Archived - Status Report on Transformational and Major Crown Projects
Archived information
This Web page has been archived on the Web. Archived information is provided for reference, research or record keeping purposes. It is not subject to the Government of Canada Web Standards and has not been altered or updated since it was archived. Please contact us to request a format other than those available.
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 2018–2019, 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 architectes 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 will be operational in 2017 to coincide with 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 completed and the design concept has been finalized. The contract for advisory services during the design of CHARS was awarded to EllisDon Corporation in joint venture with NCC Dowland in June 2013.
Sponsoring and Participating Departments and Agencies
| Sponsoring Department | Contracting Authority | Participating Departments |
|---|---|---|
| Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) | Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) | AANDC and PWGSC |
Prime and Major Subcontractor(s)
| Prime Contractor | Major Subcontractor(s) |
|---|---|
| A Construction Manager will be identified in 2014 | 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: $2 million over 2 years | Budget 2009 |
| CHARS Design: $18 million 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 |
| Design Consultant Proposals Evaluated – Phase 2 | February 2012 |
| Announced Design Consultant Contract | August 2012 |
| RFP for Construction Management Services tendered | November 2012 |
| RFP for Construction Management Services closed | December 2012 |
| RFP for Construction Management Services evaluated | January 2013 |
| Site announced in Cambridge Bay | February 2013 |
| Construction Management contract for Advisory Services awarded | June 2013 |
| Schematic Design Report completed | August 2013 |
| Design Development Report completed | March 2014 |
| Prepare construction drawings | Spring 2014 |
| Begin Construction | Summer/fall 2014 |
| Operational by 150th anniversary of Confederation | July 1, 2017 |
| Commissioning Completed | 2018 |
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 have been developed which will be used to confirm this objective has been reached.
- Beneficiaries of this project include scientists, Northerners and all Canadians.
Progress Report and Explanations of Variances:
- In February 2011, Expenditure Authority for the Project Definition Phase was granted at a substantive cost estimate of $19,862,959, inclusive of Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) of $1,862,959, to proceed with the design phase for the Canadian High Arctic Research Station.
- 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 HST of $23,210,975.
- 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 architectes 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 will be operational in 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.