The impressive Canadian High Arctic Research Station

Working above the 60th parallel can be quite challenging. Harsh weather conditions, difficulties arranging transportation to the site and other obstacles were encountered during the construction of the Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS) in Cambridge Bay, a remote northern hamlet in the Kitikmeot region of Nunavut. CHARS is an innovative facility that can support a wide range of research needs to help better understand the effects of climate change.

To realize this state-of-the-art facility, operated by Polar Knowledge Canada (POLAR), which is responsible for advancing Canada’s knowledge of the Arctic, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) provided contracting and project management services, on behalf of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC). While the team brought a lot of technical expertise, the close collaboration with the northern community was key to the success of this project.

Prior to the very short summer building season, all goods and materials had to be sealifted to the area in the spring. John Paul Lamberti, senior director of the CHARS project at PSPC, says one of the lessons of the project was that the sealifts added an element of difficulty to the construction project, with weather conditions providing an even bigger challenge. “The climate is something else. In the winter, it’s ‑35 °C or less most days, with high winds. We needed to design and build this facility to be operated in these conditions while achieving our goals of a world-class environmentally sustainable building.” In fact, the Canadian High Arctic Research Station became the northernmost Canadian facility to attain Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Silver-level certification.

“The detailed planning, procurement and day-by-day coordination to ensure the team stayed on schedule took a huge effort,” explains Lamberti. Maintaining a safe and healthy work environment was also one of the challenges the team faced.

For Samir Patel, project manager for CHARS at PSPC, the local community contributed in many ways to the project’s success: 68% of the construction contracts were awarded to firms registered with Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. “The work resulted in providing more than 200,000 hours of Inuit community employment,” says Patel. “The contribution of a local workforce and expertise was key to this project’s success.”

The Inuit inspiration

The CHARS design was inspired by Inuit culture. For example, the cladding on the interior of the dome on the main research building reflects the architecture of the traditional Inuit snow house (igloo), including in its shape and the upward spiral pattern of its blocks.

The CHARS campus is divided into 3 sections: the main research building, the field and maintenance building, and the accommodation buildings. Outside the main research building, people can’t miss the iconic monument greeting visitors. It’s a 1,614-kilogram collection of copper-coated aluminum pipes and LED (light-emitting diode) lights, in the shape of a stylized maple leaf.     

The use of copper honours the Inuinnait people of western Nunavut, who were also referred to as the Copper Inuit. “The Inuit used copper to make knives, harpoon heads and other tools,” explains Patel. “So we incorporated it into the design of this important research space.” The copper colour is also used in the public area of the building. The public space is used by researchers and community members to share traditional knowledge and work together to study climate change and the environment.

The pride of the community

POLAR’s science and technology program provides funding, as well as operational space, to conduct research in a wide range of sciences, from biology and geology to genomics and computer science. Additionally, CHARS has generated major economic benefits and has contributed to economic growth in the North. “It’s a momentum for positive development and engagement in the North,” says Lamberti.

Patel had the opportunity to visit the site when it was under construction. He was impressed by the project itself, but even more so by the community. “They’re so proud to be working on this project.”

Lamberti adds: “I found that the coolest thing about this project was the people. This project has attracted people who are interested in art, design, science, greening government, Indigenous reconciliation, innovation and community building.”

A recognition to be proud of

The close collaboration with the local community was formally recognized by the Real Property Institute of Canada in late October 2023 with the Excellence in Engagement and Partnerships with Indigenous Peoples Award. The CHARS team, throughout the design, construction and now operation of the facility, has included over 100 people from PSPC, CIRNAC and POLAR and continues to be a source of pride for all those involved.

Visit the Canadian High Arctic Research Station web page to learn more about this project. For more stories about PSPC people, projects and initiatives, add Our stories to your favourites.