Government of Canada invests in London Infrastructure with the renovation of 451 Talbot St.

London, Ontario, December 22, 2010 – Today the Government of Canada announced that it will begin planning and design work to modernize 451 Talbot Street, a federal building, in London, Ontario.   Making the announcement was Ed Holder, Member of Parliament for London West, and Joe Preston, Member of Parliament for Elgin-Middlesex-London, on behalf of Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada and the Minister for Status of Women.  This project will support the delivery of federal government services to the City of London and the surrounding communities by Canada Revenue Agency, Canada Border Services Agency, Department of National Defence, Industry Canada, Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Transport Canada.

“Our government is proud to invest in the renewal of infrastructure in London’s downtown core, and today I am pleased to announce our intention to repair and renovate our federal building at 451 Talbot Street,” said MP Holder.  “This investment builds on a number of other projects we are supporting to revitalize the downtown area, including renovating Grand Theatre, City Hall, the Cornerstone and upgrading local sanitary systems.”

“This is a great example of our government taking action to modernize a federal building which employs many of our citizens, but more importantly serves our citizens and communities across the region,” said MP Preston.  “Through the design and repair work that will be done, this project will also create jobs over the next few years.”

The renovation project at 451 Talbot Street is being initiated to modernize outdated building systems and address tenant fit-up renewal requirements.  The construction is required in order to renovate each floor and replace key building systems including elevators, emergency generators, digital controls and air handling units for the heating and air conditioning system. 

As part of the requirements of this project, the renovated building will achieve certification in Green Globes and BOMA BESt to ensure an integrated sustainability approach in the design and construction of the project.  This demonstrates the Government of Canada’s ongoing commitment to protecting the environment.

- 30 –

Preliminary planning and design is expected to get underway shortly.  This design work will be done through a consultant via a competitive process and the construction work at 451 Talbot Street is expected to get underway in January 2013.  The final completion of the project is expected by October 2015. 

The Government of Canada houses various tenants at 451 Talbot St., including: Canada Revenue Agency (CRA); Industry Canada; Royal Canadian Mounted Police; Canada Border Services Agency; Public Works and Government Services Canada; and the Department of National Defence.  The Canada Revenue Agency holds approximately 70 per cent of the entire space.  Most of the offices will remain at 451 Talbot and some of the offices will be relocated to the nearby Crown building at 120 Queens Avenue.