The project specifically involves the Canadian Government’s plan for modernization and refurbishment of the Sidney Center for Plant Health. The Sidney facility is Canada's only post-entry quarantine, research and diagnostic facility for imported plant material. The laboratory is responsible for virus testing of all fruit-bearing trees, grapevines and small fruit (e.g. berries), in order to ensure the safe introduction of foreign plant material into Canada.
The Sidney Laboratory is being replaced over the next five years by a world-class plant health diagnostic and research facility that will provide CFIA and AAFC scientists and partners with state-of-the-art amenities to advance plant science. Project stakeholders have embraced a holistic, sustainable approach to the building environment understanding that every aspect of a facility impacts performance of their staff. This approach optimizes occupant health, morale and productivity in a way that positively impacts science outcomes by encouraging collaboration and facilitated productivity.