Mac’s II Agencies: Project Highlight – The Sidney Centre for Plant Health (SCPH), Victoria, BC
March 27, 2026
SCPH Lighting Project: Where Every System, from Lighting to Infrastructure, Supports Research, Innovation & Canada’s Agricultural Future
The Sidney Centre for Plant Health (SCPH) represents a major step forward in Canada’s commitment to safeguarding plant health. As the country’s only post‑entry quarantine, diagnostic, and research facility for imported plant material, the new 59,460 sq.ft building replaces aging structures dating back over a century, providing a modern, efficient, and future‑ready home for critical scientific work. Mac’s II Agencies supported the project through a fully integrated approach, bringing together lighting, electrical, and power solutions.
In the lighting package, the goal was to achieve bright, functional illumination with a clean laboratory aesthetic. The client required ease of operation, adaptability, and full alignment with government standards. A Trellix interface was provided for controls, giving the end user significant flexibility. Interior selections included Cooper Lighting Solutions’ Portfolio LD4C and LD6C downlights across the first floor, Metalux GRLED panels in packaging and receiving areas, and Finelite HP‑4 linear fixtures throughout the east and west corridors on multiple levels. Additional lighting includes LED strip fixtures used across mechanical, electrical, and various service-based rooms, and LED troffers incorporated into alcoves to support task-specific illumination.
Exterior lighting featured the McGraw‑Edison Galleon series across parking areas, creating uniformity, safety, and a cohesive visual design. FC Lighting wall mounted luminaires were positioned above key exterior entrances, blending seamlessly with the building’s grey finishes for a subtle but effective architectural detail.
Electrical scope included supplying EV charging equipment to support both the site’s work vehicles and its smaller electric service carts.
For power quality, the facility is equipped with an Eaton CPDI UPS system supplied through their distributor partner, Wesco Victoria. Eaton was selected over competing manufacturers for their ability to meet the project’s critical timelines, while the seamless integration between the CPDI UPS and Eaton’s distribution equipment added further value. The facility ultimately received a 50 kW N+1 system, with the option to upgrade to a 100 kW N+1 configuration to support future growth.
Supporting the site’s broader energy infrastructure, fifteen low-voltage transformers by Canadian manufacturer Delta Transformers were also specified. Though a smaller portion of the overall package, this element contributed to the facility’s stable and well‑planned distribution network.
Collaboration with Sasco Contractors and other key project partners allowed each piece of the electrical, lighting, and power strategy to be thoughtfully integrated into the broader vision. The Centre for Plant Health now serves as a benchmark for sustainable, inclusive, and scientifically advanced design—where every system, from lighting to infrastructure, supports research, innovation, and Canada’s agricultural future.
Project Partners
- End User: Government of Canada
- Engineer: WSP
- Architect: Architecture49
- Contractor: Sasco Contractors
- Distributor: Wesco (Victoria)
- Manufacturers: Cooper Lighting Solutions, Metalux, Portfolio, McGraw-Edison, Streetworks
- Controls: Finelite, FC Lighting, Kurtzon, Kelvix, Nova Pole, Above All, Ready-Lite (ABB), Eaton CPDI UPS and Delta Transformers
- Photographer: Brett Ryan Studios
Key Product Spotlight
- HP-4 Wet Location Surface Mount by Finelite
- 22GR by Cooper Lighting Solutions: Metalux
- TL-R-LED Troffer by Kurtzon
- GLEON Galleon by Cooper Lighting Solutions: McGraw-Edison
- LD4C Downlight by Cooper Lighting Solutions: Portfolio
- LD6C Downlight by Cooper Lighting Solutions: Portfolio
- Performance 200 LED Strip Tape by Kelvix
- FCW1036 by FC Outdoor Lighting
For more information on Mac’s II Agencies solutions HERE
SCPH SCPH SCPH SCPH SCPH SCPH SCPH SCPH SCPH SCPH
