Ontario Construction News staff writer
Infrastructure Ontario, along with the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks and the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, has put out a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for teams interested in designing, building, financing and maintaining a new science facility complex in Oakville.
The RFQ was made public on Sept. 15 and marks the beginning of the process to choose a group that will carry out the project. Submissions will help narrow down teams that have the design, construction and financial skills necessary to handle what officials are calling a large and intricate project. Teams that make the shortlist will be invited to submit proposals in response to a Request for Proposals expected in spring 2026.
This new facility is set to replace two current ministry locations: the Environment Ministry’s site on Resources Road and the Labour Ministry’s temporary setup on Northam Drive. The government-owned complex aims to bring operations together into one modern laboratory and science center designed to enhance Ontario’s ability to safeguard the environment, public health and workplace safety.
Some key features include flexible laboratories, science workshops, and offices intended to support ongoing work as well as future expansion. The design aims for at least LEED Silver certification while incorporating shared equipment and co-location efficiencies that will help streamline workflows and boost emergency response capabilities.
The project will use a Design-Build-Finance-Maintain (DBFM) model. According to provincial officials, this approach is meant to shift significant risk onto private companies while improving cost predictability and scheduling. It also encourages innovation while ensuring long-term maintenance through a 30-year performance-based contract.
Firms wanting to place bids need to register on merx. com in order to download the RFQ.
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