Courtesy Google Maps
The federal government has announced a huge investment of $700 million to create the Atlantic Science Enterprise Centre in Moncton.
The project involves renovating the historic building which is now DFO headquarters on University Avenue (across from the Dumont Hospital) as well as a new science annex.
Federal minister and Beausejour MP Dominic LeBlanc noted how this net carbon zero complex will be Ottawa’s largest investment in Atlantic Canada since the Confederation Bridge.
“The government of Canada wants to be a good landlord in the city of Moncton and preserve and protect this iconic cultural and academic institution which was College Notre-Dame-D’Acadie,” said LeBlanc.
“This is an essential part of assuring Atlantic Canada’s coastal economy can survive for the next 10, 15, 20, 25 years. We think it’s an important investment to protect the economic future of Atlantic Canada.”
The building being renovated is listed as one of Canada’s Historic Places.
The government announced the bidding process is underway through requests for proposals.
Construction is expected to begin in 2022 with site preparation and more extensive work in 2023.
The project is expected to be completed by 2030.
Billed as a leading-edge world-class facility, the new Atlantic Science Enterprise Centre will focus on improving sustainability of fresh and saltwater resources along with monitoring and protecting ecosystems on Canada’s East Coast.
