TerraCanada Science and Innovation Hub – National Capital Area Project
Learn how Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) and its science partners are building a modern research facility in Ottawa through the Laboratories Canada strategy.
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Project overview
- Location: 1200 Montreal Road, Ottawa, Ontario
- Type of project: New federal science facility
- Department responsible: Public Services and Procurement Canada
- Design and construction firms: AECOM Canada ULC (design) and EBC Inc. (construction)
- Value: Approximately $1.05 billion
- Project status: Construction began in summer 2026
Project description
The TerraCanada Science and Innovation Hub: National Capital Area (TerraCanada NCA) project is 1 of 2 new science facilities that PSPC is building on the National Research Council's (NRC) Montreal Road campus in Ottawa.
Purpose
The project will create a modern, sustainable research facility that brings together more than 400 scientists, researchers and technical specialists from:
- Natural Resources Canada's (NRCan) Geological Survey of Canada and CanmetMINING
- Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC)
The new facility will replace aging federal science facilities and provide:
- modern laboratories
- specialized testing environments
- geoscience and mineral processing facilities
- a Class II nuclear facility
- science office accommodations
- collaborative workspaces
Science campus collaboration
PSPC is also building the Transportation Safety and Technology Science project on the NRC campus.
Together, these projects will improve access to shared resources and support collaboration across the federal science community.
Key milestones
- 2031: Anticipated project completion
- July 2026: Held a groundbreaking ceremony and began major construction activities
- July 2024: Held a site blessing ceremony
- May 2024: Awarded the construction management contract to EBC Inc.
- December 2023: Awarded the prime design consultant contract to AECOM Canada ULC
Project benefits
The TerraCanada NCA project will provide modern facilities that support federal research, science and regulatory activities.
The new facility will help:
- support research related to Canada's natural resources, geology and mining sectors
- improve Canada's ability to assess and manage natural hazards and geological risks
- support innovation in resource development and processing
- enhance nuclear safety research and oversight through modern facilities for the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
- improve collaboration by bringing related programs together in one location
- replace aging laboratories with modern facilities for current and future scientific needs
The facility will support federal science programs. These programs help inform government decisions and improve the health, safety and economic well-being of people in Canada.
We also support the Government of Canada's commitment to reconciliation by maintaining ongoing engagement with:
- Anishinàbe Algonquin Nation
- Indigenous businesses
- Indigenous partners
Latest news
July 2024: Government of Canada announces milestones for new science facilities in National Capital Area
Contact us
For more information, contact Laboratories Canada:
tpsgc.laboratoirescanada-laboratoriescanada.pwgsc@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca