Contracts Awarded For Moncton Science Enterprise Centre That Will Eventually Employ 750 People
MONCTON – The next step towards what is being called a world-class scientific facility was announced today in Moncton.
Dominic Leblanc, the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, says his government has awarded a $23.6-million contract for design services to Toronto Diamond Schmitt Architects. A $5.8-million contract also goes to Montreal-based Pomerleau for the construction of the Atlantic Science Enterprise Centre.
The construction management contract is expected to exceed $300-million as additional work proceeds.
“They can begin to collaborate on the design and construction planning that will be necessary for this project,” Leblanc says.
Both contracts include Indigenous participation plans that will see over $60-million flowing through to Indigenous businesses and communities in New Brunswick.
Leblanc says the redevelopment of this centre, which is located across from the Georges Dumont Hospital, will create at least 200 jobs over seven years.
“The Atlantic Science Enterprise Centre will make the Greater Moncton area a hub for research into Atlantic freshwater and coastal ecosystems. It will also create high-quality jobs for our university graduates, who will be able to take part in meaningful, immersive research that will enable us to protect our oceans, lakes, rivers and aquatic species for future generations,” he says.
Once the project is completed, in 2030, Leblanc says it will employ 700-750 people.
The Atlantic Science Enterprise Centre will bring together federal scientists working to protect and sustain Atlantic freshwater and coastal ecosystems and will house scientists from Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Environment and Climate Change Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and the National Research Council of Canada.
The Canadian Space Agency will also be a virtual partner.
The construction work is anticipated to begin in 2022, with site preparation and more extensive work starting in 2023. All project phases are expected to be finalized by 2030.
In Atlantic Canada, this is the largest federal financial investment since the construction of the Confederation Bridge.
Tara Clow is the news director with 91.9 The Bend in Moncton, a Huddle content partner.