• Canadians
• Business
• Publications
• Achievements
• Key Partners

Canadians

Through sound management of real property, PWGSC supports Government of Canada priorities in many ways.

We are committed to delivering on our good neighbour policy by promoting, in communities, a federal presence that supports municipal planning objectives. The policy calls for consultations with local municipalities as we develop community based strategies for federal office accommodation in various locations across the country.

Through our Payments in Lieu of Taxes program, we distribute more than $460 million to some 1,300 municipalities and other real property taxing authorities each year. These statutory payments recognize the services the Government of Canada receives, and contributes to covering the cost of local government.

As a team, we are working to protect Canadians and the environment by promoting sustainable development principles in government operations. Our activities include energy reduction initiatives within our inventory of real property holdings as well as the construction of sustainable new buildings. PWGSC also plays a key role in the remediation of contaminated sites in Canada.

PWGSC manages a few special purpose assets, such as heating and cooling plants, bridges and dams, including the National Capital Area's Alexandra Bridge.

PWGSC ensures the preservation of heritage buildings and monuments through the management of major restoration projects both within Canada and abroad. As the steward of Canada's most treasured site, Parliament Hill, we manage the real property and heritage conservation needs of the House of Commons, the Senate and the Library of Parliament.

Also, Treasury Board of Canada policy calls for departments to dispose of assets that are surplus to their requirements. As agent for the federal government, PWGSC disposes of assets surplus to the Crown. Properties are first offered to federal custodial departments, Crown corporations, as well as provincial and municipal governments, on a priority basis. If there is no interest from any of these levels of government, the properties are sold to Canadian citizens through PWGSC's Real Estate Online Web site.

These initiatives are undertaken with a view to attaining the highest professional standards and getting the best value for the taxpaying public.