This week, Laboratories Canada broke ground on the Regulatory and Security Sciences Hub, Main Facility, located in Ottawa (RSS Main). The facility provides seamless integration of complementary federal science capabilities to protect human and animal health, strengthen Canadian borders, increase economic growth, and support international trade.
The project is being designed by the joint venture of Provencher_Roy and Perkins&Will, in collaboration with Smoke Architecture, along with engineers AtkinsRéalis, BPA, and Introba. PCL Constructors is the construction manager.
The project’s main objectives are to:
- Reduce vulnerabilities in protecting food safety and animal and plant health
- Strengthen emergency preparedness and border security
- Increase economic growth and international trade
- Enhance innovation and regulatory cohesion
RSS Main is targeting LEED Gold certification and will be designed as an operationally net-zero-carbon-ready building. This furthers Canada’s commitment to reducing GHG emissions and pursuing a more sustainable future.
The core of the facility will consist of laboratories that support the important scientific activities of Canada Food Inspection Agency, Canada Border Services Agency, Health Canada, and the Public Health Agency of Canada. Public Services and Procurement Canada will manage and operate the facility. RSS Main replaces and consolidates numerous ageing laboratories of these federal departments, enhancing safety of workers, and quality of outcomes to create a resilient and high-performance science hub.
