Managing federal buildings today and into the future
Learn about our current and future plans to manage our buildings.
On this page
Building management
As custodian of the government’s second-largest real estate portfolio, we’re responsible for a significant number of buildings across the country. Our buildings remained operational throughout the pandemic, ensuring that public servants could deliver critical services to Canadians in safe environments. While some building management practices adopted during the pandemic are no longer in place, others have continued. As we look ahead, we’re working to ensure that we have the tools and property solutions available to continue to meet our clients’ needs.
Maintenance
We continue to take additional measures to promote occupant health and wellness. These measures include:
- installing the highest level of filtration possible in our heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems
- increasing the number of hours our ventilation systems operate
- increasing the amount of outdoor air that flows into the buildings
- ensuring filters are in good condition and installed correctly
- maintaining temperature and humidity levels
The measures are aligned with Public Health Agency of Canada guidance, in compliance with the Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations.
Additional routine measures continue to be practiced, including:
- regular maintenance of our life safety systems (such as fire alarms, sprinkler systems, exit and emergency lighting and emergency power systems)
- flushing the water systems and checking the water filters in reduced occupancy situations, which:
- ensures water remains potable
- helps prevent bacterial growth
- ongoing pest monitoring programs
- ongoing elevator maintenance programs
Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC)’s portfolio optimization efforts aim to reduce our office portfolio by up to 50% over the next 10 years. All essential building maintenance activities will continue until a property is disposed of.
Cleaning
Cleaning in our buildings has returned to pre-pandemic levels. We’ll continue to monitor and adjust as required. If requested, additional cleaning is available to clients.
Pests
Pests, such as bed bugs and mice, are a nuisance commonly faced in commercial real estate and can be concerning to building occupants. As a result, integrated pest management programs are incorporated into building operations, and all reports of pests are taken very seriously and promptly investigated.
Early reporting remains the cornerstone of effective pest control. If building occupants suspect the presence of pests in their workplace, they should notify their manager and call the National Service Call Centre at 1-800-463-1850.
Learn more about how we control pests in federal buildings.
Greening
In support of the Greening Government Strategy, we’re proud that many of our buildings across the country have environmentally friendly features. Where possible, we’re saving energy by monitoring and controlling the mechanical, heating, cooling and lighting systems in federal buildings through the Smart Buildings Initiative. In addition, many of our buildings have received Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold or Platinum certification. LEED is an international green building certification program.
Learn more about what we’re doing to make federal buildings more environmentally friendly.
Accessibility and inclusivity
We continue to work with partners across the Government of Canada to implement the Accessible Government Built Environment Initiative and to meet PSPC's commitments under the Accessibility Strategy for the Public Service of Canada. We’re committed to advancing accessible and inclusive design so that all employees have a sense of belonging in our office building spaces. This includes considering diverse perspectives in policies and practices as they relate to our buildings, as well as developing programs, strategies, procedures, guidance and benchmarking to improve accessibility and inclusivity in the built environment. We manage a large and diverse real estate portfolio nationwide, meeting accessibility requirements to provide access to and use of these buildings. These requirements include building components such as entrances, passenger elevators, public areas and federal work areas.
Learn more about what makes a workplace accessible.