Ministry of Government Services Data Centre

The Ministry of Government Services Data Centre (MGSDC) remains a world-class

demonstration of the power of successful public-private partnership. Delivered under

Ontario’s first P3 data centre model, the project consolidated 43 outdated government

data facilities into one purpose-built, secure, and resilient 240,000-square-foot facility. It

provides uninterrupted services to essential government functions, including Health,

Transportation, and the Solicitor General.

The MGSDC project was awarded to the Plenary Properties consortium through a

competitive procurement process. The consortium brought together leading

organizations for design, construction, operations, and financing. As part of this

integrated team, Johnson Controls assumed long-term responsibility for facility

performance and operations as Project Co. Service Provider.

From inception through ongoing operations, JCI has led the strategic vision for lifecycle

planning, capital reinvestment, and performance management. This has been delivered

through a seamless collaboration with BGIS, which provides onsite operations and

maintenance under contract to JCI. Together, the integrated team ensures that service

quality, reliability, and lifecycle outcomes consistently exceed expectations. The

effective alignment between JCI’s Customer Business Manager, Kevin Odhoch, and the

BGIS site leadership of Brian Benson has played a central role in sustaining this

success.

Driving Cost Savings Through Lifecycle Excellence

Delivered in 2010 at a capital cost of $352 million, MGSDC achieved a 14.3 percent

savings compared to traditional procurement, equating to approximately $64.2 million.

When adjusted to 2025 values, this reflects a project worth nearly $473.7 million and

more than $86.4 million in value-for-money savings. These efficiencies are a direct

result of long-term lifecycle planning led by JCI and implemented through BGIS’s

internal service delivery model.

With more than 80 percent of facilities management services delivered in-house, the

operational model significantly reduces third-party reliance, maintains continuity, and

enhances cost control. Each initiative is strategically aligned to long-term performance

objectives and sustainability goals, with investment approvals and execution overseen

by the Project Co. leadership team.

Achieving Global Recognition through Tier IV Gold Certification

MGSDC was the first data centre in the world to achieve Tier IV Gold Certification from

the Uptime Institute for both Design and Operational Sustainability—an unprecedented

accomplishment. This certification validates the facility’s fault tolerance, concurrent

maintainability, and operational resilience.

Initial Tier IV Operational Sustainability Certification was achieved within just two

months of operation, well ahead of the targeted timeline. This milestone was made

possible through a disciplined maintenance strategy, robust risk-based lifecycle

planning, and a responsive governance model. Ongoing audits have confirmed

continued excellence, making MGSDC the only Tier IV Gold certified TCOS site in

Canada to this day. The forward-thinking coordination between site operations, led by

Brian Benson, and capital planning by JCI, ensured readiness well in advance of

expectations.

Sustainability, Innovation, and Energy Efficiency

MGSDC exemplifies sustainable infrastructure through its LEED Gold Certification and

its consistent adherence to energy model benchmarks. Energy efficiency

measures—such as the site-wide LED retrofit—were delivered internally by BGIS,

guided by JCI’s lifecycle strategy.

Advanced practices like chilled water tank optimization and free cooling during peak

periods have helped reduce electricity use in alignment with Independent Electricity

System Operator (IESO) guidelines. These initiatives deliver measurable energy

savings without compromising critical system availability and are a testament to the

proactive coordination between the FM team and strategic leadership.

Operational Excellence Through Integrated Facility Management

MGSDC's operational practices are built around rigor and consistency. All Methods of

Procedure (MOPs) and Emergency Operating Procedures (EOPs) are developed onsite

and aligned with JCI’s operational protocols and the client’s expectations. These

procedures are regularly reviewed, catalogued, and embedded within work orders and

training to ensure repeatable execution.

In addition to technical excellence, BGIS delivers onsite operations and maintenance

services on behalf of JCI. This integrated approach supports Lifecycle Management,

capital project delivery, risk mitigation, HVAC optimization, and energy efficiency. The

partnership model between the two organizations ensures that the facility is always

positioned to meet its evolving operational demands while aligning with client outcomes

and public expectations.

The collaborative leadership demonstrated by Kevin Odhoch and Brian Benson

continues to be a foundational driver of MGSDC’s exceptional performance, aligning

daily operations with long-term strategic objectives.

Resilience, Social Responsibility, and Community Impact

Beyond its core function, MGSDC supports government emergency preparedness. The

facility includes a dedicated Contingency Response Centre (CRC) with the capacity to

house 32 personnel and amenities for extended occupancy. Dry goods are rotated and

donated to local food banks, reinforcing a commitment to social responsibility.

Environmental stewardship also plays a critical role. Located near a sensitive wetland,

MGSDC restored 80 percent of its natural surroundings and implemented a stormwater

reuse system that eliminates dependency on municipal infrastructure. When barn

swallows—an at-risk species—were found onsite, conservation measures were

implemented in coordination with environmental authorities.

These achievements are made possible through the strong operational alignment and

leadership shared between the project stakeholders, who continue to support the site’s

resilience and community-minded values.

Why MGSDC Deserves Best Operational Project Recognition

MGSDC is a model for how P3 infrastructure should be delivered and operated. Every

milestone—whether fiscal, environmental, or operational—has been reached through an

integrated, high-performing partnership between JCI, BGIS, and the broader Plenary

Properties consortium.

The project continues to demonstrate the highest standards in facility management,

lifecycle execution, and public value. It exemplifies what can be achieved when strategic

oversight and day-to-day execution are unified under a shared vision of excellence.

Key Highlights:

- Global Leadership: First Tier IV Gold certified data centre globally, maintaining

this elite status through successive audits

- Perfect Safety Record: Over a decade of operations with zero lost time injuries

and no critical system failures

- Built-In Resilience: 24/7 emergency readiness with full contingency infrastructure

- Fiscal Responsibility: Over $86 million in cost savings through strategic lifecycle

planning and in-house delivery

- Collaborative Model: Long-term, integrated partnership between operations and

strategic leadership delivering sustained performance

- Award-Winning Delivery Team: Developed and delivered by the Plenary

Properties consortium with expertise across design, construction, FM, and

finance

MGSDC is more than a facility; it is a foundation for government service continuity,

innovation, environmental stewardship, and public trust. It defines what operational

excellence truly means in the context of modern infrastructure delivery.