Public Notice

TerraCanada National Capital Area (TC NCA) - Phase 1 – Public Comments Invited

October 22, 2025 – The authorities must determine whether the proposed TerraCanada National Capital Area (TC NCA) - Phase 1, located in Ottawa, ON is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

To help inform this determination, the authorities are inviting comments from the public respecting that determination. All comments received will be considered public and may be posted online.

Written comments must be submitted by November 21, 2025 to:

Environment, Health and Safety

Public Services and Procurement Canada

11 Laurier St, Portage III, Place du Portage
Gatineau, QC  K1A 0S5

Email: TPSGC.RCNLVEEListedeControle-NCRECMPChecklist.PWGSC@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca

 

The Proposed Project

In 2018, the federal government of Canada created Laboratories Canada (LabsCanada), a long-term strategy to modernize federal laboratories. This initiative seeks to position Canada as a global leader in science and innovation, through the creation of a national network of modern laboratories. The TerraCanada Hub will promote collaboration between complementary federal science departments and academia to conserve the sustainable development of land and resources, encourage the greening of Canada's economy, and protect the health and safety of Canadians.

The project is located at the National Research Council (NRC) Montreal Road Campus in Ottawa, Ontario, at the southwest corner of Montreal Road and Blair Road. The area is characterized by a mix of residential neighborhoods, institutional campuses, and commercial corridors. The region benefits from access to public transit, active transportation networks, and proximity to healthcare and educational institutions. The project promises transformative benefits for Canadians by fostering innovation, environmental stewardship, and economic resilience.   

The full vision of the TC NCA project will be delivered in components. Funding has been secured for Component 1 that includes a stand-alone facility with parking lots, loading areas, driveways, roadways and pedestrian pathways. The area of the building is expected to be 33, 322m2 and PSPC will be the custodian of the building.

The construction of Component 1 will be carried out in a series of distinct phases. Phase 1 consists of early works to prepare the site for future project phases. The work is planned to start Spring 2026 and includes:  

 

PHASE 1: ENABLING WORKS.

• Excavation and Site Services (Storm, Water and Sanitary)
  • New storm sewer lines and retention
  • Storm water management drainage/ponds, including pond landscape
  • Water main service - new service connection to City of Ottawa water main on Blair Road
  • Sanitary Sewer - relocation/realignment of sanitary sewer line
• Clearing of the site and site demolition
  • Sediment and erosion controls
  • Stripping, stockpiling of topsoil
  • Clearing and grubbing
  • Tree protection

• Relocation/alignment of existing channel/Mackenzie culvert and North of site
• Ballard Drive realignment
• Construction access entrances and roadways
• Relocation of existing utilities
• Bulk excavation and backfill
• Shoring and dewatering
• Building footprint, excavation and mud slab
• Construction fencing and controls
• Construction trailers and parking
• Temporary Power
• Laydown areas
• Geothermal field loop installation for heating and cooling system
• Site services (electrical, gas and telecom)
• Electrical duct banks and manholes
• Subdrains under slab
• Gas service
• Telecommunications duct banks and manholes

 

PSPC will oversee Phase 1 and subsequent phases of the TC NCA 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 TC NCA overarching project will also be reviewed under the Impact Assessment Act by the NRC as the current 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