Arctic research station gets $142M for construction, fit-up

The federal government has announced that the Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS) will receive $142 million over six years for its construction, equipment and fit-up. Announced by prime minister Stephen Harper during his annual Arctic sojourn, CHARS will also receive $46.2 million over six years for its science and technology program and a commitment of $26.2 million annually for the ongoing program and operations starting in FY18-19. Located in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, CHARS is a key delivery mechanism for the government's Northern Strategy. Targeted to be operational by 2017, CHARS will undertake S&T focused on resource development, sovereignty, environmental stewardship, global warming and strong and healthy communities. Partners include government, industry, academia and Aboriginal groups. Two firms — Fournier Gersovitz Moss Drolet et associés architects and NFOE et associés architectes — have been awarded the design contract. The facility will employ up to 50 staff....