The Centre Block project on Parliament Hill is an ambitious endeavor aimed at preserving and modernizing Canada's iconic Centre Block, which serves as the country's Parliament. With a budget of $4.5 to $5 billion, the project is well underway, with an expected completion date in 2032. In this blog post, we will delve into the key components and advancements of this massive rehabilitation and renovation project.
Preserving Heritage while Modernizing
One of the primary challenges faced by the joint venture of EllisDon and PCL, along with numerous subtrades and suppliers, is balancing the preservation of the building's heritage with the need to modernize it to meet current building standards. The project involves significant redesigns and new features, but the aim is to ensure that external changes are hardly noticeable, with the new center being almost invisible to the public.
Excavation and Visitor Center
The construction site is a beehive of activity, with approximately 40,000 truckloads of bedrock removed during the excavation of the visitor center area. This underground center will house a new visitors' entrance and support area, setting the stage for efficient visitor and official traffic flow management. Once visitors pass through security screening, they can explore interpretive exhibits or embark on Parliament Hill tours.
Restoration of Heritage Assets
Restoring and enhancing the Centre Block's heritage is a crucial aspect of the project. Specialists are diligently working on the restoration of over 20,000 heritage assets, including stained glass windows, sculptures, paintings and light fixtures.
The Government of Canada website states that many items have been carefully cataloged and protected, while the main building structure is undergoing major seismic enhancements.
Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
The Centre Block project prioritizes energy efficiency and sustainability. Through the implementation of a geothermal system and grey water recycling, the aim is to reduce heating and cooling energy requirements and emissions by 75% and water consumption by 50%.
Contractors will dig boreholes for the geothermal system under the visitors' center, ensuring a more environmentally friendly approach to energy usage.
The project includes the following:
- Restoring the building's stonework, wood, plaster, frescos, stained glass, marble and metalwork
- Replacing mechanical, electrical and fire safety systems
- Installing new information technology, multimedia and security systems
- Upgrading committee rooms to provide additional space as well as modern technology for broadcasting and translation
- Making the building more environmentally sustainable
- Making the building more accessible for employees, parliamentarians and visitors
- Building Phase 2 of the Parliament Welcome Centre complex
- Restoring the Peace Tower
- Using base isolation technology to ensure that the Centre Block and the Peace Tower can meet the building code to withstand a magnitude 6.0 earthquake
The project team recognizes the importance of the Centre Block's courtyards, referring to them as the "public lungs" of the building.
These spaces will include:
- Glass-enclosed and equipped with elevators
- Office spaces
- Lounges
- Indigenous cultural practices areas
- Fire exits
The enclosure of the courtyards contributes to the project's goal of achieving carbon neutrality, with a projected energy reduction of at least 65% and a water consumption reduction of 50%.
Preserving Heritage Assets
The Centre Block's heritage assets, including murals, paintings, chandeliers, and stained glass windows, will be restored in 50 high-heritage rooms. The roof of the building will be raised to accommodate mechanical systems, improving heating, cooling, and insulation and also ensuring the safeguarding of heritage materials.
Masonry work will also be carried out to repair and rehabilitate approximately 35% of the building's stone façades.
Conclusion
The Centre Block project represents the largest heritage rehabilitation program ever undertaken in Canada. As the joint venture of EllisDon and PCL, alongside various subtrades and suppliers, navigate the challenges of modernization while preserving heritage, the aim is to breathe new life into this iconic national landmark. The project's commitment to energy efficiency, sustainability, and accessibility ensures that the Centre Block will continue to serve as a symbol of Canada's parliamentary democracy for generations to come.
DataBid is currently reporting on this project - PWGSC/PCL/EllisDon Centre Block Rehabilitation - Visitors Welcome Centre Excavation (0005062019)
DataBid is currently reporting on this project - PWGSC/PCL/EllisDon Centre Block Rehabilitation - Heritage Stone Masonry Conservation/Restoration (0035031820)
DataBid is currently reporting on this project - PWGSC/PCL/EllisDon Centre Block Rehabilitation - Selective Demolition (0015090220)
DataBid is currently reporting on this project - PWGSC/PCL/EllisDon Centre Block Heritage Building Formwork (0057110121)
