Laboratories Canada (LC) has selected a joint venture team comprising Architecture49, HOK and WSP, known as Canada FIRST, to design projects in the Ontario Regional Projects bundle. The selection represents a significant step forward in the strategic development of scientific infrastructure and reinforces the government’s commitment to support Canada’s position on the international stage.
This long-term undertaking will involve the consolidation and modernization of federal science facilities in multiple Ontario cities over the next decade. Canada FIRST looks forward to supporting Laboratories Canada in its mandate to modernize existing and build new laboratory facilities with the target of establishing a world-class national network of modern and multi-purpose federal science and technology laboratories that foster collaboration, multidisciplinary research and innovation.
The joint venture team brings together nationally-recognized architecture and engineering firms with significant experience in delivering design for major science facility modernization projects. Its members have worked extensively together on both science mandates and large-scale program execution around the world.
"We have felt honoured to work alongside Laboratories Canada as they apply the new rigorous federal Greening Government standards to this first wave of laboratory projects,” said Antoni Paleshi, Senior Energy Performance Specialist, WSP Canada. “In many ways, we feel like a team of scientists - exploring and experimenting to find the unique pathway to zero carbon, resilience and broad sustainability best suited to each facility. It's inspiring to see the needed commitment and leadership across the team, but especially from Labs Canada themselves."
“As this last year has made even more clear, the future health and well-being of our society is intimately linked to scientific research,” said Randy Kray, Director of Science + Technology, HOK. “We are excited and proud to work with Laboratories Canada to help create a national infrastructure of the highest order that aspires to put Canada on the international research map and improve the lives of all Canadians.”
“Laboratory buildings are designed with sophisticated infrastructure that help drive scientific achievement. We are fueled by resolving the complex interplay of building components and space to support the advancement of our Canadian scientists,” said Kevin Humeniuk, National Director Science & Technology for A49.
For more information about WSP’s involvement in the project, please contact Gareth Newlands.
