Background Information
A new decision-making framework was introduced in the 2024 Canadian federal budget to support Canadian Major Research Infrastructures. Six research facilities were introduced into this proposed framework, including SNOLAB.
A central pillar of this concept is lifecycle funding for designated facilities. The process requires CFI to assess long-term capital and operational needs of each major research facility (MRF) to make a request to the Government of Canada.
SNOLAB has been asked to provide detailed and reliable budget estimates for the next 15 years under three budget scenarios.
- Maintaining current levels of operation
- Fully supporting the needs of the Canadian research community
- Increasing global competitiveness
As part of this process, SNOLAB will also be required to provide facility condition assessment and asset management plan under these three scenarios.
Request to the community
The community is asked to try to provide input on five questions:
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What do you see as SNOLAB’s role for the community in 15 years? Are there capabilities that you believe SNOLAB will need to host, with accessibility, for the wider community?
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How do you see your project fitting into the field’s landscape on that timescale?
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What is the anticipated footprint of your project and what is the most plausible timeline on which you expect to be most active in construction and then operation? What are the space needs in the following three areas: on-site (surface), on-site (underground), and off-site (nearby SNOLAB)?
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Does your project have any needs that might be unusual in the field or for SNOLAB (e.g., extensive space needs, specific isolation requirements, novel utilities and services). Do you require specific logistical or personnel support from SNOLAB directly?
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What are the anticipated on-site personnel levels (separately, in terms of students vs. professionals) during (1) the construction and (2) the steady-state operation phases of the project?
