Over the next 10 years, the Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) Valcartier Infrastructure Renewal Project will invest approximately $170 million to upgrade DRDC Valcartier's scientific and technological research facilities. The project is expected to provide for a new research and development complex comprised of approximately 25,000 square meters of offices, laboratories and support spaces on DRDC Valcartier grounds. Existing buildings will also be renovated and those which cannot be re-used will be demolished.
The purpose of the project is to provide DRDC Valcartier with the required facilities to meet the needs of the Defence S&T Strategy.
Following a design phase beginning in 2010 valued at approximately $13 million, the project is expected to be completed in three construction phases:
- The first phase will consist of preparing the site on DRDC Valcartier's North Site by equipping it with municipal services including water, sewage, electricity and a steam pipeline. This phase is valued at approximately $37 million and is anticipated to begin in 2012.
- The second phase will construct a new pavilion, consisting of approximately 25,000 square meters of offices, laboratories and shared support spaces. Valued at approximately $96 million, this phase is anticipated to begin in 2013.
- The final phase is expected to renovate and upgrade approximately 25,000 square meters of existing buildings, and demolish approximately 38,000 square meters of facilities that cannot be re-used. Valued at approximately $24 million, this phase is anticipated to begin in 2016, with expected completion in 2020.
A "Green" Project
With this project, the Department of National Defence will continue to apply the highest standard of ecological practices to the design and construction of the new facilities, as well as to renovations of existing buildings and the demolition of surplus facilities. The pavilion complex will be built to meet at minimum the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver Certification.
The LEED Green Building Rating System encourages ecological building and development practices through the implementation of universally understood and accepted tools and performance criteria.
DRDC Valcartier
DRDC Valcartier's mission is to meet the various operational needs of the Canadian Forces (CF) in a defence and security context. This mission is carried out in collaboration with Canadian industry and numerous partners from regional, national and international scientific communities. Its goal is to strengthen Canadian defence capabilities through S&T by providing expert advice, improving the operational effectiveness of the CF, and exploiting cutting edge resources and technological expertise.
DRDC Valcartier is extremely well positioned to advise the CF, contribute to risk reduction, and continue to act as a catalyst for innovation by creating and integrating a full range of knowledge and supporting the CF through various activities and field tests. DRDC Valcartier succeeds in these areas through the exploitation of innovative and promising technologies. Its management model is particularly well suited to technology transfers and the creation of industrial potential.
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