Information for Canadians
Being a good neighbour
We are committed to delivering on our good neighbour policy by promoting a federal presence in communities that supports municipal planning objectives. Through our Payments in Lieu of Taxes program, we distribute more than $460 million to some 1,300 municipalities and other real property taxing authorities each year. These statutory payments recognize the services the Government of Canada receives and contributes to covering the cost of local government.
Building and maintaining green buildings
As the main buyer and property manager for the Government of Canada, PWGSC is committed to integrating sustainable development into the heart of its business. By advancing the principles of greening procurement and our real estate operations, PWGSC is working hard to integrate environmental considerations into the day-to-day operations of government while ensuring value for money in the expenditure of taxpayers' dollars. Our activities include energy reduction initiatives in existing properties, the use of energy-efficient technologies in the construction of new projects and the remediation of contaminated sites in Canada.
Part of the PWGSC mandate is to accelerate the greening of government operations. The Office of Greening Government Operations (OGGO) has been created to work closely with other federal departments to accomplish this goal.
Preserving our heritage
PWGSC ensures the preservation of heritage buildings and monuments through the management of major restoration projects both within Canada and abroad. As the steward of Canada's most treasured site, Parliament Hill, we manage the real property and heritage conservation needs of the House of Commons, the Senate and the Library of Parliament.
Selling surplus real estate
As the agent for the federal government, PWGSC disposes of assets deemed surplus to the Crown. Properties are first offered to federal custodial departments, Crown corporations, as well as provincial and municipal governments on a priority basis. If there is no interest from these levels of government, the properties are sold to Canadian citizens through PWGSC's Real Estate Online Web site.
