Ontario Construction News staff writer
The federal government has selected PCL Construction Canada Inc. to spearhead the construction of a large new research facility in Ottawa.
The $768.6-million contract was revealed on Monday (Aug. 10) by Minister of National Defence David J. Mc Guinty, acting on behalf of Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement.
This funding will support the development of the Regulatory and Security Science Main (RSS Main) project, located at the current Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) laboratory site at 3851 Fallowfield Rd.
“Through Laboratories Canada, we are making one of the largest investments in federal science infrastructure in a generation,” Lightbound said in a statement. “RSS Main will equip Canada’s scientists and researchers with the modern tools they need to tackle emerging challenges, strengthen Canada’s resilience, support economic growth, and help keep Canadians safe for years to come.”
This newly granted contract is a significant part of the overall $1-billion initial phase planned for the project, which constitutes about 50 percent of the total scope intended for the RSS Main campus.
Designed as a collaborative federal research center, this updated campus will have six facilities accommodating around 275 employees across 25 science programs. The site aims to unite specialists from four key government departments: CFIA, Canada Border Services Agency, Health Canada, and Public Health Agency of Canada.
“Ottawa is home to some of Canada’s most important scientific and research institutions, and this investment reinforces our city’s role as a leader in innovation, public service, and national resilience,” said Mc Guinty.
The government emphasized that this project is moving forward under a “Buy Canadian” procurement strategy to utilize local expertise.
“Through a Buy Canadian procurement approach, we are prioritizing Canadian steel, wood products, aluminum goods and services wherever possible and leveraging Canadian expertise to deliver economic benefits across the country,” stated Mona Fortier, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The federal government is also collaborating closely with the Anishinàbe Algonquin Nation and other Indigenous partners to integrate Indigenous viewpoints into campus planning and design. Project contracts include specific Indigenous Participation Plans aimed at creating meaningful economic opportunities for Indigenous businesses and communities.
This development is part of the broader $3.8-billion Laboratories Canada initiative. According to officials, the RSS Main project will also contribute approximately $900 million toward Canada’s NATO-related security efforts over the next ten years through construction costs as well as operations and personnel expenses.
The facilities are aiming for high standards concerning sustainability and accessibility by seeking LEED and Fitwel certifications.
Site Preparation
2024
Initial clearing work has started at the CFIA laboratory campus.
Contract Awarded
August 10, 2026
The federal government announces its $768.6-million construction services contract awarded to PCL Construction Canada Inc.
Target Completion
2031
The RSS Main project is expected to open soon after completion bringing together researchers from four federal agencies.
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