July 23, 2019 Ottawa, Ontario Parks Canada Agency
Parks Canada is responsible for protecting nationally significant examples of Canada's natural and cultural heritage and enabling the stories of these treasured objects and places to be shared with Canadians.
Today, Steven MacKinnon, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility, on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna, announced the design of Parks Canada's new purpose-built collection storage facility. The 8,200 m2 facility, located in Gatineau, Quebec, will be the new home of 25 million archaeological and historical objects which are currently spread across six different facilities across the country. By bringing them together under the care of specialists and conservators, it will be easier for researchers, institutions, and all curious Canadians to learn about Canada's diverse and varied history.
The new facility will also provide top-of-the-line protection for many delicate historical and archeological objects. Currently, about 60 per cent of the collection under Parks Canada's care is at risk from inappropriate environmental storage conditions and security measures. The new facility will have optimal environmental conditions, ensuring safe protection and conservation of the collection. The collection will be cared for by a team of specialists, curators and conservators and will be properly managed, stored, and easily retrievable.
The new building will use renewable energy and incorporate sustainable and energy-efficient green building standards, making it a net-zero building. Landscaping around the building will also use native species and dry ponds will capture excess rain water. By building smarter, Parks Canada will also save on energy costs.
Construction is expected to begin in the spring of 2020 and be completed in 2022. Parks Canada's collection of objects located at the current storage facilities will be relocated to the new facility in Gatineau once it is operational.
Parks Canada will continue to exhibit archaeological and historical objects under its care at national parks and historic sites in every province and territory, making sure Canadians have the opportunity to connect with our history.
