New facility will preserve cultural heritage and advance reconciliation through collaborative science
The Government of Canada is taking a major step forward to protect the stories and objects that reflect the many histories, cultures and identities that shape who we are as Canadians and that make our country stronger. The new Cultural Heritage Science (CHS) facility will provide a space where conservation experts can collaborate to protect and preserve Canada's most treasured cultural artifacts and our heritage for generations to come.
Today, the Honourable Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement, together with the Honourable Greg Fergus, Member of Parliament for Hull-Aylmer, announced the site for the new CHS facility.
From Franklin expedition relics to iconic artifacts like Maurice "Rocket" Richard's hockey sweater, works by Norval Morrisseau, and a test rocket from the Avro Arrow program, the CHS helps preserve Canada's stories, connecting science with history to protect our Canadian heritage.
Located on vacant federal land at 51 Sacré-Coeur Boulevard in Gatineau, Quebec, directly behind the historic National Printing Bureau, the 18,000-square-metre facility will integrate purpose-built laboratories, workshops, offices and specialized technologies designed to meet the complex needs of heritage science, including field investigations, scientific analysis and the preservation of culturally significant objects.
Once complete, the facility will position Canada as a leader in heritage science and bring together approximately 170 employees, including scientists and experts in heritage conservation from Parks Canada, the Canadian Conservation Institute (CCI), and the Canadian Heritage Information Network (CHIN).
This project will further partnerships with Indigenous Peoples by prioritizing community needs and values. CHS supports Indigenous communities in caring for their cultural objects and in embedding Indigenous knowledge systems with conservation research and practices.
The facility's site selection was guided by dialogue with the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation and supported by the Algonquin Anishinabeg Nation Tribal Council. The project aims to create long-term Indigenous economic inclusion opportunities. Advice and guidance from Indigenous Peoples are being thoughtfully woven into early planning and decision making to help guide the future creation of culturally safe spaces for reflection and ceremony.
This investment is part of Canada's broader commitment to modernizing federal science infrastructure through the Laboratories Canada strategy.
