Public Services and Procurement Canada announced that the Government of Canada has awarded a contract worth more than $98 million (including taxes) to EllisDon Corporation for renovations to the Daniel J. MacDonald Building in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. The building serves as the national VAC headquarters and also houses the Veterans Review and Appeal Board.

Work under this contract includes architectural upgrades to meet the latest accessibility and sustainability standards, such as widening doors and corridors for wheelchairs, and upgrading energy and sustainability in heating, ventilation, air conditioning and electrical systems to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The interior office space will also incorporate GCworkplace standards for a modern workforce for the new public service, and be accessible, flexible and agile to better meet operational requirements. This will help support productivity and wellness for approximately 900 employees.

“The Government of Canada is taking concrete action to modernize and green our portfolio. This project will reduce our carbon footprint while providing Veterans Affairs Canada with a modern facility to continue to deliver important services to Veterans and their families,” said Helena Jaczek, Minister of Public Services and Procurement.

Modernizing the building will contribute to environmental performance goals for the Government of Canada’s real property portfolio by targeting net-zero carbon greenhouse gas emissions, as part of the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy announced in March 2022.

“This investment confirms the long-term presence of Veterans Affairs Canada here in Prince Edward Island, and is proof of our commitment to the province, federal employees and above all, the Veterans we serve and their families. Modernizing the Daniel J. MacDonald Building will breathe new life into Charlottetown’s downtown area, and enable our dedicated employees to better serve Veterans, former Royal Canadian Mounted Police members, their families and their caregivers in a modern, safe and efficient environment,”  said Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence.

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The renovations will also include a public museum space displaying heritage artifacts and educational information about the incredible contributions Veterans have made to Canada’s growth as a nation.

“Veterans and their families have contributed to safeguarding and keeping the very foundation of Canada strong and secure. This initiative will help make the Daniel J. MacDonald Building, which serves as the national headquarters for Veterans Affairs Canada, more accessible and modern, providing barrier-free access for both visitors and occupants. Our government is committed to ensuring that Veterans, their families and their caregivers have access to high-quality services and programs, and this funding initiative will do just that,” said Sean Casey, MP for Charlottetown.

Construction is expected to begin in March 2023 and be completed in the spring of 2026.

Featured image: (PSPC)

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