Construction Begins on Atlantic Science Enterprise Centre

Construction began in November of 2024 on the Atlantic Science Enterprise Centre (ASEC) in Moncton, New Brunswick. Designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects in association with EXP, the adaptive reuse project will transform the existing Gulf Fisheries Centre into a four-story complex equipped with leading-edge laboratories and technologies. The completed facility 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. Fueled by a federal investment of over CAD$600 million, ASEC will make aquatic science more accessible by centralizing research activities.

Occupying the former home of the Collège Notre-Dame-d’Acadie, the structure will integrate a heritage façade and other components into a vibrant new setting conducive to industry and academic partnerships. A full-height atrium and galleria, crowned by the skeleton of a North Atlantic right whale skeleton, will open onto a range of flexible interaction venues. The surrounding lab neighborhoods will be arranged thematically to encourage sharing of resources and equipment, complemented by modern offices and workspaces. 

Advanced mechanical and electrical systems will ensure ease of adaptation to changing research programs, as well as furthering efforts to achieve LEED Gold certification and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. With indigenous design elements throughout, the building will include mass timber components to lower the project’s carbon footprint.  

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 facility. Phase one began in July of 2023 with site preparation, and phase two involves construction of the science wing; occupancy is anticipated in 2027. The renovation of the Gulf Fisheries Centre and construction of the remainder of the complex will be performed in phase three. Pomerleau is the general contractor for the development, which represents a contract value of CAD$325 million, and Salas O'Brien is acting as MEP engineer. The entire complex is expected to be operational in 2032.