Parks Canada is developing a purpose-built collection storage facility to house archaeological and historical artifacts representing Canada’s natural and cultural heritage. The 88,000-square-foot facility will be constructed in Gatineau, Quebec, and preserve over 25 million objects currently located in six facilities across the country.

“[This new facility] will ensure that one of the largest collections of historical and archeological objects in North America is safeguarded, carefully conserved, and properly managed for the benefit of future generations,” said Steven MacKinnon, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility, speaking on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna.

The facility was designed through a joint venture by Moriyama and Teshima Architects and NFOE Architects. It will feature Class A climate controls, advanced HVAC systems, ample storage space, cutting edge storage systems, and double-wall construction to maintain ideal conditions and provide additional security. A quarter of the facility will also be dedicated to reception, meeting, ceremonial, and collaborative workspaces; as well as workshops, a loading dock, and quarantine area for the safe handling of objects.

Parks Canada is incorporating a number of green building practices and features to minimize the facility’s environmental footprint. In addition to adopting numerous green building standards, it will be powered entirely by renewable hydroelectric energy and governed by energy-efficient practices intended to reduce energy use to 30% less than National Energy code for buildings (NECB) standards.

Construction on Parks Canada’s collection storage facility is slated to begin in spring 2020 and conclude in 2022.