Dominic LeBlanc and the Ginette Petitpas Taylor, on behalf of the Filomena Tassi, Minister of Public Services and Procurement, announced a $23.6-million contract to Diamond Schmitt Architects to deliver design services and a $5.8-million contract to Pomerleau for initial construction management for the redevelopment of the Atlantic Science Enterprise Centre.
The construction management contract is expected to be worth just over $300 million as additional work proceeds, which is expected to create and sustain a minimum of 200 jobs that will support the local and surrounding economy.
“The Atlantic Science Enterprise Centre will make the Greater Moncton area a hub for research into Atlantic freshwater and coastal ecosystems,” said LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities. “It will also create high-quality jobs for our university graduates, who will be able to take part in meaningful, immersive research that will enable us to protect our oceans, lakes, rivers and aquatic species for future generations.”
Both contracts include Indigenous Participation Plans that will see over $60 million flowing through to Indigenous businesses and communities in New Brunswick.
The Atlantic Science Enterprise Centre will bring together federal scientists working to protect and sustain Atlantic freshwater and coastal ecosystems and will house scientists from Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Environment and Climate Change Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the National Research Council of Canada. The Canadian Space Agency will also be a virtual partner.
“Under the Laboratories Canada strategy, the government is strengthening federal science infrastructure across Canada,” added Tassi, Minister of Public Services and Procurement, “Today’s announcement is an important milestone in the Atlantic Science Enterprise Centre project. We are building a leading-edge facility that will advance science in the region for decades to come, and this work will also foster meaningful, long-term relationships with Indigenous partners.”
Site preparation and construction work is anticipated to begin in 2022, with more extensive work beginning in 2023. The project will be completed by 2030.
“This announcement is a testament to our government’s commitment to support critical research initiatives to better manage our ecosystems and create good jobs in Atlantic Canada and opportunities for coastal communities, while advancing reconciliation in the region,” said Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. “About $60 million will flow to Indigenous businesses and communities in New Brunswick through this important project, and we look forward to continuing this collaboration in the years to come.”
Featured image: (PSPC)
