Canadian Nuclear Laboratories’ Advanced Nuclear Materials Research Centre (ANMRC) represents the centerpiece of a $1.2 billion Government of Canada investment to revitalize the Chalk River Laboratories campus. Designed to consolidate critical capabilities from aging facilities, the ANMRC will provide a modern platform for nuclear materials research, fuel development, and advanced nuclear science for decades to come.

As lead designer and prime consultant to the Integrated Project Delivery team, Merrick worked closely with CNL, the construction team, and key trade partners to bring the complex facility and its specialized research capabilities together as one integrated design. By addressing critical requirements and system interfaces early, the team created a coordinated foundation for the specialized hot cells, active liquid waste systems, and supporting infrastructure, helping reduce design conflicts and position the facility to meet CNL’s highly specialized research needs.

Merrick also established the project’s Basis of Design and advanced the facility through Target Value Design, helping the team balance technical performance with constructability, cost, and long-term flexibility. The ANMRC marks a major step in the transformation of Chalk River Laboratories, creating modern, adaptable research infrastructure that will strengthen Canada’s capabilities in nuclear materials testing, advanced fuels, and next-generation nuclear research.