The Canadian Minister of National Defence today announced an investment in defence infrastructure in the province of Quebec at Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) Valcartier. Over the next 10 years, a new research and development complex, comprised of offices, laboratories and support spaces, will be built on DRDC Valcartier grounds. This investment also calls for the renovation of viable existing buildings and the demolition of obsolete buildings.

This project, valued at approximately $170 million, provides DRDC Valcartier with the facilities to meet the future scientific and technological needs of the Canadian Forces (CF). It will also ensure that DRDC Valcartier maintains its world-class expertise by attracting the best scientists and partners in defence and security science and technology (S&T).

“The scientific work of Defence Research and Development Canada has changed significantly since its facilities at Valcartier were first built in the Second World War era,” said the minister. “These investments are essential to help our men and women in uniform take on the challenges of the 21st century.”

Following a $13 million design phase in 2010, the project will be comprised of three construction phases. The first phase is expected to begin in 2012 and will cost approximately $37 million. The second phase is expected to begin in 2013 and will cost approximately $96 million. The final phase is expected to begin in 2016 and will cost approximately $24 million. The overall project is anticipated to be complete in 2020.

DRDC Valcartier, with its 400 employees and network of partners, has expertise in optronic systems, information systems, and protection and combat systems.

With history of defence science dating back to the Second World War, DRDC is an agency of the Department of National Defence that responds to the scientific and technological needs of the CF. Its vision, mission and values guide it to ensure that the CF remain scientifically and operationally relevant. The Agency is made up of nine research centres located across Canada, with a corporate office in Ottawa. DRDC has an annual budget of $350 million, employs more than 1,800 people and actively collaborates with industry, international allies, academia, other government departments and the national security community.