Government of Canada advances major infrastructure project to strengthen transportation safety, science and security

New Ottawa science facility will advance transportation safety research, support Canadian innovation and strengthen Canada's science and security capabilities.

OTTAWA, ON, Oct. 30, 2026 /CNW/ -- Through Laboratories Canada, the Government of Canada is investing in modern science infrastructure that helps keep Canadians safe, supports innovation and strengthens Canada's transportation safety and security capabilities.

Today, on behalf of the Honourable Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement, the Honourable Mona Fortier, Member of Parliament for Ottawa–Vanier–Gloucester, and Yasir Naqvi, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade and to the Secretary of State (International Development), announced that the Government of Canada is advancing the Transportation Safety and Technology Science (TSTS) project into its next phase by exercising the full construction management services option with Bird Construction Group Ltd. The option is valued at approximately $404.9 million. This marks a major milestone as the project moves toward full construction following earlier site preparation and enabling work.

Through this investment, Public Services and Procurement Canada is delivering a modern, sustainable science facility on the National Research Council of Canada (NRC)'s Montréal Road campus in Ottawa. The new facility will bring together approximately 260 employees from the NRC and the Transportation Safety Board of Canada.

The TSTS facility will feature modern laboratories, specialized scientific capabilities and collaborative workspaces that support transportation research, testing and innovation. These capabilities will help scientists and investigators develop new safety technologies, improve accident investigation techniques and strengthen transportation safety standards across the aviation, marine, rail, road and pipeline sectors.

The TSTS project will help Canada contribute to its NATO defence investment commitments through eligible National Research Council of Canada defence-related technical and research and development support for the Canadian Armed Forces and Defence Research and Development Canada that will move to the laboratories at the new facility. The project will also deliver broader economic benefits by supporting Canadian workers and businesses and by advancing the Government of Canada's Buy Canadian objectives through Canadian expertise and, where possible, Canadian-sourced materials. Indigenous Participation Plans included in project contracts will further support these efforts by helping create economic opportunities for Indigenous businesses and communities.

Quotes

"Every day, Canadians depend on a safe, reliable transportation system.  Advancing the Transportation Safety and Technology Science project into its next phase allows us to invest in the modern facilities, tools and technologies scientists and investigators need to improve transportation safety, support Canadian innovation and help keep Canadians safe."

The Honourable Joël Lightbound
Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement and Quebec Lieutenant

"A strong Canada needs a safe, efficient and effective transportation system. The Transportation Safety and Technology Science hub will help strengthen our national capacity and close the gap between accident investigation and research, better align our research infrastructure, and equip Canada with the tools needed to address emerging challenges while supporting a stronger transportation and defence ecosystem."

The Honourable Mélanie Joly
Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

"Canada's scientists and investigators need modern tools to do their best work. This new Transportation Safety and Technology Science Centre located at 1200 Montreal Road will bring experts together in a purpose-built environment that supports research, testing and innovation, helping advance transportation safety while strengthening Canada's science capacity and supporting high-quality jobs in Ottawa."

The Honourable Mona Fortier
Member of Parliament for Ottawa–Vanier–Gloucester

"This is an important investment in Ottawa that will create economic opportunities and support Canadian workers and businesses. This modern science hub will strengthen our region's role in delivering scientific innovation and advancing transportation safety for all Canadians."

Yasir Naqvi
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade and to the Secretary of State (International Development)

"This project builds on a long-standing vision to bring structural research and accident investigation expertise together in a modern, collaborative environment. The Transportation Safety and Technology Science Hub will unite investigative expertise and research capabilities to advance transportation safety and strengthen Canada's innovation, scientific and technological capacity for the future."

Mitch Davies
President, National Research Council of Canada

"This milestone brings us closer to a modern facility that will strengthen transportation safety investigations. By bringing the Transportation Safety Board of Canada and the National Research Council of Canada together, we will enhance collaboration and access to modern, specialized scientific capabilities, helping make Canada's transportation system even safer."

Yoan Marier
Chair, Transportation Safety Board of Canada

Quick facts

• Laboratories Canada is a $3.8-billion Government of Canada initiative to modernize federal science infrastructure and strengthen collaboration across science-based departments and agencies.
• Preparatory site work began in summer 2025, and main construction began in fall 2026. Substantial completion is expected in 2031.
• Public Services and Procurement Canada is also building the TerraCanada Science and Innovation Hub on the NRC's Montréal Road campus. Together, the projects will improve access to shared resources and support collaboration across the federal science community.
• The project is being delivered using Laboratories Canada's Repeatable Laboratory Design Framework and is targeting high standards for sustainability, accessibility and energy performance, including LEED and Fitwel certification.

Associated links

• Government of Canada to build new research facility to improve transportation safety - Canada.ca
• Government of Canada announces milestones for new science facilities in National Capital Area
• Laboratories Canada
• Long Term Vision and Plan: Laboratories Canada

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SOURCE Public Services and Procurement Canada

Contacts: Shahnaz Mouhamou, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Joël Lightbound, [email protected]; Media Relations, Public Services and Procurement Canada, 819-420-5501, [email protected]