Construction Begins on Atlantic Science Enterprise Centre

Ground was officially broken in July of 2023 on the Atlantic Science Enterprise Centre (ASEC) in Moncton, New Brunswick. Designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects in association with EXP, the CAD$350 million project will transform the existing Gulf Fisheries Centre into a four-story complex equipped with modern laboratories and technologies. ASEC will accommodate over 700 employees from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Environment and Climate Change Canada, the National Research Council, and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, with virtual participation from the Canadian Space Agency. Fostering collaboration between federal investigators and industry partners, the transformative development will make aquatic science more accessible by centralizing research activities in a vibrant nexus for shared discovery.

Occupying the former home of the Collège Notre-Dame-d’Acadie, the highly sustainable structure will integrate the existing façade and other heritage components while incorporating Indigenous design elements throughout. Illumined by natural light, the net-zero carbon facility will feature a full-height atrium and galleria with a range of flexible venues for formal and informal interaction. The surrounding lab neighborhoods will be arranged thematically to encourage sharing of resources and equipment. Advanced mechanical and electrical systems will ensure ease of adaptation to changing research programs, as well as furthering efforts to achieve net-zero energy performance.

Part of the Laboratories Canada Strategy, ASEC is being delivered by Public Services and Procurement Canada in three phases to allow for the continued use of the existing building. The first phase includes site preparation, with the creation of a new science wing commencing in 2024 as part of phase two. This addition will be occupied in 2027, enabling the renovation of the Gulf Fisheries Centre and construction of the remainder of the complex in the final phase. Pomerleau is the construction manager for the facility, which is targeting LEED Gold certification. Completion is expected in 2031.