Modernization of Parliament (Parliamentary Precinct): Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates—May 29, 2023
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Status of the long term vision and plan for the Parliamentary Precinct and 100 Wellington
Context
Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) is implementing the long term vision and plan–a multi-decade strategy to restore and modernize the Parliamentary Precinct. The core of the Parliamentary Precinct includes the grounds and buildings on Parliament Hill and the 3 city blocks directly facing it.
The department is also supporting Crown-Indigenous Relations to develop a national space for Indigenous Peoples within the Parliamentary Precinct. The project includes the re-development of the former United States Embassy (located at 100 Wellington Street), the CIBC building (located at 119 Sparks Street) and an infill space between the 2 buildings.
Note: Questions related to the Indigenous Peoples’ Space (100 Wellington) should be directed to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations as the overall lead for the Indigenous Peoples’ Space.
Suggested response
- PSPC is restoring the Parliamentary Precinct for future generations of Canadians, and making it modern, safer, greener and more accessible
- We are working with each House of Parliament to ensure that their parliamentary requirements are being met
- Work is progressing to restore and modernize the Centre Block, the largest and most complex heritage rehabilitation project in Canada’s history
- In addition, in partnership with Parliament, PSPC successfully completed an architectural design competition for the redevelopment of block 2, the urban block directly opposite the Centre Block
If pressed on the Centre Block Rehabilitation Program:
- The Auditor General recently tabled the performance audit on the Centre Block Rehabilitation Program and I am encouraged by the positive observations made by the Auditor General on the management of this project, which continues to advance within estimated costs and schedule
- The Auditor’s recommendations provide an opportunity to further improve decision-making, and the overall delivery of not just the Centre Block, but the long term vision and plan as a whole, and I intend to act on them within the year
- Significant progress is being made on the project and it remains on track. The design concept for the Centre Block and Parliament Welcome Centre has been finalized and major construction activities are underway, such as excavation, demolition and abatement, and masonry rehabilitation
- In addition to providing enhanced functionality to Parliament, the restored and modernized Centre Block and the new Parliament Welcome Centre will offer an accessible path of travel from the Centennial Flame to the Chamber galleries, as well as provide modern building infrastructure to better meet the needs of a broader spectrum of human conditions
- This project will also transform the Centre Block to net zero carbon emissions from one of the worst performing facilities in the PSPC portfolio to carbon neutral
If pressed on the redevelopment of block 2:
- The redevelopment of block 2, directly facing Centre Block, will transform a mix of functionally obsolete buildings into an innovative complex to meet the needs of a 21st century Parliament
- The design contract was awarded to the winner of the block 2 design competition, Zeidler Architecture, in early May 2023. The winning design concept that was selected by an independent jury respects the heritage elements of the buildings while providing modern, sustainable and accessible accommodations for Parliament
- Next steps include establishing detailed functional requirements with Parliament to create a baseline project budget and begin construction
If pressed on the creation and costs of the Parliamentary tunnel network:
- In June 2022, Parliament approved a concept for an underground tunnel network that would connect buildings of the Parliamentary Precinct and ensure the safe and efficient movement of parliamentarians and materials in support of Parliamentary operations
- The tunnel network is intended to be built in phases. A portion of the tunnel infrastructure was completed during the West Block and Visitor Welcome Centre phase 1 construction. The remaining portion of the loop will integrate the Centre, East and West blocks via the new Parliament Welcome Centre. The loop will also connect to parliamentary accommodations on the south side of Wellington Street
- Planning is still under development and will inform cost estimates and schedule. PSPC continues to work with Parliament to ensure that the project can be completed in a way that enhances the security of the Parliamentary Precinct, while remaining cost effective
If pressed on Parliamentary engagement, governance and key decisions:
- PSPC works hand in hand with Parliament to plan and deliver the long term vision and plan
- As part of this collaborative process, each House of Parliament establishes project requirements and priorities to support their parliamentary operations
- My mandate is to work with each House of Parliament to ensure that parliamentary requirements are being met in a manner that preserves our heritage and ensures value for money
- PSPC continues to work collaboratively with partners to meet their needs in a cost-efficient manner that respects our heritage buildings
If pressed on the Indigenous Peoples Space (100 Wellington and 119 Sparks):
- PSPC continues to support Crown-Indigenous Relations, the Algonquin Nation and the National Indigenous Organizations in developing a national space for Indigenous Peoples’ in the Parliamentary Precinct
- As the overall lead for the Indigenous Peoples’ Space, Crown-Indigenous Relations is best positioned to answer questions on the status of the agreement with the Anishinaabeg Algonquin Nation Tribal Council for a dedicated space for the Algonquin people
- As the lead on the redevelopment of block 2, which has the Indigenous Peoples Space at its very heart, PSPC will ensure that the design and construction of the entire block honours and respects the significance of First Nations, Inuit and the Métis Nation and their contributions
If pressed on Indigenous involvement in the Precinct broadly:
- PSPC is working collaboratively with the Algonquin Nation, Indigenous-led organizations, and other communities to ensure that Indigenous Peoples are involved in the re-building of Canada’s Parliamentary Precinct
- This collaboration includes skills development, apprenticeship and economic opportunities, including an archaeological field school to train community members in preserving and managing archaeological findings and agreements with Indigenous business and stakeholders aimed at dedicating 5% of procurements to Indigenous businesses
- PSPC is also working with Indigenous Partners to receive input on the proposed architecture and design for the Parliament Welcome Centre and to begin engagement on the redevelopment and expanded Parliamentary Precinct campus through visioning sessions
Jurisdiction of Wellington Street
Context
Wellington Street is a central feature in the Nation’s Capital and is key to the operations of Canada’s Parliament and judiciary. Currently under the ownership and operational responsibility of the City of Ottawa, the future uses of Wellington Street have long been part of the reimagining of the Parliamentary Precinct, including the possibility of it being closed to vehicular traffic.
Suggested response
- PSPC continues to work with the City of Ottawa, Parliament, public safety and other key stakeholders to establish a plan for Wellington Street
- We are committed to reaching a solution that enhances security and improves the visitor experience in a way that works for Parliament, the City of Ottawa, residents and local businesses
- The government has responded to the House of Commons Standing Committee on procedure and House affairs following the committee’s study of the expansion and operational security of the Parliamentary Precinct, as well as the recommendations from the Public Order Emergency Commission. Together these include expanding the Precinct by transferring Wellington Street to the federal government and closing it to traffic, and clarifying roles and responsibilities for security in the larger precinct going forward
- Our aim is to collaboratively establish a plan for Wellington Street that works for all parties to ensure the safe and efficient operations of Canada's parliamentary institutions and contribute to the vibrancy of Canada's Capital
If pressed on the re-opening of Wellington street:
- Although we are disappointed, we respect the City’s decision to reopen Wellington Street to vehicles
- Discussions with City of Ottawa are ongoing surrounding both the short- and long-term plan for Wellington Street, including collaborating on a transportation study assessing the impact of maintaining vehicle restrictions on Wellington Street
- The Government of Canada would like to see Wellington Street closed to vehicular traffic so it may be redeveloped as a civic gathering space for celebration, national mourning and peaceful protest–a welcoming, open, safe and secure space for residents and visitors alike, befitting a major national capital
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