Nokia breaks ground on new campus in Ottawa

Shovels are in the ground for a massive new facility that hopes to bring high-tech innovation to the capital. CTV’s Katelyn Wilson reports.

Nokia officially broke ground on its new “next generation” campus in Ottawa Tuesday morning.

Nokia Canada president Jeffrey Maddox and Nokia’s president of Network Infrastructure David Heard were joined by Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, federal cabinet minister Maninder Sidhu and Evan Solomon for the groundbreaking at the campus in the Kanata North Business Park.

“The new campus will play a pivotal role — driving breakthroughs in AI-powered networks, data center networks, quantum-safe infrastructure, and next-generation 6G technologies, while cultivating strategic industry partnerships and developing the next generation of innovators,” Nokia said in a statement.

Nokia says its Ottawa campus will span nearly 750,000 sq. ft. and will serve as a “launchpad” for the future of Canadian innovation and “accelerating advances in AI.”

“Our investment in the new Nokia Ottawa campus and (research and development) R&D work across the country will power global infrastructure and the breakthroughs that will help shape the future of connectivity,” Maddox said in a statement.

“As we expand our efforts, we are also deepening our commitment to advancing technologies that bolster Canada’s defence and national security. We’re doubling down on local talent, partners, and technology to strengthen Nokia Canada’s leadership role in a new era of quantum secure, scalable, and resilient connectivity.”

Nokia employs over 1,900 R&D professionals in Ottawa.

Sutcliffe says Nokia has been part of the “growth of Ottawa’s technology sector” for more than 50 years, and the new campus “represents the next chapter.”

“This major investment in our city is another sign that Ottawa — and in particular Kanata North — has the talent, creativity, and vision to drive innovation,” Sutcliffe said.

“Thank you to Nokia for partnering with Ottawa, for investing in our city, and for helping to create jobs and sustainable growth.”

Nokia is hoping to move into the new complex at the end of 2028 or start of 2029.

In October 2022, the federal and provincial governments and the City of Ottawa announced more than $70 million in funding to support the expansion of Nokia’s campus. Ottawa is contributing $2 million via Hydro Ottawa upgrades.

At the time, Nokia said the new hub will create more than 340 new, “high-value jobs.”