Sir John A. Macdonald Building Unveiled

News Release

For Immediate Release

Preserving Our Parliamentary Heritage Buildings for All Canadians

June 15, 2015 – Ottawa, Ont. – Public Works and Government Services Canada

Today, the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, unveiled the newly rehabilitated Sir John A. Macdonald Building across from Parliament Hill. The Minister was joined by several dignitaries, including the Honourable Andrew Scheer, Speaker of the House of Commons; Peter Van Loan, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons; and Arthur Milnes, who founded the Sir John A. Macdonald Bicentennial Commission in 2010, and is now the City of Kingston’s official Sir John A. Macdonald Bicentennial Ambassador. This 1930s art deco/beaux arts heritage building located at 144 Wellington Street will serve as the new home for parliamentary meetings and functions.

The project involved the complete rehabilitation of the former Bank of Montreal building and the construction of a new 3,100 square-metre annex. The addition provides flexible and functional meeting and ceremonial spaces, a secure entrance and essential support functions, including a loading dock, mechanical rooms and food services.

The rehabilitation of the Sir John A. Macdonald Building was completed on time and on budget, while creating or sustaining 600 jobs in the National Capital Region. It will be handed over to the House of Commons at the end of June 2015.

Quick Facts

Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) followed guiding principles for heritage rehabilitation that call for additions to be compatible yet distinct from the heritage building.
The new annex’s contemporary glass and limestone exterior blends with the original building and respects the nearby historical buildings. For example, marble from the tellers’ counters was re-used inside the building in meeting rooms and on benches.
Heritage stones from the building were re-used in the rehabilitation of the exterior.

Quotes

“Our Government is committed to ensuring the preservation of our historic buildings. The project to rehabilitate the Sir John A. Macdonald Building was not only delivered on time and on budget, but also created or sustained 600 private-sector jobs while bringing new life to one of the architectural landmarks of our nation’s capital.”
The Honourable Diane Finley
Minister of Public Works and Government Services

“The rehabilitation of the Sir John A. Macdonald Building is a tremendous benefit to all Members of Parliament as it provides a beautiful space where we can honour Canadians and host our international guests. On behalf of all Members of Parliament, thank you for this wonderful restoration.”
The Honourable Andrew Scheer
Speaker of the House of Commons