Canadian authorities announced that the Department of National Defence transferred nearly 1,000 employees from an administrative building in the Lower Town district of Ottawa due to safety concerns for its staff.

The building is located at 400 Cumberland St, on Rideau Street, near ByWard Market.

A spokesperson for DND also confirmed that Ottawa employees will be relocated to the Colonel George R. Pearkes building, the DND headquarters, on Colonel By Drive.

The DND statement mentioned, “The Department of National Defence is aware of the safety concerns raised by employees working in our offices at 400 Cumberland Street.”

It added: “As a result of recent incidents that have jeopardized employee safety, employees have requested mitigations to address the ongoing incidents affecting staff. This matter is being taken seriously, and we remain committed to ensuring everyone’s safety by considering all necessary measures.”

The transfer of employees from 400 Cumberland Street will begin in June and is expected to be completed by October.

The Department of National Defence stated it is relocating employees out of the Lower Town building at the same time the federal government will ask federal employees to spend more time in the office.

Starting in September, all federal employees will be required to be in their offices for at least three days a week.