Elders from local First Nations and a groundbreaking ceremony marked the start of construction for a new plant health diagnostic and research facility.
A new modern, built-for purpose greenhouse and header house will be built at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) Centre for Plant Health in North Saanich, British Columbia.
The Centre for Plant Health, also known as the Sidney Laboratory, will provide CFIA scientists and collaborators with state-of-the-art amenities and modernized tools to advance plant science while supporting Canadian agriculture, global trade and economic growth.
It is located on the traditional territory of the BOḰEĆEN (Pauquachin) and the MÁLEXEȽ (Malahat) First Nations, and of the W̱SÁNEĆ peoples, which include the W̱JOŁEŁP (Tsartlip), the W̱SĺḴEM (Tseycum) and the SȾÁUTW̱ (Tsawout) First Nations.
The Centre for Plant Health is Canada's only post-entry quarantine, research and diagnostic facility dedicated to the protection of tree fruit, grapevines and small fruit.
The design of the facility demonstrates environmental leadership and a commitment to honouring local First Nations communities.
Artists from local First Nations will incorporate Coast Salish stories into the design and artwork of the site and buildings.
As well, plants used in the landscaping will be native or locally adapted species that take inspiration from Indigenous stories and traditional uses.
Construction will begin in fall 2022 and is anticipated to be completed by 2025.