The Media Room

2011/19 (a)

Backgrounder

Natural Resources Canada is Investing in its Research and Development Infrastructure in Quebec


As part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the Government is investing $4.6 million in two federal research centres located in Quebec.

The Laurentian Forestry Centre (LFC) of the Canadian Forest Service (CFS) located in Quebec City has been granted just over $3 million, and the CANMET Energy Technology Centre in Varennes has received about $1.6 million. These investments will allow both facilities to improve their existing infrastructure, stimulate the local economy and contribute to job creation.

Details of the Work Being Done

The major maintenance work is scheduled over a two-year period (2009–2011).

At the Laurentian Forestry Centre, the underground tank holding the Hydro-Québec transformers has been replaced along with the underground tank for the generator. The exterior lighting system has been upgraded, all the lamp posts have been modified, and the outside stairways have been repaired. The greenhouses are currently being renovated, and finishing touches are being made to the newly renovated administrative office in Valcartier. The stone wall and the curtain wall will be restored, the lighting system will be upgraded, the cooling system will be replaced, the interior and exterior door hardware will be updated, the water cistern will be replaced, the sump pumps will be replaced, and the bathroom fixtures will be changed.

At CanmetENERGY, the exterior lighting system has been modernized, the ventilation system humidifiers have been replaced, part of the building has been painted, the docking area has been upgraded, a gas meter has been installed, and repair work has been done on the parking lot. The exterior lighting system, the roof and a concrete curb will be repaired.

Information About the Centres

Located in Quebec City, the LFC’s mission is to promote the sustainable development of Canadian forests and the competitiveness of the forest sector. The centre’s scientific, professional and technical staff
participate in the creation and distribution of knowledge and implement various forestry programs.

CanmetENERGY is a leader in technology R&D related to clean energy. It designs and deploys sustainable energy solutions and more efficient methods to produce and use energy.


Richard Walker

Director of Communications

Office of the Minister

Natural Resources Canada

Ottawa

613-996-2007

or

Media Relations

Natural Resources Canada

Ottawa

613-992-4447

NRCan's news releases and backgrounders are available at www.nrcan.gc.ca/media/index-eng.php.