Feasibility Study

Feasibility StudyThe Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS) Feasibility Study led by Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada with support from Public Works and Government Services Canada presents the results of a two-year period of consultation with a broad range of stakeholders on the nature of the future station.  The report provides an overview of the design specifications, the functional program and the science and technology mandate for the Station. Feasibility Study (PDF - 5.5 MB)

Executive Summary

PART I: PROJECT CONTEXT

1. INTRODUCTION 

  • 1.1 Background
  • 1.1.1 Government of Canada Commitments
  • 1.1.2 Needs Assessment for CHARS
  • 1.1.3 Stakeholder Validation
  • 1.2 Nunavut Land Claims Agreement
  • 1.3 Timeline of Activities and Key Engagements

2. INSPIRING EXAMPLES

  • 2.1 Arctic Research Infrastructure Fund
  • 2.1.1 Transportation
  • 2.1.2 Working with Communities
  • 2.1.3 Weather Variability
  • 2.1.4 Contracting
  • 2.1.5 Project Management
  • 2.1.6 Sustainable and Green Technologies
  • 2.1.7 Availability of Local Labour
  • 2.1.8 Ability to Partner and Network
  • 2.1.9 Ability to Complete Projects under a Tight Timeline
  • 2.2 Advice about Polar Facilities
  • 2.3 Polar Research Facilities
  • 2.4 Post Occupancy Assessments of Research Facilities

3. LOCATION AND SITING

  • 3.1 Context
  • 3.2 Overview of Selected Community
  • 3.2.1 Geographic Areas of Interest
  • 3.2.2 Infrastructure, Services and Potential Partnerships
  • 3.3 Research Potential
  • 3.3.1 Ecoregions
  • 3.3.2 State of Knowledge Maps
  • 3.3.3 Predicted Climate-Induced Changes
  • 3.4 Potential Sites within Cambridge Bay
  • 3.4.1 Site Selection Criteria

PART II: PROJECT DEFINITION

4. CHARS MANDATE

  • 4.1 Mission
  • 4.2 Objectives
  • 4.3 Principles
  • 4.4 Components
  • 4.4.1 Geographic Area
  • 4.4.2 Scientific Scope
  • 4.5 Priorities

5. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM

  • 5.1 Overview of the Proposed S&T Program
  • 5.2 S&T Program Elements
  • 5.2.1 Research Program
  • 5.2.2 Traditional Knowledge
  • 5.2.3 Technology Development, Testing and Application
  • 5.2.4 Monitoring
  • 5.2.5 Knowledge Application
  • 5.2.6 Education and Outreach
  • 5.2.7 Logistics
  • 5.3 Other Program Guidelines
  • 5.4 S&T Program Drivers for CHARS' Design

6. ORGANIZATIONAL PLAN

  • 6.1 Proposed CHARS Organizational chart
  • 6.2 Operational Overview
  • 6.2.1 Science and Technology Programming
  • 6.2.2 Administration & Facilities Management

7. FUNCTIONAL PROGRAM

  • 7.1 Overview of the Proposed Functional Program
  • 7.2 Project Goals
  • 7.2.1 Sustainability
  • 7.2.2 Flexibility
  • 7.2.3 Community Integration
  • 7.2.4 Quality of the Working Environment
  • 7.3 Planning Considerations
  • 7.3.1 Laboratory Furniture and Fixtures
  • 7.3.2 Sustainability and Efficiency
  • 7.3.3 Communications
  • 7.3.4 Flexibility
  • 7.3.5 Maintainability
  • 7.3.6 Security
  • 7.4 Codes, Regulations, Standards & Guidelines

8. DESCRIPTIONS OF SPACES

  • 8.1 Accommodation Survey
  • 8.2 Component Spaces
  • 8.2.1 Laboratory Components
  • 8.2.2 Laboratory Support Components
  • 8.2.3 Education, Training & Outreach Components
  • 8.2.4 Office & Office Support Components
  • 8.2.5 Living & Recreation Components
  • 8.2.6 Community and Commercial Components
  • 8.2.7 Building Support & Mechanical Components
  • 8.2.8 Logistical Components
  • 8.3 Adjacency Relationships
  • 8.3.1 Generic Layouts
  • 8.3.2 Schematic Layouts

9. TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • 9.1 Architectural Requirements
  • 9.2 Site Planning and Landscaping
  • 9.3 Structural and Building Envelope
  • 9.4 Mechanical Systems
  • 9.5 Plumbing & Water Services
  • 9.6 Sewage Treatment
  • 9.7 Electrical Systems
  • 9.8 Security
  • 9.9 Safety
  • 9.10 Accessibility
  • 9.11 Lab Equipment (fixed)
  • 9.12 Telecommunications and Information Technologies
  • 9.13 Energy
  • 9.14 Commissioning

PART III: PROCESS

10. ENGAGEMENT STRATEGY

  • 10.1 Proposed Strategy
  • 10.1.1 Federal Government
  • 10.1.2 Hosting Community
  • 10.1.3 Northerners
  • 10.1.4 Arctic S&T Network
  • 10.1.5 Academics
  • 10.1.6 Private Sector
  • 10.1.7 General Public

11. PROCUREMENT STRATEGY

  • 11.1 Options
  • 11.2 Procurement Analysis

12. BUDGET

  • 12.1 Pre-Construction Design Phase
  • 12.2 Future Cost Considerations
  • 12.2.1 Allowances
  • 12.2.2 Arctic Cost Premiums

13. SCHEDULE

ANNEX A CHARS Experts & Users Group Terms of Reference

ANNEX B Nunavut Land Claims Agreement 

ANNEX C News Release of the Announcement on Location 

ANNEX D Codes, Regulations, Standards & Guidelines