive Media Studio, PSPC is using 3D imaging to improve the design, construction, and operations of the buildings within the Parliamentary Precinct. PSPC is also supporting the University of Guelph's Elm Recovery Project by providing genetic samples of the American elm tree (previously located in the pleasure grounds on Parliament Hill) in order to propagate the tree, thus enabling it to live on in Canada.

Universal accessibility

PSPC strives to become a model of accessibility excellence and inclusive design. This is central to the LTVP which seeks to ensure that the precinct not only meets, but exceeds standards for accessibility, while providing an equitable experience for all.

New and restored buildings throughout the precinct, including the West Block, Senate of Canada Building, and phase 1 of the Visitor Welcome Centre, have exemplified this excellence through features such as:

Moving forward, the Campus Master Plan presents an opportunity whereby universal accessibility remains a key feature in the development of the Parliamentary Precinct and its shift to an integrated campus.

PSPC has established an accessibility advisory panel that is tasked with the development of a universal accessibility review and action plan. The purpose is to develop the strategy, criteria, tools, and plan for the Parliamentary Precinct to make the grounds and buildings even more universally accessible. In 2020 to 2021, PSPC will begin to implement the strategy developed by the panel and articulated in the action plan.

Security

PSPC has continued to improve and implement security measures that enhance safety within the Parliamentary Precinct but still offer an open and accessible parliament to Canadians. The first phase of the recently constructed Visitor's Welcome Centre provides enhanced secure access for visitors to the main Parliament buildings. This will be further complemented through the development of the Visitor Welcome Centre Complex. Phase 2 of the Visitor Welcome Centre will interconnect the West Block with the Centre Block and East Block to form one integrated parliamentary complex which includes security screening for all visitors. Furthermore, the development of the Campus Master Plan will take into account enhanced security measures in the development and restoration of the precinct's buildings and assets, consolidated as a campus and not only as individual facilities.

Environmental sustainability

PSPC is committed to showcasing the Parliamentary Precinct as a model of sustainability by leveraging the LTVP to reduce the carbon footprint of the Government of Canada, all while protecting its heritage character.

PSPC is diverting more than 90% of demolition materials from landfills. As well, major projects target a 25% reduction in energy consumption over and above the National Building Code standards, and installing, for example, green roofs, solar hot water panels, and water-saving plumbing systems. PSPC has already reduced greenhouse gas emissions in the precinct by 56% as of March 31, 2019, and is on track to reduce them by 80% by 2030.

PSPC's excellence in sustainability has been implemented and showcased in the newly renovated West Block and Senate of Canada Building, and is historically proven by receiving distinguished Green Globes certifications on previous major projects completed since 2015:

Moving forward, the department will continue to incorporate climate-resilient design into its projects. To this end, in 2020 to 2021, PSPC will advance or accomplish the following sustainability initiatives:

Continue to develop a greenhouse gas options analysis methodology, a holistic approach that examines buildings as complete systems, while considering the interaction of different elements, such as mechanical systems, lighting, people, equipment loads, and the external environment.

Sponsoring department

Public Services and Procurement Canada

Contracting authority

Public Services and Procurement Canada

Participating departments and agencies

Parliamentary partners

Prime contractor

Construction management contractor

Project phase

The LTVP includes various individual major capital, recapitalization, building components and connectivity, and planning projects that take place simultaneously across different project phases, at any one time. The ongoing and planned major Crown projects are described below.

East Block rehabilitation

As part of the LTVP, the rehabilitation of the East Block will occur in 2 distinct phases. Phase 1, which is currently underway, focuses on recapitalization work on 4 areas of greatest concern within the exterior envelope of the 1867 wing. These areas include urgent repairs to the South West Tower, the South East entrance (Agricultural entrance), the South entrance and the Governor General's entrance; as well as the implementation of an enhanced maintenance program to provide targeted maintenance activities and an ongoing screening and investigation program to identify issues to be addressed prior to its full rehabilitation. In 2020 to 2021, PSPC will continue to implement phase 1 while the East Block remains partially occupied.

PSPC has begun to develop the critical path forward for the longer-term East Block rehabilitation project, including assessing various options for the remaining exterior rehabilitation of the building, and advancing its full interior rehabilitation. The remaining exterior rehabilitation will include restoring the 1910 Wing, completing the seismic reinforcement program for the entire building, and replacing interior building systems with modern systems. In 2020 to 2021, PSPC will continue pre-planning activities such as the development of a functional program, as well as technical and feasibility studies.

Once complete, the restored and modernized East Block will meet modern building standards, with the functional requirements addressing the accommodation needs of the Senate of Canada.

Centre Block rehabilitation

Built between 1916 and 1927, the iconic Centre Block is Canada's home of democracy. Prior to the transition of parliamentary operations to the newly restored West Block and the Senate of Canada Building, the Centre Block was home to the Senate of Canada and House of Commons Chambers, and the Library of Parliament.

The restoration and modernization of the Centre Block has been the core objective of the LTVP since its inception. The building has not undergone significant upgrades in over a century. Its rehabilitation is a complex, multi-year project that will include many facets, such as structural and seismic reinforcement, masonry restoration, designated substance abatement, heritage asset conservation, security enhancements and the installation of completely new building systems to ensure it meets the needs of a 21st century parliament.

A series of enabling projects have been completed to prepare for rehabilitation work to commence. Some examples include:

In the year ahead, PSPC will continue to work in concert with its partners in Parliament to finalize the project's schematic design, informing the scope and construction schedule of the Centre Block rehabilitation project, and to advance major construction activities, including demolition and abatement of hazardous substances, and excavation for the expanded Visitor Welcome Centre. Additionally, PSPC will continue to make appearances before parliamentary committees on program and financial performance, including the House of Commons Procedure and House Affairs Committee which is undertaking study on the Centre Block.

The rehabilitation will also include exterior masonry rehabilitation; restoring the building's stonework, wood, plaster, frescoes, stained glass, and metalwork; replacing outdated mechanical, electrical, and fire safety systems to extend the life of the building well into the 21st century and beyond. Improved accessibility will also offer an equitable experience to all Canadians and visitors.

Blocks 1, 2, and 3

Developed at different stages from 1858 to 1968, buildings and assets south of Parliament, along Sparks and Wellington streets are generally referred to as Blocks 1, 2, and 3. PSPC is committed to restoring and developing these underutilized assets, which are in poor condition. This redevelopment addresses the requirement for swing space during the rehabilitation of the Confederation Building, the East Block and other assets such as the Office of the Prime Minister and the Privy Council, as well as longer-term accommodations demands.

PSPC will continue working in concert with its parliamentary partners, as well as National Capital Commission, the City of Ottawa and the Federal Heritage Building Review Office, in the planning and development of the blocks. It will also launch an international design completion for a new landmark parliamentary building to be built on Wellington Street across from the Peace Tower—the completion of which is key to transitioning the precinct into an accessible, sustainable and secure campus that meets the needs of a 21st century parliament, and to restoring the remaining buildings on Parliament Hill.

To support the campus objective, PSPC plans to launch an architectural design competition to redevelop the city block facing Parliament Hill bounded by Wellington, O'Connor, Sparks and Metcalfe streets (Block 2), which consists of 11 buildings, which are in poor condition. PSPC has engaged the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada to oversee the design competition, including the nomination of an independent jury to select the winner. Leveraging a design competition will bolster innovative ideas and promote design excellence, all of which reflect the significance of the site. In fact, the original Parliament buildings were the result of a design competition held in 1859. It will also enable PSPC to transform aging and underutilized Crown buildings into a sustain­able and integrated campus that meets the needs of a modern parliament.

100 Wellington: A space for Indigenous Peoples

On June 21, 2017 (National Indigenous Peoples' Day) the Prime Minister announced that an Indigenous Peoples' space would be created in the heart of the Parliamentary Precinct. This commitment would see the transformation of the former U.S. Embassy located at 100 Wellington Street (within Block 2 of the Parliamentary Precinct), into the Indigenous Peoples' space.

The development of the Indigenous Peoples' space represents a unique and historic opportunity to promote reconciliation and a renewed relationship with Indigenous peoples, while enhancing Indigenous participation in the Parliamentary Precinct. The building has been converted into a temporary exhibition, meeting and press space for short-term use until major construction activities begin for the final permanent design.

Moving forward, PSPC will continue to support CIRNA the development of the vision for the permanent space. Once the vision has been developed for the long-term Indigenous Peoples' Space, PSPC will begin major construction. The project will also be leveraged to further incorporate Indigenous procurement in the rehabilitation of the Parliamentary Precinct.

Major milestones

Long Term Vision and Plan: PSPC has completed 24 major projects since the completion of the Library of Parliament in 2006. Recently completed major projects include:

Recently completed Long Term Vision and Plan Projects

Update to the Long Term Vision and Plan
LTVP project Target completion Final completion
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

Progress report and explanation of variances

East Block rehabilitation phase 1

Centre Block rehabilitation

Variances of the budget

There are currently no variances to budgets.

Variances of the major milestones

There are currently no variances to the major milestones.

National Defence Headquarters Carling Campus Project

This project is to upgrade and refit the buildings at Carling Campus enabling the Department of National Defence (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 a 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 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

Major subcontractors

Project phase

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

Major milestones

Milestones

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 I move-in is completed as of December 2017 and the remaining phases (phase II and phase III) are being moved into in 2019 to 2020. The project close-out is to be completed by March 31, 2021.

Three buildings of the phase II buildings are moved into and the remaining phase II and phase III buildings (2 buildings) are at various stages of refit and work is progressing as planned.

The Long Term Vision and Plan for investments in federal science

Federal science and research plays a key role in the lives of Canadians. The Government of Canada is committed to revitalizing federal science and technology excellence by creating a world-class national network of modern and multipurpose laboratories. The government owns and operates over 3,500 federal science and technology assets, including approximately 200 science and research facilities. With almost 50% of these assets built before 1975, the physical, digital and equipment backbones no longer meet modern needs and impede science outcomes. As such, PSPC, in partnership with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada and science-based departments and agencies, has established a LTVP that describes a 25-year integrated approach to building new federal laboratories and fostering the change necessary to amplify existing successful collaborative efforts. The vision is to create a world-class national network of modern, multipurpose, federal science and technology laboratories to support collaborative, multidisciplinary research and innovation, and evidence-based decision-making, including in regulatory responsibilities.

Aligned with the Government of Canada's vision for science and research, this initiative recognizes the need for a transformative approach to addressing various science and technology challenges, including aging infrastructure and aims to advance collaborative, multidisciplinary research. The approach was developed by the federal science community and driven by science outcomes. It also correlates with the independent views of the chief science advisor, the 2017 Fundamental Science Review led by Dr. David Naylor, and the Council of Canadian Academies, as well as counterparts in other international jurisdictions.

The initiative also intends to address policy and administrative barriers that inhibit collaboration, streamline equipment procurement procedures and modernize information management and information technology (IM/IT) systems.

The minister responsible for innovation, science and industry has the overall policy and leadership role for ensuring the initiative supports the objectives mapped out in Canada's science vision. The minister for Public Services and Procurement is accountable for implementing the new science infrastructure and retains the budget and contracting responsibilities. A governance framework is in place that supports the collective accountability for implementation in concert with all partner department and agencies.

Budget 2018 provided $2.8 billion to initiate phase 1 of this ambitious, whole-of-government initiative to address infrastructure in critically poor condition. In addition to phase 1 infrastructure investments objectives, the initiative also aims to advance a series of science outcomes, bringing together science-based departments and agencies into 5 science clusters based on their common science goals and in support of science excellence. Cluster engagement is critical and necessary to identifying cluster science requirements.

These clusters are now exploring opportunities to strengthen their research agendas through enhanced interdisciplinary work and shared facilities where appropriate.

The phase 1 activities have been grouped into the following 5 clusters:

Project outcomes

Much of the existing federal science infrastructure is now outdated, with physical, digital and equipment infrastructure no longer able to meet the modern needs of scientists. This rust-out of facilities puts science outcomes at risk, and impedes the ability of federal scientists to collaborate and achieve the highest levels of scientific excellence.

The LTVP advances collaborative and multidisciplinary research, with science as the key driver, and addresses the rust-out of federal facilities and siloed science. LTVP investments 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:

Industrial benefits

Beyond strengthening science outcomes for Canada's science community, the LTVP has a broad range of benefits for people across Canada.

Jobs and skills development

An interconnected science ecosystem drives innovation and creates new jobs and skills that grow research and development capacity in the science community. Phase 1 investments will create an estimated 20,000 direct jobs in architecture, engineering, manufacturing, trades and the construction sectors, both locally and nationally.

Visible tangible investments

Several facilities are expected to be in full operation within the first phase of the initiative, allowing the government to demonstrate progress and continued investments into traditional sectors in Canada, including forestry, mining and aquatic resources.

Efficient government

The LTVP is being delivered in tight alignment with the government's horizontal fixed asset review, which will improve the management of fixed assets across government and better align the Government's footprint with its program requirements.

Accessibility

Aligned with the Accessible Canada Act, the initiative is committed to being a pathfinder for standards development in accessible building design, while advancing federal science and technology. New collaboration centres are ideal for accessible design and will lead by example to create an accessible and inclusive workplace. The built environment offers the chance to show concrete results in accessibility, while the procurement and information technology could showcase important progress, as well.

Sustainability

The initiative is committed to demonstrate leadership in low-carbon, resilient, and green operations, with new facilities designed to meet federal standards for environmental sustainability. Our facilities will be environmentally sustainable, accessible and carbon-neutral.

Broad procurement benefits

Construction management firms will be awarded large contracts. However, 90% of their value will be sub-contracted out to small and medium enterprises from across the country.

Reduced costs

Instead of spending on rusted-out facilities, the initiative will reduce operating and maintenance costs, replacing them with spaces that better support the important work undertaken within them. These investments will reduce also health and safety risks.

Lower risk overall

Laboratories Canada is a once in a generation opportunity to de-risk federal science infrastructure and accomplish a broad array of objectives rooted in strengthening and modernizing Canada's approach to federal science itself. It positions Canada for international leadership in areas critical for the public good and stewardship as well as broader economic objectives.

Sponsoring department

Public Services and Procurement Canada

Contracting authority

Public Services and Procurement Canada

Participating departments

Participating departments and agencies in phase 1:

Prime contractor

Design Control Authority—Framework

Major subcontractors

Not applicable

Project phase

This first phase of the LTVP will address the most critically at-risk federal laboratories while renewing and building collaborative facilities across Canada. Altogether 11 facilities within the National Capital Region, Ontario, Quebec, Atlantic and Western Regions will be designed and constructed.

Key priorities for phase 1 will be advanced through 4 pillars, with science as the key driver:

Barriers: Address barriers that inhibit science and technology collaboration

Information management and information technology: Modernize information management and information technology systems to meet evolving science needs

Define and develop the information technology (IT) services required to deliver science outcomes.

Equipment: Promote sharing and streamline procurement of major equipment

Develop a new approach to the procurement and management of equipment to optimize utilization and support leading edge science.

Facilities: Build leading-edge, collaborative, accessible, sustainable facilities

Subsequent phases: The process for developing subsequent phases is under development, and information will be available in 2020 and will focus, to an even greater extent, on science outcomes while continuing to address at-risk federal science infrastructure and exploring opportunities for collaborative science and potential partnerships with academia, industry, Indigenous groups, provinces, territories and municipalities.

Major milestones

Guided by the LTVP, the following are the major elements to be completed during the first phase of the initiative.

Governance

The initiative of supporting federal science collaboration will be guided by a horizontal and vertical, internal and external governance structure to ensure the successful delivery of the initiative projects through sound decision making and interdepartmental collaboration (spring 2020).

Site selection

Comprehensive site selection methodology is developed in collaboration with the 5 science clusters, to identify the most suitable site locations for new facilities. This is an evidence-based process that incorporates science outcomes as a primary driver, together with socio-economic considerations (summer 2020).

Engagement and change management

Laboratories Canada will develop strategies that support each key activity and its distinct stakeholders (such as unions, clusters, and scientists), building collaborative and successful partnerships to enable the effective management of this horizontal initiative.

Design and project delivery

Over the course of 2020 and 2021, PSPC will tender and award regionally-based architectural and engineering services and construction management contracts to design and build the facilities located across Canada. The regional clustered approach supports a streamlined and efficient approach to delivery. This approach also creates a scale of economy while creating more bidding opportunities for firms across Canada to participate in this work. PSPC will also continue to advance the planning, design and delivery of 11 science infrastructure projects with the first planned to open by 2022.

Information management and information technology

Laboratories Canada and Shared Service Canada's Science Program will work together to define and develop the IT services required to deliver science outcomes. In support of phase 1, the program has 2 primary responsibilities:

Policy barriers

The task of mitigating policy and administrative barriers that block modern science collaboration is underway. For example, the Policy on Transfer Payments was previously interpreted as prohibiting any federal involvement in projects where recipients received grants and contributions funding. Additional barriers will be addressed through the development of a new custodianship model and operating framework (winter 2021).

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, PSPC is working with the Treasury Board Secretariat on 3 key initiatives:

Progress report and explanation of variances

Progress report

PSPC has commenced phase 1 activities.

An evergreen governance has been implemented that enables the effective management of this horizontal initiative. Transformation assurance pilot with Chief Audit Executive enabling continued learning.

The site selection methodology was developed 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. A list of potential sites has been identified and are currently being assessed against science, real-property and socio-economic impacts.

PSPC also tendered the architectural and engineering services contract for laboratory design. The contractor has started the development of a laboratory standards catalogue, functional programming, and concept designs for the renewal of the critical science infrastructure elements.

PSPC has tendered regional based architectural and engineering services and construction management contracts for Ontario regions to design and build the facilities located across Canada

The initiative is working with partner organizations to create opportunities for equipment-sharing and cost-sharing. One example is listing federal science facilities and equipment on the Research Facilities Navigator with the Canada Foundation for Innovation—an open database through which the science community can share common equipment

Work is underway with the Treasury Board Secretariat to develop a new custodianship model and associated operating framework to fund and operate the facilities that supports the long-term viability of these assets and avoid a repeat of the current costly rust-out

Variances of the major milestones

There are currently no variances to the major milestones.

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