The federal government has chosen Pomerleau to build a $42-million collection storage facility for Parks Canada.

The department made the announcement on December 16. The building was designed in joint venture by Ottawa’s Moriyama and Teshima Architects and Montreal’s NFOE Architects. It will span 8,200 square metres, and house 25 million archaeological and historical objects such as furniture, costumes, textiles and other everyday objects.

To protect the integrity of the artefacts, the facility will be specially designed to maintain optimal storage and environmental conditions. It will also provide Indigenous peoples, researchers, institutions, and community groups from across the country with access to the collection in one location.

"This new purpose-built facility will provide the necessary storage and environmental conditions for these important pieces of Canada's shared history,” said Gatineau MP Steven MacKinnon. “In addition, the facility will serve as a model building, by adopting sustainable and energy-efficient green building standards, and will achieve zero carbon emissions through the use of renewable energy."

Currently, about 60 percent of the collection under Parks Canada’s care is at risk from inappropriate environmental storage conditions and security measures. The new facility will have optimal environmental conditions, ensuring safe protection and conservation of the collection.

Design features include double wall construction around the collection storage area for additional insulation, to maintain required temperature and humidity, and to protect the collection from external threats; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems that are on emergency generators to ensure consistent climate control in the event of a power outage; and Class A climate control with rigorous temperature and humidity set points. 

"Historical artifacts are irreplaceable and connect us with the places, persons and events that have shaped history in Canada,” added Environment and Climate Change Minister Jonathan Wilkinson, who is also responsible for Parks Canada. “Today's $42-million investment will ensure the protection of this important collection for generations to come, while enhancing Parks Canada's ability to share the stories of these objects with Canadians in new and innovative ways."

Construction activity will begin shortly, with completion expected in 2023.

"It is a privilege to construct a culturally significant piece of infrastructure that will help preserve Canada's rich and storied history,” said Patrick Hebert, Regional Vice President – Ottawa, at Pomerleau. “As a company that has strong and deep Canadian roots, we are proud to work with Parks Canada and our partners to deliver a facility that will reflect the environmental and security demands for preserving our cultural heritage."

Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) and Parks Canada worked collaboratively on the procurement process for the design and construction contracts. PSPC will manage the project on behalf of Parks Canada, and oversee construction.

Parks Canada cares for approximately 31 million historical and archaeological objects, representing over 11,000 years of human history. The new facility will house 25 million archaeological and historical objects under Parks Canada's care. Those objects currently displayed in national historic sites and national parks, as well as objects on loan to partner organizations, will remain in these locations and will not be consolidated in the new facility.