Renewal of the Centre for Plant Health

Why the Centre for Plant Health was renewed

Most of the Centre for Plant Health (CPH) buildings were constructed between 1912 and 1961. Because of a combination of age and design, parts of the facility needed upgrades. Retrofitting was not possible due to the structural integrity of the buildings.

The CPH renewal project supports Canadian agriculture and trade, strengthens scientific partnerships, protects the environment and contributes to the CFIA's excellence as a science-based regulator. Partnership and collaboration with other scientists at the new facility, including with universities, other federal government departments, provincial governments, research organizations and industry partners, plays an important part in supporting national priorities and initiatives for plant health. This includes the ongoing co-location of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) science capacity at the Centre, and continued collaboration with AAFC's Summerland Research and Development Centre.

The new 5,500m² facility provides a modernized, rapid response to testing for regulated plant diseases, improving Canada's capability to detect these diseases earlier and more accurately. The new facility also promotes scientific collaboration, which helps advance research in plant science and support innovation in the agricultural and agri-food sector.

Following the completion of the new facility, the decommissioning and demolishing of buildings that are deemed unsafe or unusable will be prioritized. An assessment will be done to determine the feasibility and cost of demolishing these buildings, with demolition and remediation work expected to continue over the next few years.

Built in 1929, the Pavilion at the Centre for Plant Health has been used as a community hall for several decades. The oldest surviving building onsite, the former cattle barn and machine shop, was built in 1916 and is now a Recognized Federal Heritage Building. These buildings will be preserved and maintained.

Project timelines

A site-blessing and groundbreaking ceremony took place in September 2022. Initial construction began in October 2022.

Construction of the new facility was completed in late 2024 and staff were moved into the new facilities by early 2025.

Project contractors

A construction management contract was awarded to PCL Lab Solutions in October 2020. Construction management includes planning, costing, scheduling, procurement and construction services.

An architecture and engineering design contract was awarded to Architecture 49 and WSP in October 2020.

Project design

The architectural and engineering consultants designed the new facility to complement existing buildings and the history of the CPH. The design meets scientific needs and sustainability objectives and is targeting a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification, demonstrating excellence in the use of carbon, energy, water, waste, transportation, materials, health, and indoor environmental quality.

As part of the Greening Government Strategy, the building is a net-zero carbon facility and is expected to save 200 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e) annually. The facility is also one of the Government of Canada's first building using a geothermal field as an energy source, powered by 55 on-site wells.

Other climate -resilient design features include:

sustainable and resilient materials to aid building cooling and energy preservation
rainwater management and retention
the integration of bird-friendly design features, such as special glass treatments and architectural elements that reduce the risk of bird collisions

The project team worked with artists from local First Nations to incorporate Salish stories into the design and artwork of the site and buildings. Plants used in landscaping are native or locally adapted species that take inspiration from Indigenous stories and traditional uses.