Thursday, June 5, 2025
The Government of Canada has awarded a contract to Bird Construction Group Ltd. for construction management services for the new Transportation Safety and Technology Science (TSTS) hub, to be located at the main campus of the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) on Montréal Road in Ottawa. The contract is expected to be valued at up to $410 million. The initial work package, covering advisory services and site preparation, has been issued at a value of $12.3 million.
“Today’s announcement marks a critical milestone in Canada’s science and research agenda. By investing in modern facilities like the Transportation Safety and Technology Science hub, we are supporting multiple science outcomes and partners, empowering federal scientists to work across disciplines, generate innovative solutions, and protect the safety and well-being of Canadians,” said Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement.
This marks a key step in the development of the new facility, which is being delivered through a collaborative approach under the Laboratories Canada strategy. The hub will serve as a shared space for the Transportation Safety Board of Canada and the NRC to conduct in-depth investigations and advance scientific research in transportation safety.
“This new facility represents a major step forward in strengthening transportation safety across Canada. With cutting-edge capabilities and closer collaboration with partners such as the National Research Council, we will be better equipped than ever to conduct the rigorous investigations and research that help prevent accidents. This investment reinforces Canada’s position as a global leader in transportation safety and strengthens our capacity to keep pace with innovation and continue serving Canadians effectively,” said Yoan Marier, chair of the Transportation Safety Board of Canada.
Engineers and scientists at the facility will work with industry partners to develop cutting-edge safety technologies and reduce risks in the air, marine, rail and pipeline sectors. The facility will combine investigations with the design and testing of next-generation light materials for aerospace, creating new opportunities for collaboration and innovation.
“Building this modern facility reflects a long-standing vision to bring Canada’s top expertise in transportation and aerospace structures and safety together in one place. Canada is among the world’s leaders in civil aviation and has strong capabilities in the transportation industries from design, innovation, manufacturing and regulatory systems. The NRC is excited to be partnering with the Transportation Safety Board to bring this hub to life under the Laboratories Canada initiative. Strengthening our capabilities in sustainable and safe transportation builds on Canada’s strength for a more prosperous and resilient future,” said Mitch Davies, president of the National Research Council of Canada.
This facility is a key component of the Laboratories Canada strategy, which is transforming science infrastructure nationwide through safe, sustainable and flexible spaces that meet the evolving needs of Canada’s federal scientific community, today and into the future. Construction preparation is set to begin in fall 2025, with completion anticipated in 2030.
Featured: (Government of Canada)
