The PSPC Canadian Centre for Inland Waterways Lab was originally constructed in 1967 and had not undergone significant modernization.

The lab’s research involves aquatic ecology hydrology, toxicology, physical geography, limnology, and environmental chemistry. The lab is home to the world’s largest circulated flume, distinguished ecotoxicological wet lab, calibration facilities, specialized water quality analysis and aquatic ecosystems laboratories.

The goal of the renovation was to focus on energy efficiency and climate change improvements for the building. The lab modernization project comprised the redevelopment of the Administrative and Laboratory building floors 4 through 7 which remained operational during the construction.

With a phased installation, the project required temporary services to be maintained to allow for the transition of work spaces during the renovation between Levels 4-7 of the building. This was an infrastructure dense lab with a floor fixed to an underside of slab and main service corridors and shafts.

Energy efficiency improvements included daylight harvesting, heat recovery, fume exhaust system consolidation and low flow variable fume hoods with room control ventilation rates.

To bring the building up to modern fire protection standards, a new sprinkler system was designed and installed as sprinklers were not required under the original 1967 codes.