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The Government of Canada launched the next stage in the construction of the Atlantic Science Enterprise Centre (ASEC) in Moncton.
Together with project leaders, federal ministers Diane Lebouthillier and Ginette Petitpas Taylor unveiled the latest design renderings for the expanded facility, which is being built on the site of the existing Gulf Fisheries Centre. The design maintains the heritage facade of the original building. It was completed through sessions and engagements with local Indigenous community members and representatives from the Congregation of the Sisters of Notre-Dame du Sacré-Coeur, founders of the former College Notre Dame d’Acadie.
Site preparation began in 2023, and the announcement marked the official start of construction on the science wing. Occupancy for the science wing is anticipated in 2028 and the full $600-million ASEC facility is expected to be operational by 2032. Local economic benefits are significant, with total construction costs expected to exceed $300 million (before taxes) and upwards of 200 workers on-site during peak periods.
“The Atlantic Science Enterprise Centre represents a significant investment in Atlantic Canada’s science infrastructure. By building modern, sustainable facilities that bring together various departments and agencies under one roof, federal scientists are being provided with the tools they need for a strong, collaborative future for Canadian innovation,” said Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Public Services and Procurement.
As part of Laboratories Canada’s vision for collaborative, functional science infrastructure, ASEC will bring together federal scientists from 5 science-based departments and agencies working to protect and sustain Atlantic freshwater and coastal ecosystems. The centre will be equipped with modern laboratory spaces and technology tailored to scientists’ needs, as well as offices and workspaces for over 700 employees.
“I am thrilled to see the Atlantic Science Enterprise Centre take shape. This Centre demonstrates our government’s commitment to continuous scientific excellence and innovation and will foster connections between people and information. As such, the future Centre will focus on working to protect and sustain Atlantic freshwater and coastal ecosystems and will strive to engage scientific and academic communities, Indigenous peoples, the fishing industry and the public,” said Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard.
ASEC will house scientists and technical staff from Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Environment and Climate Change Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the National Research Council of Canada. The Canadian Space Agency will also be a virtual partner.
“The next phase in the construction of the Atlantic Science Enterprise Centre is here, marking a significant moment for our community. Today’s announcement underscores how this expansion will not only advance cutting-edge Canadian research in Atlantic Canada, but also create meaningful employment opportunities, all while ensuring the long-term health and sustainability of our region’s ecosystems,” said Ginette Petitpas Taylor
Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, Minister of Veterans Affairs, and Associate Minister of National Defence.
The final design includes heritage commemoration of the site via the rehabilitation of different building components and design ideas, most notably a portion of the front masonry façade and interior design of the galleria on the main level.
The design also incorporates key elements of the Wabanaki Clan System to provide a model for collaboration throughout the new building.
A 14-metre-long North Atlantic right whale skeleton, one of ASEC’s most significant scientific artifacts, will be prominently featured in the atrium. This endangered species represents the importance of the research and protection work taking place within the facility. |
