Renewing the Sidney Centre for Plant Health

Why the Centre for Plant Health is being 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 are in need of upgrades. Retrofitting is not possible due to the structural integrity of the buildings. Some buildings will eventually be phased out and demolished as part of the renewal project. Details relating to timelines and what exactly will be demolished are still to be determined.

The CPH renewal project will support Canadian agriculture and trade, strengthen scientific partnerships, protect the environment and contribute 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, will play an important part in supporting national priorities and initiatives for plant health.

The new facility will provide 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 will also promote scientific collaboration, which will help advance research in plant science and support innovation in the agricultural and agri-food sector.

Estimated timelines

Initial construction will start in fall 2022.

The project is anticipated to be completed in 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 have designed the new facility to complement existing buildings and the history of the CPH. The design meets scientific needs and sustainability (green) objectives while incorporating local Indigenous stories and traditions.

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