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 refer to the Policy on the Management of Projects for further information.
Description
In the 2007 Speech from the Throne, the Government of Canada emphasized 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". In August 2010, the Prime Minister announced that Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, will be the location for the Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS).
On August 23, 2012, the Prime Minister announced a new investment for the next phases of the CHARS: $142.4 million for the construction, equipment, and fit-up of the 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 ongoing program and operations of the CHARS.
The CHARS will be operational by 2017 to coincide with Canada's 150th anniversary.
Project Phase
Design: Budget 2010 provided $18 million over four years for the design of the CHARS. Fournier Gersovitz Moss Drolet et associés architectes and NFOE et associés architectes, operating as a joint venture, were awarded the design consultant contract through a competitive and transparent bidding process. The design phase of the CHARS began in 2011–2012 and was completed in 2014–2015 following the receipt of the 100% design.
Construction: The construction of the CHARS began on schedule in summer 2014. The construction manager (EllisDon Corporation in joint venture with NCC Dowland Construction Ltd.) mobilized labour, delivered equipment to the site, and secured material and long lead-time items (such as structural steel) during the 2014 construction season. Construction started on the field and maintenance building and the triplex housing units at this time. Interior work has also begun on the triplex units. Material brought on sealift in fall 2014 allowed construction on the main research building (the largest and most complex of the buildings on the CHARS campus) to begin in spring 2015.
Sponsoring and Participating Departments and Agencies
Sponsoring Department: Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC)
Contracting Authority: Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC)
Participating Department(s): AANDC and PWGSC
Prime and Major Subcontractor(s)
Prime Contractor: EllisDon Corporation in joint venture with NCC Dowland Construction Ltd.
Major Subcontractor(s): n/a
| Major Milestones | Dates |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Request for proposal (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 |
| Design consultant contract announced | 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 |
| Consultation with Cambridge Bay residents | February 2013 |
| Construction management contract for advisory services awarded | June 2013 |
| Construction management contract for constructor services awarded | May 2014 |
| Begin site preparation | June 2014 |
| Begin construction | August 2014 |
| Complete design development | January 2015 |
| Complete land acquisition in Cambridge Bay | March 2015 |
| Operational by 150th anniversary of Confederation | July 1, 2017 |
| Commissioning complete | 2018 |
Project Outcome
- 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 as part of 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
- On August 23, 2012, the Prime Minister announced funding of $142.4 million over six years (beginning in 2012) for the construction, equipment, and fit-up of the CHARS. The design firm that has been awarded the project was also announced.
- In June 2013, the EllisDon Corporation in joint venture with NCC Dowland Construction Ltd. was awarded the contract to provide advisory services throughout the design and construction of the CHARS.
- The CHARS Major Crown Project is currently on budget and is to be operational by 2017.
Industrial Benefits
- Design and construction of the 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 in the implementation of the CHARS initiative. Inuit and northern participation in the construction of the CHARS 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 the CHARS that addresses the requirements of the land claim.
- The continued participation of Northerners in the planning and construction of the CHARS, and in future science and technology programming, internships, and employment at the Station, will provide Northerners with new skills and career experience.