Parks Canada's first-ever
building to seek Passive House Plus certification and
net-zero carbon standards.
NIPIGON,
ON, May 4, 2024 /CNW/ - Construction is set to
begin on the Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area
Administration and Visitor Centre in Nipigon, Ontario. Once complete, this landmark
building will serve as Parks Canada's primary operations base and
visitor reception area for Lake Superior National Marine
Conservation Area.
Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous
Services and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic
Development Agency for Northern
Ontario and Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay-Superior
North, on behalf of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of
Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks
Canada, gathered with Indigenous and community members to
participate in a ground-breaking ceremony to kick off construction
of the Administration and Visitor Centre for Lake Superior National
Marine Conservation Area in Nipigon,
Ontario. In January 2024,
Minister Hajdu announced $37 million
in federal funding for the contract award associated with
construction of the centre.
The new Administration and Visitor Centre will be a place for
connection and visitor discovery, and Parks Canada's first
Passive House Plus, net-zero carbon build. This
eco-conscious project will serve as Parks Canada's central base for
administrative and operational functions for Lake Superior National
Marine Conservation Area, including management, resource
conservation, visitor experience, maintenance, and law enforcement.
The centre will also welcome Canadians and visitors from
around the world, facilitating meaningful visitor experiences by
sharing the rich history of Indigenous peoples and coastal
communities in the area, along with stories from above and below
the surface of Lake Superior.
Construction is anticipated to take two years, with a tentative
public opening scheduled for 2026. As part of the day's events,
community members from along Lake
Superior's north shore were able to view conceptual drawings
and learn about this net-zero carbon project that supports
commitments in the Greening Government Strategy to net-zero
emissions by 2050. This project will be the first Parks Canada
administered building to be built to Passive House Plus
certification and net-zero carbon standards, and will demonstrate
innovation and leadership in sustainable building practices.
Building to this standard not only contributes to reduced energy
consumption, lower greenhouse gas emissions, reduced waste, and an
increased climate resilience, but also provides a long-term
net-benefit through ongoing operational savings for the life of the
building.
The construction contract has been formally awarded to Finn Way
General Contractor Inc., based in Thunder
Bay, Ontario, following a competitive process. The contract
includes initiatives that will promote employment opportunities and
use of suppliers and contractors within local Indigenous
communities. This project is the most significant federal
investment at a Parks Canada administered place in the Northern Ontario region.
Quotes
"The Government of Canada is committed to supporting
northern communities across Canada, like the communities here across
Lake Superior's North
shore. Today's ceremony marks the next steps in this
incredible federal initiative for Lake Superior National Marine
Conservation Area. Construction of this landmark, net-zero building
will create a permanent space to welcome visitors to our region and
showcase the intricate history, ecology, and cultures of the land
and waters of Lake Superior. This project is an exciting blend
of conservation, economic development through tourism, and
sustainable ecological design. We look forward to welcoming the
public to this space in the near future!"
The Honourable Patty Hajdu,
Minister of Indigenous Services, Minister responsible for the
Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario and Member of Parliament for
Thunder Bay-Superior North
"In a country blessed with 20 per cent of the world's fresh
water, Lake Superior stands alone
as the largest freshwater lake on the planet. Lake Superior
National Marine Conservation Area will be a keystone in our
Canada-wide network of protected
areas managed by Parks Canada. Celebrating, managing and preserving
this majestic and breathtaking body of water requires a showcase
Administration and Visitor Centre, another example of how the
Government of Canada supports the
protection and celebration of nature and biodiversity from coast to
coast to coast."
The Honourable Steven Guilbeault,
Minister of
Environment and Climate Change Canada and Minister responsible for
Parks Canada
"Parks Canada has shown
leadership by constructing the Lake Superior Administration and
Visitor Centre in Nipigon, Ontario
and it will create a positive ripple effect in the economy and
boost growth across the entire region. This project is an example
of how this government has been able to balance environmental
protection and economic growth. Environmental protection is
resulting in the creation of good, permanent jobs and long-term
positive impacts to communities across Northwestern Ontario. I am proud to see the
construction contract awarded to a local Thunder Bay company and to know that in turn
will create economic growth and job opportunities throughout the
region."
Marcus Powlowski,
Member of Parliament for Thunder
Bay-Rainy River
Quick Facts
- Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area, once fully
established, will be part of a nation-wide system of protected
areas managed by Parks Canada, and will be approximately 10,000
square kilometres in size, occupying almost 13% of the largest
freshwater lake in the world by surface area.
- Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area protects rich,
natural and cultural heritage and contains remarkable features,
including:
- the connection between Indigenous Peoples and the lands,
waters, and resources spanning thousands of years;
- the cultural heritage of First Nations, Métis, and
Euro-Canadian fur-traders and settlers;
- amazing biodiversity with over 70 fish species and rare
arctic-alpine plants;
- unique geological formations of columnar basalts, shatter
cones and sea caves coupled with dramatic terraced landscapes,
Superior Shoals, and some of the world's oldest known rocks;
and,
- 70 known archaeological sites varying from pictographs to grave
sites, shipwrecks, and more.
- The building is designed with a 100-year service life that will
operate with reduced maintenance and energy requirements,
contributing to long-term environmental, asset, and financial
sustainability. With geothermal and photovoltaic energy generation,
ongoing maintenance and operation of the building will be less
susceptible to the rising costs of fossil fuels.
- Parks Canada remains committed
to working in collaboration with Indigenous peoples, local
communities, and other stakeholders. The construction and
management of the building is just one way in which Lake Superior
National Marine Conservation Area will provide economic
opportunities and benefits to Indigenous businesses.
Related Products
- News Release: Government of Canada investing $557
million in infrastructure funding for Parks Canada
- News Release: Government of Canada announces over $37M contract award to build Lake Superior
National Marine Conservation Area Administration and Visitor
Centre
Related Links
- Parks Canada website
- Government Greening Strategy
- Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area
http://www.twitter.com/parkscanada
SOURCE Parks Canada (HQ)