Government of Canada announces green renovation of Arthur Meighen Building

From: Public Services and Procurement Canada

News release

April 23, 2019 - Toronto, Ontario - Public Services and Procurement Canada

Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) is committed to making its buildings greener and more accessible, while investing in communities and creating jobs.

Today, the Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility, announced a $277-million green renovation project for the Arthur Meighen Building in Toronto, Ontario. This project will transform the building into an energy efficient, low-carbon asset, cutting its annual greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% and reducing building operating costs. The building will also be retrofit to meet all federal accessibility standards, as well as include innovative features such as electronic beacon devices to help people with visual impairments navigate the building.

The Government of Canada is committed to investing in its buildings across the country to ensure we do our part in reducing greenhouse gas emissions while meeting the needs of the public service. The transformation of the Arthur Meighen Building is an example of the great work we are doing to increase the accessibility of our spaces and services, to create healthier and more inclusive workplaces and to support environmental sustainability.

The building’s electrical, mechanical, plumbing and safety systems will all be replaced with modern, energy-efficient systems. Roof-top solar panels, a geothermal heating and cooling system, triple-glazed windows and efficient smart lighting will all contribute to the energy and cost savings. The project will maximize space and natural light for an improved user and visitor experience. The project will create more than 300 full-time construction and construction-type jobs and, once it is completed, approximately 1,500 federal employees will work in the building and contribute to the local economy.

The project is underway and is expected to be completed in 2022.

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Quotes

“Through this project, our government is greening government operations and removing barriers for all occupants, while creating good jobs, investing in communities and stimulating the economy. This renovation project is another example of how the modernization of our real property assets is good for the environment, good for Canadians of all abilities and good for the economy.”

The Honourable Carla Qualtrough
Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility

Quick facts

  • The renovations will contribute to the government’s goal of a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from its federal operations by 2030.

  • The total approved budget for the project is $277 million. This includes design, demolition, construction, fees and supervision.

  • The Arthur Meighen Building renovation project is participating in the Zero Carbon Building Pilot Program, through the Canada Green Building Council, to help the government meet the new Zero Carbon Building Standard. A feasibility study, focusing on energy efficiency, showed that it is possible to reduce the building’s greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80%, and achieve annual savings of over $500,000 in energy costs.

  • Throughout the life of this rehabilitation project and upon its completion, PSPC will work closely with disability organizations for universal design and wayfinding.

  • This building is part of the ShopTalk: BlindSquare Enabled program, run by the CNIB Foundation. The program encourages the use of electronic beacon devices inside and outside of buildings that communicate with people with visual impartments via an app.

  • Once the renovations are complete, the Arthur Meighen Building will be the Government of Canada’s flagship federal building in the Ontario Region.

  • The following departments will to be located in the building upon completion of the project:

    • Canada Revenue Agency
    • Canada Border Services Agency
    • Immigration and Refugee Board

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Contacts

Ashley Michnowski
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Carla Qualtrough
819-997-5421

Media Relations
Public Services and Procurement Canada
819-420-5501
media@pwgsc-tpsgc.gc.ca

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