Transportation Safety Technology Science 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 construction
- Department responsible: Public Services and Procurement Canada
- Design and construction firms: Architecture49 and B+H Architects in joint venture for design services, and Bird Construction Group Ltd. for construction services
- Value: $500 million
- Project status: Detailed design and early construction activities underway
Project description
The Transportation Safety and Technology Science (TSTS) 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 facility will bring together about 260 employees from 2 federal organizations that currently work at 5 separate laboratories:
- National Research Council
- Transportation Safety Board (TSB), including its head office
The modern, sustainable facility will support transportation research, testing and innovation. It will provide modern laboratories and workspaces and bring employees together in one location.
Science campus collaboration
PSPC is also building the TerraCanada Science and Innovation Hub on the NRC campus.
Together, these projects will improve access to shared resources and support collaboration across the federal science community.
Key milestones
- 2031: Substantial completion is expected
- Summer 2025: Began preparatory site work
- July 2025: Held a site blessing ceremony with an Anishinàbe Algonquin Elder
- March 2025: Awarded the construction management services contract to Bird Construction Ltd. ($12.3 million, including taxes)
- December 2024: Completed the schematic design phase
- June 2022: Awarded the architectural and engineering services contract to Architecture49 and B&H Architects, in joint venture
Project benefits
The TSTS project will help make travel safer and infrastructure more reliable for Canadians.
The project supports the Government of Canada's commitments to NATO by investing in infrastructure that contributes to defence and security objectives.
Researchers at TSTS will:
- improve accident investigation techniques and develop safety standards for rail, road, air, and marine transportation
- create solutions to extend infrastructure lifespan, lower maintenance costs, and prevent failures
- advance non-destructive testing methods to modernize inspection and maintenance practices
- work with industry and academic partners to support stronger communities and businesses nationwide
Indigenous participation and Buy Canadian
PSPC is delivering the project in a way that supports Indigenous engagement, economic opportunities and Canadian industry.
Through Indigenous Participation Plans and the Government of Canada's Buy Canadian approach, the project will:
- create opportunities for Indigenous businesses
- support Indigenous engagement throughout the project
- prioritize Canadian-sourced materials wherever possible
Latest news
- May 2025: Government of Canada to build new research facility to improve transportation safety
- 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