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LIBRARY AND ARCHIVES CANADA'S NEW PRESERVATION FACILITY
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When will construction start?Construction began August 2019. Please visit our News and Updates page for current project information.
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When will the new facility be open?The new facility is scheduled to achieve final completion May 5, 2022.
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How long will it take to complete the move into the new facility?LAC has begun the preparation of 1.3 million containers of collection material in 2019 to ensure that the collections can start moving when the new facility is completed in 2022. The move is expected to take approximately two years, and is planned to be completed by 2024.
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How can citizens keep track of developments during the project?Please visit our News and Updates page for current project information.
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Will the construction have an impact on traffic near the construction site?Please visit our News and Updates page for upcoming traffic advisories and current project information. For widespread distribution of updates, local media and the City of Gatineau will also be notified in the event of a road closure, traffic disruption, and parking patterns on or near the construction site.
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Will there be effects on nearby residents from construction?Like any construction project, there will be a potential for impacts, including noise, vibration and traffic. The following mitigation measures have been put in place: Work will be performed as per the City of Gatineau noise guidelines. Vibration monitoring will be in place, during construction activities that create vibrations, to ensure that any vibrations created are within industry standards. Adjustments will be made to work if vibrations are outside the limits. An increase of traffic in residential areas is not anticipated as the construction site is located away from major roadways.
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Will the existing Preservation Centre be open to the public during construction?The Preservation Centre guided tours are offered as per their usual schedule.
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Will the new facility be open to the public?The new preservation facility will be added to the guided tours upon its opening. In addition, the new facility will have space specifically designed for the access of fragile and oversized material.
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What will be stored in the new facility?Two main types of material will be stored in the new preservation facility: Textual records: Private manuscripts and Government records on paper Film-based media: Black and white acetate motion picture film, microfilm, and microfiche. The cooler environment in the new facility will support long term preservation of the audiovisual material.
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What will change in the existing Preservation Centre?The vaults within the existing Preservation Centre will be reconfigured to further optimize LAC’s collection storage capacity.
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What is the idea behind the design?There are two principle ideas behind the new preservation facility: First and foremost, to protect and preserve archival documents. Site and geological constraints defined the extent of the perimeter and the elevation of the building; Secondly, how the new facility would relate to the existing Preservation Centre. The intent was a subtle form that complemented the existing building.
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How will wildlife such as the Western Chorus Frog be properly protected during construction?LAC has been monitoring and conducting studies focusing on the condition and the extent of the habitats of the Western Chorus Frog on the site for several years, to ensure that the habitat of the Species at Risk on the site will be maintained and respected in all aspects. A protective fence has been installed to prevent frogs from crossing into the construction area. The risks associated with securing the necessary permit have been transferred to PPG during the construction period. LAC is also working closely with Environment and Climate Change Canada and has hired an environmental expert to ensure that impacts on Species at Risk are limited.
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What exactly does Net Zero Carbon mean?Net Zero Carbon, as part of the Greening Government Strategy, means the use of carbon-free renewable energy sources in the daily operations of a facility, thereby reducing annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to near zero. Only a small amount of GHG emissions is allowed due to the residual emissions associated with a very low-carbon electricity grid. The objectives of the strategy do not include emergency backup power, as it is a backup solution that is not part of daily operations. The carbon incorporated into the building materials is also reduced to a minimum. The Government of Canada does not consider or allow the purchase of GHG credits to offset carbon use. Basically, it means that the daily operations of the facility rely on carbon-free renewable energy. Do not confuse Net Zero Carbon with Carbon neutral. Carbon Neutral means that GHG credits can be purchased to offset carbon use. This is not acceptable in the Green Government Strategy.
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Who is Plenary Properties Gatineau?Plenary Properties Gatineau (PPG) is a consortium consisting of the following partners: developer and equity member — Plenary Group; equity member — PCL Investments Canada Inc.; design-build lead — PCL Constructors Eastern Inc.; design prime member — B+H Architects; and facilities management — ENGIE Services.
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