Archived - Status Report on Transformational and Major Crown Projects
Archived information
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This table applies to all Major Crown Projects and Transformational Projects in accordance with Treasury Board policies. Please see the policy on Management of Major Crown Projects and the Policy on the Management of Projects.
Description
In the 2007 Speech from the Throne, the Government of Canada 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.
The Prime Minister announced a new investment in the next phases of the Canadian High Arctic Research Station on August 23, 2012: $142.4 million for the construction, equipment, and fit-up of the Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS) and $46.2 million over six years for the phase in of the Science and Technology Program. An additional $26.5 million per year has been set aside, as of 2018-19, for the on-going program and operations of the Station. The Prime Minister also announced the winning bidder for the design of the station. Fournier Gersovitz Moss Drolet et associés architects and NFOE et associés architectes, operating as a joint venture, have been awarded the Design Consultant contract through a competitive and transparent bidding process.
CHARS is scheduled to open on July 1, 2017, Canada's 150th anniversary.
Project Phase
Design: Budget 2010 provided $18 million over four years for the design of CHARS. The selection of a design consultant is complete and work on the design concept 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 2013 |
| 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 |
| Announced Design Consultant Contract | August 2012 |
| RFP for Construction Management Services | November 2012 |
| Recommend Site in Cambridge Bay | December 2012 |
| Award Construction Management Services Contract | March 2013 |
| Attain Effective Project Approval for Construction | March 2013 |
| Announce Design Concept | Spring 2013 |
| Provide Class 'B' Estimate for Construction | November 2013 |
| Secure Land in Cambridge Bay | December 2013 |
| Construction Begins | September 2014 |
| Finalize Design | 2014-2015 |
| Open on 150th Anniversary of Confederation | July 1, 2017 |
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.
- 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.
- On August 23, 2012, the Prime Minister announced $142.4 million over six years (beginning in 2012) for the construction, equipment, and fit-up of CHARS. The successful design firm was also announced. Fournier Gersovitz Moss Drolet et associés architects and NFOE et associés architectes, operating as a joint venture, have been awarded the Design Consultant contract through a competitive and transparent bidding process.
- 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.