The federal government has officially launched the next phase of construction for the Atlantic Science Enterprise Centre (ASEC), a laboratory facility in Moncton, N.B., designed to address critical challenges in science and innovation.

The $600-million project, part of the Government of Canada’s Laboratories Canada strategy, aims to provide federal scientists with cutting-edge, sustainable, and collaborative infrastructure. The centre will focus on protecting and sustaining Atlantic freshwater and coastal ecosystems while fostering partnerships across scientific, Indigenous, and public sectors.

“The Atlantic Science Enterprise Centre represents a significant investment in Atlantic Canada’s science infrastructure,” said Jean-Yves Duclos, minister of public services and procurement, in a statement. “By building modern, sustainable facilities that bring together various departments and agencies under one roof, federal scientists are being provided with the tools they need for a strong, collaborative future for Canadian innovation.”

The design reflects extensive consultation, including engagement with local Indigenous communities and representatives from the Congregation of the Sisters of Notre-Dame du Sacré-Coeur, founders of the former College Notre Dame d’Acadie, which once occupied the site, said the government

Construction site preparation began in 2023, and the science wing is slated for occupancy by 2028. The full facility is expected to be operational by 2032.

At its peak, the project is projected to employ about 200 workers on-site, with construction costs estimated to exceed $300 million before taxes.

“I am thrilled to see the Atlantic Science Enterprise Centre take shape,” said Fisheries Minister Diane Lebouthillier. “This centre demonstrates our government’s commitment to continuous scientific excellence and innovation and will foster connections between people and information. As such, the future centre will focus on working to protect and sustain Atlantic freshwater and coastal ecosystems and will strive to engage scientific and academic communities, Indigenous peoples, the fishing industry and the public.”

Once completed, ASEC will house approximately 700 employees and bring together federal scientists from five science-based departments and agencies, offering them modern labs and workspaces to advance Canadian innovation in environmental protection and ecosystem sustainability.