A new $50 million research center is full of problems

A veterinary research center in Saint-Hyacinthe that cost $50 million in public funds has been undermined by construction defects and is still not fully operational a decade after its opening.

Quebec’s government and general contractor Aegon have been at loggerheads for 7 years over multiple deficiencies at the Quebec Veterinary Diagnostics and Epidemiological Surveillance Complex, our investigative bureau has found.

The building, which was handed over at the end of 2012, houses laboratories for research on all types of animal diseases. There is also a research center at the University of Montreal.

The Quebec Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ) has made no secret of its displeasure with general contractor Aegon, which awarded it a contract worth about $31 million to carry out the largest part of the work.

“MAPAQ finds itself with a “new” building subject to major problems,” Quebec’s attorney general denounced in one of several legal actions related to the case, filed in the Superior Court.

Lack of “amazing” quality

More than 11 years after the building opened, the problems are particularly acute as the crematorium to dispose of animal carcasses is still not operational this summer.

“The lack of quality is so surprising, for example at the level of the drains that sink into the ground, that MAPAQ now fears that other problems may arise,” Quebec worries.

According to the ministry, Aecon faced “significant and persistent site management issues from the start of work to the end of the project”.

“These problems are largely attributable to the arrogant attitude of Aegon’s representatives in charge of the project as the general contractor,” the Quebec government says.

Secret fee

Aecon, for its part, says it has received more than 1,000 requests for changes to the plan or clarification along the way.

“Several work shifts prevented Aegon and subcontractors from performing their work according to sequence, schedule and planned moves,” the general contractor asserts in the context of the legal proceedings. Aegon also filed lawsuits against several of its subcontractors.

The 175-page agreement was concluded in December 2021 to implement several amendments. The financial responsibility of the parties is still being negotiated. Last October, Quebec paid the contractor more than $75,000 under a “confidentiality agreement” related to the dispute.

Diane Rivard, Aecon’s senior communications consultant, declined to comment on the matter, citing the confidentiality of the deal. She sent us to the ministry.

“MAPAQ will not comment as the case is still pending in the courts and the settlement has not been finalized,” said ministry public relations officer Yohan Dallaire Boily.

Some disadvantages according to MAPAQ

• Paint “Blisters and Cracks”.
• “Drainage, especially from the autopsy rooms, is flooding the floors.”
• “Leaky cold rooms […] Bodily fluids have leaked and urgent temporary repairs are required.”