Construction Begins on Atlantic Science Enterprise Centre

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Construction has now started for the science wing of Atlantic Science Enterprise Centre (ASEC), site preparation started back in 2023.

It is a project of Diamond Schmitt architects together with EXP, the visioning sessions and engagements with the local Indigenous community as well as the Congregation of the Sisters of Notre-Dame du Sacrรฉ-Coeur, the founders of the former College Notre Dame dโ€™Acadie have been used in the design process. The building which houses ASEC has the old Gulf Fisheries Centreโ€™s walls on the exterior of the building.

The ministers launched the Atlantic Science Enterprise Centre’s new design depictions for the enlarged structure when they launched the project which is being developed on the existing Gulf Fisheries Centre. The design keeps the historic look of the exterior of the old building.ย  It was complete after holding Visioning Sessions and Engagement with local Indigenous Community Members and Representatives of the Congregation of the Sisters of Notre-Dame du Sacrรฉ-Coeur, the founders of the former College Notre Dame dโ€™Acadie.

While the Atlantic Science Enterprise Centre pays tribute to Schmitt, they have made sure that ASEC is sustainable. To this end, ASEC aims to achieve the LEED Gold certification and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions to zero, which will be achieved through the use of mass timber structure that helps to reduce the carbon footprint of the building materials.

Projected Scientist Capacity

When the construction is over, the ASEC will be able to accommodate more than 700 scientists from five federal departments and agencies including Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and National Research Council Canada among others. Laboratory facilities, offices and other workspace will be provided in the centre and this will enhance interdisciplinary co-operation in the understanding, management and protection of Atlantic freshwater and coastal ecosystems of Canada.

Read also:ย Canada’s first LEED Gold building set to open at Centennial College

Atlantic Science Enterprise Centre construction cost

The Atlantic Science Enterprise Centre (ASEC) represents a $600 million federal investment, standing as the largest infrastructure project in Atlantic Canada since the Confederation Bridge. Planned strategically in three phases, the project ensures the current building remains operational during construction. The final phase will begin in 2028, with full occupancy targeted for 2032.

The new facility will deliver world-class laboratories and workspaces, promising to significantly contribute to economic growth in the Atlantic region. By creating an integrated scientific environment, the project aims to enhance interdepartmental research capabilities and support innovation in Canada’s scientific infrastructure

ASEC also complies with the Government of Canadaโ€™s plan for the modernization of the scientific infrastructure. โ€œAs part of the Laboratories Canada strategy, the Atlantic Science Enterprise Centre is a major investment in the science infrastructure of Atlantic Canada. Through constructing new, sustainable buildings that house different units and departments of the federal government, the federal scientists are being equipped with the necessary infrastructure to foster collaboration for the growth of innovation in Canada.โ€ Mention The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Public Services and Procurement.

Read also:ย The tallest academic timber structure in Canada and one of the tallest mass timber and steel hybrid buildings in North America

Total Project Cost: $600 million
Total Project Cost: $600 million

Atlantic Science Enterprise Centre (ASEC) Construction project factsheet

Project Overview

Location: Gulf Fisheries Centre Site

Architects: Diamond Schmitt Architects in collaboration with EXP

Total Project Cost: $600 million

Project Phases: Three-phase development

Expected Full Occupancy: 2032

Design

The new Atlantic Science Enterprise Centre design;

Preserves exterior walls of the historic Gulf Fisheries Centre

Designed through collaborative visioning sessions with:

  • Local Indigenous Community
  • Congregation of the Sisters of Notre-Dame du Sacrรฉ-Coeur

Sustainability Goals

Targeting LEED Gold Certification

Zero greenhouse gas emissions target

Utilizing mass timber structure to reduce carbon footprint

Scientific Capacity

Projected Scientist Capacity: Over 700 scientists

Read also:ย BMO Centre at Stampede Park becomes Western Canadaโ€™s largest convention centre

Participating Departments in construction of Atlantic Science Enterprise Centre

Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Environment and Climate Change Canada

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

National Research Council Canada

Infrastructure Features

State-of-the-art laboratory facilities

Modern offices and workspaces

Designed to enhance interdisciplinary cooperation

Focus on understanding, managing, and protecting Atlantic freshwater and coastal ecosystems

Atlantic Science Enterprise Centre construction Project Timeline

Site Preparation Started: 2023

Construction Commenced: 2024

Final Phase Construction: Expected to start in 2028

Full Occupancy: Anticipated by 2032

Read also:ย Construction of Canadaโ€™s first indigenous-led ESS factory

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