Detailed design now underway ahead of 2022
construction start
CLARINGTON, ON, Oct. 4, 2021 /CNW/ - Ontario Power Generation
(OPG) has awarded Bird Construction Inc. (Bird), the Engineering,
Procurement and Construction contract for OPG's Clarington
Corporate Campus.
OPG announced in 2019 it would consolidate all non-station based
staff at one location: a newly-constructed headquarters campus
adjacent to the existing Darlington Energy Complex in Clarington, in Durham Region, ready for
occupancy in 2024. This reduces OPG's real estate and related
costs, and reinforces Durham's
leadership role in driving clean energy innovation as Canada's clean energy capital.
Construction and increased employment numbers in Clarington will produce spin-off economic
impacts and opportunities across Durham Region.
The new campus will provide more than just a place to work; it
will offer a thoughtful environment designed to:
- Enhance collaboration,
- Empower innovation, and
- Embody OPG's climate change goals
The design for the campus will include optimization of building
performance, Indigenous design aspects, and energy conservation and
other sustainable building features
In the coming months, OPG and Bird will develop and refine the
architectural design for the new building, as well as the
associated technology and engineering. Ground is expected to be
broken in early 2022, followed by the construction of the
foundations and supporting parking facilities. In 2023, the
building exterior will be constructed, and the interior completed
and commissioned into 2024. The building is expected to be ready
for occupancy in 2024.
Quick Facts
- Once complete, the campus will consolidate non-station staff
from existing OPG offices across the Greater Toronto Area, Niagara, and Durham
Region.
- The campus will be built and operated with low carbon and
sustainable principles, in alignment with OPG's Climate Change
Plan.
Quotes
"We are pleased to be taking this next step toward uniting our
non-station staff under one roof in Clarington," said Ken Hartwick, OPG president and CEO. "The
Campus Plan represents a significant investment in OPG's future and
is an indication that we see OPG leading the clean electricity
sector for the next generation."
"We are very proud to be selected as the key partner on this
substantial and important project for Ontario Power Generation,"
said Teri McKibbon, President and
CEO of Bird. "Bird is looking forward to delivering this
project in collaboration with its partners and OPG to successfully
meet client goals as well as employ innovative and sustainable
project solutions."
"The plan to build a clean energy headquarters in Durham will result in real estate savings for
OPG, delivering real value for money," said Durham MPP Lindsey
Park. "This builds on OPG's decades of history in the Durham
Region, and the new campus supports our local vision of building a
clean energy capital in Clarington."
"Durham Region is Ontario's
clean energy capital, currently producing about 30 per cent of
Ontario's energy," said Durham
Regional Chairman John Henry.
"Durham is already home to an
established energy cluster, and we are confident having OPG
headquartered in our region will convince even more companies
Durham Region is an ideal place to start, relocate, or build a
business."
"OPG has been a good neighbour and excellent corporate citizen
in Clarington for many years, and
we look forward to welcoming more of its employees to the
Municipality," said Clarington
Mayor Adrian Foster. "This new
campus on our western border will be a visible reminder to all that
Clarington plays a major role in
keeping Ontario's lights on."
"We are very pleased to see progress on this project in our
community," said Clarington
Board of Trade Executive Director Sheila
Hall. "The long-term economic opportunities associated
with bringing OPG's corporate campus to Clarington, and the spin-off effects, which
are sure to be felt across Durham,
are a very welcome addition to our already thriving community."
About OPG
As a global climate change leader and the largest, most diverse
electricity generator in the province, OPG and its family of
companies are helping lead the charge to a post-carbon economy.
About Bird Construction
Bird
(TSX:BDT) is a leading Canadian construction company operating from
coast-to-coast and servicing all of Canada's major markets. Bird provides a
comprehensive range of construction services from new construction
for industrial, commercial, and institutional markets; to
industrial maintenance, repair and operations services, heavy civil
construction, and mine support services; as well as vertical
infrastructure including, electrical, mechanical, and specialty
trades. For over 100 years, Bird has been a people-focused company
with an unwavering commitment to safety and a high level of service
that provides long-term value for all stakeholders. www.bird.ca
SOURCE Ontario Power Generation Inc.