QUEEN’S PARK -- The Ontario government has short-listed four groups to submit final proposals for the new Archives of Ontario main public service facility designed to protect Ontario’s documentary heritage, Minister of Government Services Gerry Phillips announced today.

“The government is committed to a solution that provides the best accessibility for the public, has proper archival storage and helps enhance the public profile of the Archives and its collection,” said Phillips.

The Archives of Ontario is the largest provincial archives in Canada, with a collection valued at more than $400 million. It is responsible for preserving the documentary history of the province and an important source of research for the police, courts, historians and genealogists.

“This project supports the government’s priorities to modernize the province’s facilities and provide better public services,” said Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal David Caplan. “It is vital that we preserve and protect the documentary history of Ontarians in a responsible manner.”

The four pre-qualified groups invited to take part in the final procurement stage for the Archives facility are: Canadian Broadcasting Corporation; Union Pearson Group Inc.; Woodcliffe Corporation and Westdale Construction Co. Ltd. Cor; and York University.

The government plans to select the successful proponent by early summer. The 90,000-square feet facility is expected to be ready for occupancy in early 2009, as a new or renovated building.

The new facility will serve as the primary point of contact for visitors who need access to public records. It will be located in the City of Toronto and house high-value items and special collections. It will also feature public reading rooms, offices, conservation labs, and archival processing areas.

As part of the government’s commitment to creating and promoting a culture of conservation in Ontario, the new facility will be built to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards, including rigorous requirements for energy management and conservation.

The project is proceeding under ReNew Ontario, the government’s five-year $30 billion infrastructure renewal plan to build strong and prosperous communities. “ It is being implemented according to the principles of the Building a Better Tomorrow Framework for planning, financing and procuring public infrastructure," said Caplan. “The Framework principles protect the public interest and ensure that processes are fair, transparent and efficient.”