TRANSPORTATION SAFETY AND TECHNOLOGY SCIENCE HUB - PHASE 1: ENABLING WORKS

PROJECT OVERVIEW.

In 2018, the federal government of Canada created Laboratories Canada (Labs Canada), a long-term strategy to modernize federal laboratories and position Canada as a global leader in science and innovation. The Transportation Safety and Technology Science (TSTS) Hub is being undertaken as part of this initiative to collaborate with industry to advance new safety technologies and reduce safety risks in transportation like ships, trains, planes, and helicopters. ​

 

The TSTS Hub is a new facility that will be built on the National Research Canada (NRC) Campus and will combine functions of the Transportation Safety Board (TSB) and the NRC to enhance scientific collaboration. ​This partnership will create opportunities to strengthen independent, but complementary outcomes through greater access to specialized spaces and equipment. ​

 

In response to the introduction of two major Labs Canada hubs onto the NRC Campus (TSTS and TerraCanada), the disposal of lands by the NRC and the rapid urbanization that has occurred surrounding the campus boundaries, the National Capital Commission (NCC) requested, reviewed and approved an updated Master Plan prepared by PSPC in collaboration with the NRC and Labs Canada, with revised vision and mission statements for the campus.  The plan outlines several guidelines and strategies to move the campus towards achieving greater sustainability and reaching the goals established in the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy.  The plan includes a main spine or ‘Greenway' that connects the north and south of the campus by creating a unifying landscaped corridor.  Howlett Street and Macallum Street were identified to create this green spine that will connect existing open spaces on the campus.

 

The TSTS Hub will contribute towards achieving a modernized Government of Canada's (GoC) real property portfolio, in alignment with all key GoC priorities.​

 

The TSTS building will be 21,619 square meters of gross floor area (GFA) and accommodate 261 full-time employees at the 100% Schematic Design. This will be refined during the Detailed Design Phase.  The overall development of the TSTS Hub is anticipated to increase the number of employees at the campus. Parking will increase, but at a proportionally lower rate.

 

 

PHASE 1: ENABLING WORKS.

The enabling works for the TSTS Hub are designed to prepare the site for the upcoming construction. These works are critical to ensure that the site is ready for the new infrastructure and that existing utilities are properly managed, and are being identified as Phase 1.

Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) will oversee Phase 1 and subsequent phases of the TSTS Hub overarching project on federal land as lead authority, with reviews, permits, and approval from federal agencies as required.  In addition to PSPC, Phase 1 and subsequent phases of the TSTS Hub overarching project will also be reviewed under the Impact Assessment Act by the NRC as landowner and provider of authorizations in such capacity, and by the NCC as provider of Federal Approvals under the National Capital Act to enable the undertaking.

The work is planned to start in the Summer of 2025, and the main scope of work can be grouped into two as described below.

Relocation of Existing Utilities:

  • Objective: To relocate utilities that conflict with the proposed construction.
  • Details: This involves identifying and mapping all existing utilities within the construction zone. Utilities such as sanitary sewers, storm sewers, watermains, and gas will be carefully rerouted to avoid interference with the new building footprint. This process includes excavation, installation of new utility lines, decommissioning, and removal of old lines.

Repairs and Reinforcement of Existing Tunnels:

  • Objective: To repair and reinforce two existing tunnels that accommodate site utilities.
  • Details: The tunnels, which currently house essential utility lines between M21 and M7, and M6 and M24, will undergo structural assessments to identify areas requiring repair and reinforcement works will be completed as appropriate. These enhancements are crucial to maintaining uninterrupted utility services during and after the construction phase.

Engineering Considerations:

  • Safety: All works will adhere to stringent safety standards to protect workers and existing infrastructure. This includes the use of protective barriers, safety gear, and adherence to regulatory guidelines.
  • Minimizing Disruption: Efforts will be made to minimize disruption to the surrounding area and existing services. This includes scheduling work during off-peak hours and providing temporary utility solutions where necessary.
  • Environmental Impact: Measures will be taken to mitigate environmental impact, such as proper disposal of excavated materials and minimizing noise and dust pollution.

 The enabling works are a foundational step in the development of the TSTS Hub. By relocating utilities and reinforcing existing tunnels in advance of the TSTS development, the project ensures a stable and prepared site for the upcoming construction, paving the way for a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to transportation safety and technology advancements.

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Latest update

July, 17, 2025 – The authorities issued its Notice of Determination and determined that the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

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Key documents

Key documents
Document number Document title File Date
2 Notice of Determination - July 17, 2025
1 TRANSPORTATION SAFETY AND TECHNOLOGY SCIENCE HUB - PHASE 1: ENABLING WORKS - April 11, 2025

Contacts

Environment, Health and Safety
Public Services and Procurement Canada
11 Laurier Street
Portage III, Place du Portage
Gatineau, Quebec K1A 0S5
Email: TPSGC.RCNLVEEListedeControle-NCRECMPChecklist.PWGSC@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca


Disclaimer

This map is for illustrative purposes. The markers represent the approximate locations based on available data. More than one marker may be identified for a given assessment.

  • Location

    • National Research Council Canada Montreal Road (Ontario)

  • Nature of Activity

    • Building and Property Development

  • Assessment Status

    Completed

  • Start Date

    2025-04-11

  • Proponent

    PSPC

  • Authorities

    • Public Services and Procurement Canada

  • Assessment Type

    Project on federal lands

  • Reference Number

    89444

Nearby assessments

...within 200 kilometres
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