New Transportation Safety Research Hub - Site Preparation at NRC Campus Ottawa

Official title: TRANSPORTATION SAFETY AND TECHNOLOGY SCIENCE HUB - PHASE 1: ENABLING WORKS

Closed Environmental Assessment Technology & Digital Transportation
The federal government is building a new transportation safety research facility on the National Research Council campus in Ottawa. Phase 1 involves relocating underground utilities and reinforcing tunnels to prepare the site. The 21,619 square meter building will house 261 employees from the Transportation Safety Board and NRC, working together on safety technologies for planes, trains, ships, and helicopters.

Why This Matters

Live or work near the NRC campus in Ottawa? Construction starting summer 2025 could mean temporary disruptions to utilities and increased traffic. The bigger picture: this facility will investigate transportation accidents and develop safety tech that could make flying, rail travel, and shipping safer for all Canadians.

What Could Change

Construction will begin summer 2025 with utility relocation and tunnel repairs. The full facility will eventually house 261 federal employees. Parking on campus will increase, though at a lower rate than staffing. The project must meet Federal Sustainable Development Strategy goals, including a new 'Greenway' corridor connecting campus green spaces.

Key Issues

  • Environmental impacts of utility relocation and excavation work
  • Managing construction disruptions to surrounding area and existing services
  • Structural integrity of existing utility tunnels during and after construction

Indigenous Consultation

This consultation requires engagement with Indigenous communities under the Crown's duty to consult.