The Library and Archives Canada (LAC) Preservation Centre in Gatineau, QC received the 2018 Outstanding Building of the Year (TOBY) award at a recent ceremony hosted by BOMA Canada. The only government building under consideration, the Preservation Centre — which was designed by IKOY Architects and opened in 1997 — was awarded first place in the national BOMA Best – Gold “Corporate Facility” category.
This program is the most prestigious and comprehensive of its kind in the commercial real-estate industry in Canada. It rewards building quality and management excellence. The assessment is based on numerous criteria, including energy conservation, environment, sustainability, emergency preparedness, security standards and training of building staff.
This honour is a tribute to the employees of LAC and Brookfield Global Integrated Solutions Canada LP, the company that manages the building. LAC and Brookfield staff take special care of this iconic building, which is not only the pride of the Outaouais and Canada but also the envy of memory institutions around the world.
According to Guy Berthiaume, Librarian and Archivist of Canada, the Preservation Centre is not receiving honours and awards by chance: “This recognition is an acknowledgement of Library and Archives Canada’s efforts to preserve Canada’s documentary heritage under optimal conditions, while making effective use of the financial resources at its disposal.”
LAC and Brookfield Global Integrated Solutions Canada LP are planning to enter the Preservation Centre in the upcoming international TOBY competition. The winners will be announced in June 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States.