February 9, 2026 - Shawinigan, Quebec
The Honourable Francois-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Finance and National Revenue and Member of Parliament for Saint-Maurice-Champlain, on behalf of the Honourable Jol Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement and Quebec Lieutenant, marked the official opening of the new federal building in Shawinigan.
Designed with sustainability in mind, the three-storey building with a total area of 10,578 square metres is aiming for LEED Gold certification and features carbon-neutral building technologies.
The building can accommodate about 2,000 employees of the Canada Revenue Agency, Employment and Social Development Canada and Shared Services Canada, in a workplace that is modern, functional and focused on well-being, fostering collaboration, productivity and quality of life at work all at once. The building is now fully operational and has started welcoming occupants. The exterior design work, including finalizing the parking lot, will continue until fall 2026.
Carried out using a constructionmanagement approach, the project had its scope optimized to ensure a rigorous balance between operational needs, architectural quality and the sound management of public funds. The final cost of the project is $223 million, which is $61 million less than the estimated maximum cost.
The project resulted in significant economic benefits for the region, including through the awarding of contracts to Quebecbased businesses specializing in architecture, engineering and construction.
The building sets itself apart for maximizing natural light, featuring windows overlooking the outdoors in both the work areas and the common areas. Special attention was given to ensuring the building blends in with its natural environment, through both the design of the site and the choice of materials. Bright spaces are provided throughout the building, such as an atrium with a ceiling made of local wood, a modern entrance hall, workstations, meeting rooms with different capacities, collaborative spaces and training rooms.
Beyond its environmental and functional features, the building stands out for its significant integration of Atikamekw culture into its very design. In partnership with the Conseil de la Nation Atikamekw, a work of art featuring a rabaska, a painted river and oars greets visitors as they arrive. This work of art, designed by artists Eruoma Awashish, Jacques Newashish, Raymond Weizineau and Meky Ottawa, evokes the cultural richness, connection to nature and ancestral knowledge of the Atikamekw Nehirowisiwok.
Each wing of the building pays tribute to the six Atikamekw seasons, Sikon, Miroskimin, Nipin, Takwakin, Pitcipipon and Pipon, with trilingual signage (Atikamekw, French and English) and nature-inspired designs. This immersive tour encourages discovery, reflection and dialogue, in the spirit of cultural discovery and reconciliation.
