Managing our real property portfolio
Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) frequently reviews how efficiently it uses public funds when providing work environments for federal public servants to deliver programs and services to Canadians, including but not limited to:
- reviewing our leasing needs
- investing in recapitalization projects in core assets
- determining assets that should be considered for disposal
- helping to identify properties that have the potential to be used for housing
On this page
Leasing
Based on the long-term office space requirements of federal departments and agencies, we determine if a lease solution is the best option.
In accordance with the policy and legislative requirements, decisions are made to reflect best value to the Crown, taking into account factors such as cost, market conditions, and socio-economic considerations, while maintaining flexibility to adapt to government priorities.
Recapitalization
We consider certain assets in our owned portfolio as core assets, or buildings that will remain in our real property portfolio for the long-term.
Recapitalization projects ultimately reduce our long-term costs by helping us:
- preserve existing buildings
- stop or reduce deterioration
- increase building capacity, operations performance and efficiency
Some of our recapitalization projects include:
- Portage III in Gatineau, Quebec
- 25 St. Clair in Toronto, Ontario
- the West Memorial Building in Ottawa, Ontario
Disposal
Disposal refers to the sale or transfer of an asset. It is the last phase of the physical life cycle of real property within our portfolio. Considering an asset for disposal is a process that can take several years. It’s a normal part of the life cycle of government-owned properties. As part of this process, we consider:
- building condition
- environmental impact
- functionality
- use
- financial performance
Consulting with others
In accordance with the Directive on the Management of Real Property, expressions of public purpose interest are required to be sought from federal departments, agencies, Crown corporations, provinces, municipalities and Indigenous groups to determine if there is interest in surplus federal real property.
As a first step toward improving our disposal process, we are:
- engaging Indigenous Peoples and key stakeholders earlier
- circulating a list of assets that are identified for disposal
Benefits of disposal
Disposal of these properties to federal, provincial, municipal and community stakeholders and Indigenous Peoples, provides opportunities to generate socio-economic benefits such as:
- affordable housing
- redesigned community or commercial space
- meaningful opportunities for Indigenous participation and reconciliation
Housing
We are working with federal departments and agencies to identify properties that have the potential for housing and we are actively adding them to the Canada Public Land Bank. Wherever possible, the government will turn these properties into housing through long-term leasing to support affordable housing.
Supporting affordable housing through the Federal Lands Initiative
We are also an active contributor to the Federal Lands Initiative (FLI). The FLI is a program led by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation that turns surplus federal lands and buildings available for development into affordable housing units and communities.
As an example, former federal staff housing is being converted into new permanent affordable homes in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. Previously owned by PSPC, the building was transferred to the community through the FLI.
Another example is a former PSPC property in Belleville, Ontario, that is being converted into new homes for Indigenous Peoples, particularly women and children fleeing violence.
Related links
- Directive on the Management of Real Property
- Portfolio optimization: disposal list
- Federal properties for sale
- Federal Lands Initiative
- Canada Public Land Bank
Contact us
For more information, please contact National Portfolio Management by email at spac.siportefeuilleimmobilier-rpsbuildingportfolio.pspc@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca.