Regulatory and Security Science Main project
Learn how Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) and its science partners through the Laboratories Canada strategy are building a world-class scientific research hub in Ottawa, Ontario.
On this page
- Project overview
- Project description
- Benefits to Canadians
- Project background
- Latest news
- Contact us
- Related links
Project overview
- Location
- 3851 Fallowfield Road, Ottawa, Ontario
- Type of project
- Construction and redevelopment
- Department responsible
- Public Services and Procurement Canada
- Design and Construction firms
- Provencher Roy Associés Architectes Inc. and Perkins&Will Canada Inc., a joint venture, for design services, and PCL Construction Canada Inc. for construction services.
- Value
- $1.05 billion (Component 1)
- In progress
- Construction to commence fall 2025
Project description
The Regulatory and Security Science Main (RSS Main) project is part of the Laboratories Canada strategy. With RSS Main, PSPC is replacing at least 7 aging federal science facilities with new multi-purpose, modernized and sustainable facilities at the existing location of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s Ottawa laboratory on Fallowfield Road.
RSS Main will accommodate approximately 275 scientists and researchers from 4 science-based departments and agencies:
- Canada Border Services
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency
- Health Canada
- Public Health Agency of Canada
The first component of this project is underway and expected to be ready for scientists in 2031. Building the project in components will allow for future expansion on the same site.
We’re helping advance the Government of Canada’s commitment to reconciliation through ongoing engagement with the Anishinàbe Algonquin Nation, Indigenous businesses and partners.
Key milestones
- December 2023: Following a fair, open and transparent tendering process, PSPC awarded design and construction management services contracts
- the architectural and engineering services contract was awarded to Provencher Roy Associés Architectes Inc., and Perkins&Will Canada Inc., a joint venture, for $60.2 million (including taxes)
- the construction management services contract was awarded to PCL Construction Canada Inc. and will have a total value of up to $723 million (including taxes) as contract options are exercised as the project progresses
- March 2024: Detailed design phase began
- October 2024: A site blessing ceremony with an Anishinàbe Algonquin Elder took place at the future site
- November 2024: Preparatory site works began
- November 2025: Groundbreaking expected
Benefits to Canadians
Canada’s agriculture and food industries are a big part of our economy. They support over 2 million jobs and add about $150 billion to Canada’s gross domestic product every year. The RSS Main project will strengthen this sector by creating space and enhancing capacity for new scientific discoveries.
At the new RSS facility, scientists and researchers will play a key role in keeping Canadians healthy and our food safe. Their work will help strengthen our borders, improve our readiness for public health emergencies, and support long-term food security, market growth and economic prosperity. Using secure digital systems and advanced technologies, they will be able to test and diagnose animal diseases more quickly and accurately. This cutting-edge research will position Canada as a global leader in agricultural science and innovation.
Greening of government
RSS Main, as a Laboratories Canada project, demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability. The project is designed to be resilient and adaptable for the future:
- a net-zero, carbon-ready design and the use of smart energy systems like ground-source heating and heat recovery will help fight climate change and support Canada’s green government goals
- a whole-building lifecycle cost analysis will guide the use of sustainable, low-carbon building materials
- a robust waste management strategy will divert the majority of construction and demolition waste from landfills
- design and construction of RSS Main will target Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building certification and Fitwel healthy building certification
Indigenous engagement
- The Government of Canada is committed to advancing reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples
- RSS Main has Indigenous Participation Plans for design and construction management services contracts, which will see a combined value of up to $94.76 million (including taxes) flowing through to Indigenous businesses and communities
- Perspectives from local and national Indigenous partners is being integrated in the planning and design for the project; this feedback is being gathered through ongoing engagements
Project background
The existing facility at the project site was built in 1972. It has been occupied and managed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency since the agency was created in 1997. The project site is located on the unceded territory of the Anishinàbe Algonquin People.
Latest news
- March 2024: Government of Canada invests in laboratories to support science in Canada
- June 2023: Government of Canada continues to invest in laboratories to support science and research in Canada
Contact us
For more information, contact Laboratories Canada at tpsgc.laboratoirescanada-laboratoriescanada.pwgsc@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca.