Background Information
• New decision-making framework was introduced in the 2024 Canadian federal budget to support Canadian Major Research Infrastructures.
- Six research facilities introduced including SNOLAB
• Central Pillar Lifecycle funding for designated facilities
- Requires CFI to assess long-term capital and operational needs of each 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.
