Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area will be part of Parks Canada’s nationwide network of protected areas. Credit: Justin Meissen/Flickr (Creative Commons).

Construction has officially commenced on Park Canada’s administration and visitor centre for the Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area in Nipigon, Ontario.  

A ground-breaking ceremony was held to mark the beginning of construction. 

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The community members have had the opportunity to view conceptual drawings and learn about the project during the ceremony. 

This centre is set to become Parks Canada’s primary operations base and visitor reception for the Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area.  

The project, which is anticipated to take two years, aims for a public opening in 2026. 

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In January 2024, the federal government announced more than C$37m ($27.06m) contract award to build the centre.  

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The construction contract was awarded to Finn Way General Contractor, a company based in Thunder Bay, following a competitive bidding process.  

The contract outlines initiatives to promote employment and the use of suppliers and contractors from local Indigenous communities, fostering economic development in the region. 

The centre is designed to be Parks Canada’s first Passive House Plus, net-zero carbon build, aligning with the Greening Government Strategy’s commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050. 

It will house administrative and operational functions, including management, resource conservation, visitor experience, maintenance, and law enforcement.  

The building aims to contribute to reduced energy consumption, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and increased climate resilience. 

Designed for a 100-year service life, the building will minimise maintenance and energy needs, ensuring lasting environmental, asset, and financial sustainability. 

Parks Canada Minister and Environment and Climate Change Canada Minister Steven Guilbeault said: “In a country blessed with 20% of the world’s fresh water, Lake Superior stands alone as the largest freshwater lake on the planet. Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area will be a keystone in our Canada-wide network of protected areas managed by Parks Canada.” 

Once fully established, Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area will join Parks Canada’s nationwide network of protected areas. 

Spanning around 10,000km2, it will cover nearly 13% of the world’s largest freshwater lake by surface area.