Canadian Government Lights Up Data Center in Ontario

The Canadian government has opened a second data center in Ontario as part of its ongoing data center consolidation initiative, whose plan is to replace nearly 500 facilities with seven by 2020.

The data center was launched by Shared Services Canada, an organization created in 2011 to execute the consolidation of government IT assets. SSC has closed 10 data centers to date and plans to close 47 more before the end of this year.

The new data center is in Borden, Ontario, joining one in Gatineau, Quebec, in operation since November 2013. Bell Canada acts as the provider and manager for Gatineau and provides a backup data center for Borden in Barrie. SSC's plans include using both commercial providers and the government's own data centers to consolidate government IT infrastructure.

Through consolidation and other activities, the government expects to spend nearly C$100 million a year less on data center operations by 2020 than it does today.

“Our Government is committed to providing the facilities and equipment that are needed to provide efficient, effective and secure services to Canadians, while respecting taxpayers’ dollars,” said Diane Finley, minister of public works and government services. “We are delivering on our commitment in the Economic Action Plan to modernize and standardize IT infrastructure across the entire government. Establishing these modern and efficient data centers will reduce costs, improve service and increase security.”

U.S. government is also undergoing a massive data center consolidation. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has estimated that agencies can save as much as $3.1 billion through next year.

Note: title was corrected on this article on 10/10/14. Title incorrectly stated Bell Canada was the owner of the new Borden data center.