Minister Valcourt Announces Plateau Site in Cambridge Bay as Location for Canadian High Arctic Research

Ref. #2-3762

Ottawa, Ontario (February 27, 2013) - The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, announced today Cambridge Bay's Plateau site as the location of the Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS) in Nunavut.

"This is another key milestone in the construction phase of the Canadian High Arctic Research Station," said Minister Valcourt. "The Harper Government is committed to providing Northerners with economic development opportunities, and with the selection of the Plateau site as the location for CHARS, we are one step closer to building this major centre for scientific research and to building important partnerships across the North, Canada, and internationally."

Cambridge Bay's Plateau site in Nunavut

The Plateau site is located on a slope overlooking the community and the Bay and is close to major infrastructure, including the community core. This site will form the main campus of CHARS, which may include one or multiple buildings and has excellent potential use for community integration. The main campus will be complemented by use of existing and future community infrastructure and remote experimental sites.

"A world-class research station such as CHARS is a significant step in the long-term sustainable development of the North," said Minister Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Minister for the Arctic Council. "With its Arctic-based operations, CHARS supports the Government's role in fostering both domestic and international collaboration, research, and innovation in the circumpolar region."

The site was selected based on consultation and discussion held with Cambridge Bay community members, including Elders and Hamlet staff, and Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC).

"The Government of Canada's commitment to this site is a critical milestone for the CHARS project," said Minister Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women. "The site selected will ensure the facility is a vibrant addition to Cambridge Bay, a focal point for innovative scientific research, and a driver for economic development in the North."

Once built, the facility will create a welcoming environment respecting Aboriginal peoples' knowledge and experience in the North. The Station will support collaboration across a wide range of disciplines, sectors, and approaches. The CHARS campus will also integrate the use of green technologies.

Once operational, research education and outreach conducted at the Station will provide Northerners with skills and experience to better participate in the labour force, including mining and energy, natural resource and wildlife management, and health and life sciences.

The Station is anticipated to open in July 2017 to coincide with Canada's 150th anniversary.

Backgrounder - Canadian High Arctic Research Station Site Selection

PM announces support for Canadian High Arctic Research Station to bring jobs and growth to the North  

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Media Relations
Public Works and Government Services Canada
819-956-2315

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