Canada's Economic Action Plan Expands Northern Research

For immediate release

Nunavut, December 16, 2009 – The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister for Indian and Northern Affairs, and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians and the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, announced today that a contract valued at more than $10.9 million has been awarded to expand and modernize Natural Resources Canada’s Polar Continental Shelf Program (PCSP) facility at Resolute Bay, Nunavut. This investment will upgrade and expand the facility, which is a key hub for arctic research.

“These improvements will enhance critical federal infrastructure—a key element of Canada’s Economic Action Plan,” said Minister Strahl. “As with all investments this government is making in infrastructure upgrades, the contract awarded for this project will help stimulate the economy.”

Following an open, fair and competitive procurement process administered by Public Works and Government Services Canada, Nahanni Construction Ltd. of Yellowknife NWT was awarded the contract on October 29, 2009. The contractor will perform the renovations using design-build methodology, in which they will provide both design and construction services. This will significantly streamline delivery of the project.

“This work will ensure that this internationally renowned research facility remains a primary site of both national and international arctic researchers,” said Minister Raitt. “The funding will not only provide short-term economic stimulus but it will also create jobs in the local community.”

These upgrades are made possible through funding under Indian and Northern Affairs Canada’s Arctic Research Infrastructure Fund, which invests in maintaining or upgrading key arctic research facilities. The renovations will also greatly enhance the facility’s capacity, as well as its ability to provide logistical support to a wide range of research activities conducted throughout the North.

The work is scheduled for completion by March 31, 2011.

Through the Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada is investing $12 billion in new infrastructure funding across Canada. The funds support the improvement and expansion of some of Canada’s most important infrastructure, including roads, bridges, broadband Internet access, electronic health records, laboratories and border crossings.

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This news release is available online at: www.actionplan.gc.ca.

Backgrounder

Expansion of the Polar Continental Shelf Program Facility, Resolute, Nunavut

Natural Resources Canada’s Polar Continental Shelf Program (PCSP) has been supporting science in the Canadian Arctic for the past 50 years, and is nationally and internationally recognized as an outstanding and efficient research logistics provider. Every year, PCSP provides ground and air support services to approximately 165 research projects involving over 1,100 researchers from more than 40 Canadian and other international universities, government and foreign agencies. These studies are in a range of disciplines in the natural and social sciences, including archaeology, biology, climatology, glaciology, geology, limnology, permafrost science, sea ice studies and traditional knowledge.

The project, which is being managed by Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) to enhance and modernize the PCSP facility in Resolute Bay, Nunavut, will include:

• expansion of the accommodation area;
• a new kitchen and dining facility;
• a new area specifically designed for social and health sciences studies;
• replacement of existing laboratory space with an expanded office area; and
• construction of a new laboratory.

Following a fair, open and competitive processes administered by PWGSC, a contract valued at $10 920 000, was awarded to Nahanni Construction of Yellowknife, NWT on October 29, 2009. Under the terms of the contract, work will be performed using design-build methodology, in which a single contractor provides both design and construction services. The expansion and modernization of the facility, involving prefabrication of materials in southern Canada as well as on-site work, is scheduled to be complete by March 31, 2011.

This project will help ensure the PCSP’s continued strong support of field research throughout Canada’s North. It will also significantly boost the capacity of the Resolute Bay facility to ensure that current and future client demands are met. As well, the expanded infrastructure resulting from the contract will extend the facility’s operational season, and reduce the environmental impact of the PCSP’s northern operations.

Funding for this project is provided under Indian and Northern Affairs Canada’s Arctic Research Infrastructure Fund, an investment under Canada’s Economic Action Plan in maintaining or upgrading key arctic research facilities.