Archived - Status Report on Major Crown/Transformational Projects
Archived information
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Description
In the 2007 Speech from the Throne, the Government outlined that there are both new opportunities and new challenges in the North, and indicated it would bring forward an integrated Northern Strategy focused on strengthening Canada's sovereignty, protecting environmental heritage, promoting economic and social development, and improving and devolving governance. As a signature deliverable of this new commitment, the Government also promised to "build a world-class Arctic research station that will be on the cutting edge of Arctic issues, including environmental science and resource development. This station will be built by Canadians, in Canada's Arctic, and it will be there to serve the world." The Prime Minister announced Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, as the location for the Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS) in August 2010. CHARS is scheduled to open on July 1, 2017, Canada's 150th anniversary.
Project Phase
Design: Budget 2010 provided $18M over four years for the design of CHARS. The selection of a design consultant is currently underway.
Leading and Participating Departments and Agencies
| Lead department | Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) |
|---|---|
| Contracting authority | Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) |
| Participating departments | AANDC and PWGSC |
Prime and Major Subcontractor(s)
| Prime contractor | A Construction Manager will be identified in 2012 |
|---|---|
| Major subcontractor(s) | Construction is scheduled to begin in 2014 |
Major Milestones
| Major Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Creation of a Canadian High Arctic Research Station announced | Speech from the Throne 2007 |
| CHARS Feasibility: $2M over 2 years | Budget 2009 |
| CHARS Design: $18M over 4 years | Budget 2010 |
| Cambridge Bay location announced by Prime Minister | August 2010 |
| CHARS mandate announced by Minister | December 2010 |
| Feasibility Study Released on Science.gc.ca | September 2011 |
| RFP for Design Consultant Tendered | September 2011 |
| RFP for Design Consultant Closed | November 2011 |
| Design Consultant Proposals Evaluated – Phase 1 | December 2011 |
| Seek Decisions on Construction Funding | Winter 2012 |
| Design Consultant Proposals Evaluated – Phase 2 | February 2012 |
Project Outcomes
- The objective of this project is to provide researchers with access to a world-class Arctic science and technology platform in the Canadian North by establishing the Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS). Performance indicators will be developed with the Business Case to confirm this objective has been reached.
- Beneficiaries of this project include scientists, Northerners and all Canadians.
Progress Report and Explanations of Variances
- In March 2011, Treasury Board granted Preliminary Project Approval for the Canadian High Arctic Research Station Major Crown Project at an indicative cost of $208,734,100, inclusive of Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) of $23,210,975.
- Also in February 2011, Expenditure Authority for the Project Definition Phase was granted at a substantive cost estimate of $19,862,959, inclusive of HST of $1,862,959, to proceed with the design phase for the Canadian High Arctic Research Station.
- The Canadian High Arctic Research Station Major Crown Project is currently running on budget.
- The Canadian High Arctic Research Station Major Crown Project is to be completed by July 1, 2017.
Industrial Benefits
- Design and construction of CHARS will provide jobs in the Kitikmeot region of Nunavut, across the North, and in specialized sectors in Southern Canada.
- Canada's consultation and procurement obligations as specified in the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement Act will be respected, and where possible exceeded, in the implementation of the CHARS initiative. Inuit and Northern participation in CHARS construction will be a fundamental component of the construction bidding process. Local and regional businesses will benefit from goods and services procurement, and an Inuit training and capacity-building plan is being developed for CHARS that addresses the requirements of the land claim.
- The continued participation of Northerners in the planning and construction of CHARS, and in future science and technology programming, internships, and employment at the Station, will provide Northerners with new skills and career experience. It is expected that employment of Northerners in a wide range of sectors, from mining and energy through natural resources and wildlife management to health and life sciences, will be increased.