Ottawa Construction News staff writer
The federal government has tapped PCL Construction Canada Inc. to lead the development of a massive new scientific research campus in the nation’s capital.
The $768.6-million construction services contract was announced on Monday (Aug. 10) by Minister of National Defence David J. McGuinty, acting on behalf of Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement.
The contract will fund the creation of the Regulatory and Security Science Main (RSS Main) project, at the existing Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) laboratory site at 3851 Fallowfield Rd..
“Through Laboratories Canada, we are making one of the largest investments in federal science infrastructure in a generation,” Lightbound said in a statement. “RSS Main will equip Canada’s scientists and researchers with the modern tools they need to tackle emerging challenges, strengthen Canada’s resilience, support economic growth, and help keep Canadians safe for years to come.”
The newly awarded contract represents a significant portion of the project’s planned $1-billion initial phase, which itself accounts for roughly 50 per cent of the total planned scope for the RSS Main campus.
Designed as a collaborative federal research hub, the modernized campus will feature six facilities hosting approximately 275 employees across 25 science programs. The site will bring together experts from four major government departments: the CFIA, the Canada Border Services Agency, Health Canada, and the Public Health Agency of Canada.
“Ottawa is home to some of Canada’s most important scientific and research institutions, and this investment reinforces our city’s role as a leader in innovation, public service, and national resilience,” said McGuinty.
The government noted the project is advancing under a “Buy Canadian” procurement strategy to leverage domestic expertise.
“Through a Buy Canadian procurement approach, we are prioritizing Canadian steel, wood products, aluminum, goods, and services wherever possible and leveraging Canadian expertise to deliver economic benefits across the country,” said Mona Fortier, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The federal government is also working closely with the Anishinàbe Algonquin Nation and other Indigenous partners to incorporate Indigenous perspectives into the campus planning and design. Project contracts include specific Indigenous Participation Plans designed to create meaningful economic opportunities for Indigenous businesses and communities.
The development is part of the broader $3.8-billion Laboratories Canada initiative. According to the government, the RSS Main project is also positioned to fulfill international commitments, contributing approximately $900 million toward Canada’s NATO-related security and resilience spending over the next decade through construction, operations, and personnel costs.
The facilities are targeting high standards for sustainability and accessibility, including LEED and Fitwel certifications.
Site Preparation
2024
Initial clearing and site preparation work began at the CFIA laboratory campus.
Contract Awarded
August 10, 2026
Federal government announces the $768.6-million construction services contract to PCL Construction Canada Inc.
Target Completion
2031
The RSS Main project is slated to open, bringing together researchers from four federal agencies.
