The federal government has awarded a $768.6-million construction contract for a new science campus in Ottawa that it says will strengthen Canada’s ability to protect public health, safeguard the food supply and enhance border security.

The contract has been awarded to PCL Construction Canada Inc. as part of the Regulatory and Security Science Main (RSS Main) project under the federal Laboratories Canada initiative.

The announcement marks the start of full construction after earlier site preparation work.

Six new facilities planned

The project will see six modern science facilities built on the existing Canadian Food Inspection Agency laboratory site in Ottawa.

The new campus will bring together scientists and researchers from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, the Canada Border Services Agency, Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada.

The federal government said the facilities will feature modern laboratories, advanced technologies and digital systems designed to improve collaboration between departments.

Officials say the investment will strengthen Canada’s ability to detect emerging threats, respond to public health emergencies, protect the food supply and support secure trade and travel.

Part of broader science investment

The RSS Main project is part of the federal government’s $3.8-billion Laboratories Canada program, which aims to modernize federal science infrastructure across the country.

Public Services and Procurement Canada said the current construction phase is valued at about $1 billion and represents roughly half of the project’s total planned scope.

Construction began in 2024 and is expected to be completed in 2031.

Once complete, the campus will accommodate approximately 275 employees and support about 25 scientific programs.

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Project tied to defence and security goals

The federal government said the investment also supports Canada’s commitments under NATO’s defence investment framework by strengthening national security, resilience and emergency preparedness.

Officials estimate the project will contribute approximately $900 million toward Canada’s NATO-related security and resilience spending over the next decade through construction, operations and staffing.

National Defence Minister David McGuinty said the project reinforces Ottawa’s role as a centre for scientific research and innovation.

“The new RSS Main campus will bring together world-class scientists and researchers in modern facilities, creating good jobs, advancing Canadian expertise and strengthening the capabilities that help keep Canadians safe and our economy strong,” McGuinty said in a statement.

Buy Canadian and Indigenous participation emphasized

The federal government said the project will prioritize Canadian expertise and, where possible, Canadian-made materials as part of its Buy Canadian objectives.

Officials are also working with the Anishinàbe Algonquin Nation and other Indigenous partners to incorporate Indigenous perspectives into the project’s planning and design.

The project includes Indigenous participation plans intended to create economic opportunities for Indigenous businesses and communities.

Public Works and Procurement Minister Joël Lightbound said the new facilities will provide scientists with the tools needed to address emerging challenges while strengthening Canada’s resilience and supporting long-term economic growth.

“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,” Lightbound said.