June 9, 2008

Aecon wins $130 million contract to build Quantum Nanotechnology Centre

Aecon Group Inc. (TSX: ARE) announced today that its Buildings Division has been awarded a lump sum contract totaling approximately $130 million by the University of Waterloo to construct the Mike and Ophelia Lazaridis Quantum-Nano Centre. The building will be part of the University’s main campus in Waterloo, Ontario.

The 280,000-square-foot complex, designed by KPMB Architects of Toronto, will be visually and architecturally unique, with much of the building’s support structure visible on the outside of the building.

The facility has been described by the University as “the most complex scientific building ever constructed for the university.”

The Centre will be a concrete-and-steel structure with masonry, metal panel and curtain wall cladding systems. When complete, it will house two atria, a number of wet and dry research labs, teaching spaces and offices.

The building will also house a specialized low vibration metrology suite and a 10,000-square-foot cleanroom facility. The new facility will be connected to existing campus buildings and infrastructure by above-ground bridge links and a below-grade service tunnel.

A ground-breaking ceremony was held on Monday, June 9, 2008 at the University of Waterloo. Construction is scheduled to be completed in late 2010.

“This important project award demonstrates once again Aecon’s ability to undertake large and highly engineered projects in the University sector,” said Robert McDonald, President, Aecon Buildings.

“Aecon is proud to have built the Centre for Environmental and Information Technology at the University of Waterloo, and we are pleased to be renewing our working relationship with the university now.”

– RCD Digital Media

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