Ottawa transportation safety science facility advances as federal government commits about $404.9 million

The Government of Canada announced on October 30 that the Transportation Safety and Technology Science (TSTS) project is advancing into its next phase, exercising the full construction management services option with Bird Construction Group Ltd., valued at approximately $404.9 million. The move marks a milestone toward full construction, following earlier site preparation and enabling work.

Where it will be built, and who will use it

Public Services and Procurement Canada will deliver the modern, sustainable science facility on the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) campus on Montréal Road in Ottawa, through Laboratories Canada. The facility will bring together approximately 260 employees from the NRC and the Transportation Safety Board of Canada, with modern laboratories, specialized scientific capabilities and collaborative workspaces supporting transportation research, testing and innovation.

What it is meant to do

According to the government, the facility will help scientists and investigators develop new safety technologies, improve accident investigation techniques and strengthen transportation safety standards across the aviation, marine, rail, road and pipeline sectors. It is intended to close the gap between accident investigation and research by bringing structural research and investigative expertise together in one modern environment.

Wider context

The government says the project will also help Canada contribute to its NATO defence investment commitments through eligible NRC defence-related technical and research support for the Canadian Armed Forces and Defence Research and Development Canada. Indigenous Participation Plans in project contracts are intended to create economic opportunities for Indigenous businesses and communities. The announcement was made on behalf of Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement, by Mona Fortier, Member of Parliament for Ottawa–Vanier–Gloucester, and Yasir Naqvi, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade.