Tuesday, February 10, 2026
The Government of Canada marked the official opening of the new federal building in Shawinigan.
Designed with sustainability in mind, the three-storey building with a total area of 10,578 square metres is aiming for LEED Gold certification and features carbon-neutral building technologies.
The building can accommodate about 2,000 employees of the Canada Revenue Agency, Employment and Social Development Canada and Shared Services Canada, in a workplace that is modern, functional and focused on well-being, fostering collaboration, productivity and quality of life at work all at once. The building is now fully operational and has started welcoming occupants. The exterior design work, including finalizing the parking lot, will continue until fall 2026.
“This project is much more than a building. It is a place to remember, gather and look to the future, a flagship project that embodies the Government of Canada’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and regional economic recovery. I am proud to see how efficiently this project was carried out to deliver a modern and sustainable building, in the spirit of Indigenous reconciliation and at a lower cost to taxpayers,” said Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement.
“The tax centre has played a central role in the socio-economic fabric of Mauricie for more than 40 years. This new federal building builds on this continuity, by providing employees with a modern, functional and sustainable work environment that lives up to their commitment to serving citizens. Designed to meet current and future needs, it will help ensure the sustainability of this federal hub in Shawinigan and support the economic vitality of the region for generations to come.” said François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Finance and National Revenue and MP for Saint-Maurice-Champlain.
Carried out using a construction‑management approach, the project had its scope optimized to ensure a rigorous balance between operational needs, architectural quality and the sound management of public funds. The final cost of the project is $223 million, which is $61 million less than the estimated maximum cost.
Beyond its environmental and functional features, the building stands out for its significant integration of Atikamekw culture into its very design. In partnership with the Conseil de la Nation Atikamekw, a work of art featuring a rabaska, a painted river and oars greets visitors as they arrive. This work of art, designed by artists Eruoma Awashish, Jacques Newashish, Raymond Weizineau and Meky Ottawa, evokes the cultural richness, connection to nature and ancestral knowledge of the Atikamekw Nehirowisiwok.
Each wing of the building pays tribute to the six Atikamekw seasons, Sikon, Miroskimin, Nipin, Takwakin, Pitcipipon and Pipon, with trilingual signage (Atikamekw, French and English) and nature-inspired designs. This immersive tour encourages discovery, reflection and dialogue, in the spirit of cultural discovery and reconciliation.
“This work of art, created by Atikamekw Nehirowisiwok artists and integrated into this new, modern and sustainable building, proudly reflects our long-standing presence on the land we call Nitaskinan, and the many dimensions of our culture and history. As we look to the future, we renew our commitment to honour this land’s history for future generations, with openness, reconciliation and unity,” said Constant Awashish, Grand Chief of the Nation Atikamekw.
Featured image: (PSPC)
