The facility is home to the largest containment level 3 lab in the province, and allows researchers to study high-risk pathogens.

The armoured vehicle manufacturer plans to invest $65 million in the new, 140,000-square foot facility.

The federal government and the city announced they had reached an agreement to fast track the construction 1,640 housing units over the next three years.

Pickering and Guelph were the biggest recipients, at $5.2 million and $4.7 million, while Sarnia and North Bay each received $400,000.

The project is expected to be one of the largest nickel sulfide operations in the world, and will help deliver nickel and cobalt for use in electric vehicles. Stantec will provide environmental consulting services.