Archived - Status Report on Transformational and Major Crown Projects

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. 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, it was announced that Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, would be the location for the Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS).

On August 23, 2012, a new investment for the next phases of CHARS was announced: $142.4 million for the construction, equipment, and fit-up of 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 CHARS.

CHARS will be operational by 2017 to coincide with Canada's 150th anniversary.

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. 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.

Industrial Benefits

• Design and construction of the research station 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 are being respected in the implementation of the CHARS initiative.
• Inuit Benefit Plans have been used as the key mechanism to deliver on NLCA obligations in procurement related to CHARS, including on the construction project, equipment procurement, and leased housing. This approach includes implementation of an Inuit Human Resources Plan that identifies targets for Inuit labour force participation, an Inuit Skills Development Plan for on-the-job training, and an Inuit Business Plan which provides for contracts to be awarded to Inuit-owned firms. Based on actual demonstrated values to February 2016, $52.8 million has been contributed to the Inuit Benefits Plan for the construction project.

Sponsoring Department

Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada

Contracting Authority

Public Works and Government Services Canada

Participating Departments

Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, Public Services and Procurement Canada and Shared Services Canada.

Prime Contractor

EllisDon Corporation in joint venture with NCC Dowland Construction Ltd.

Major Subcontractors

n/a

Project Phase

Design: Budget 2010 provided $18 million over four years for the design of 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 CHARS began in 2011–2012 and was completed in 2014–2015 following the receipt of the 100% design.

Construction: The construction of 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 Accommodation Buildings at this time, and interior work began on the Triplex Accommodation Buildings. 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. In September 2015, the foundation for the Main Research Building was completed and the structural steel was erected. In November 2015, the two Triplex Accommodation Buildings were completed and were placed in care and maintenance with the Construction Manager until Polar Knowledge Canada was able to take occupancy. The exterior of the Field and Maintenance Building was completed in January 2016 and interior work is progressing on schedule, with occupancy anticipated for November 2016. The campus is expected to be operational in July 2017, with commissioning to be completed by March 31, 2018.

Progress report and explanation 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 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 CHARS.
• The CHARS Major Crown Project is currently on scope and on schedule to be operational by 2017.