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Status report on transformational and major Crown projects: 2019 to 2020 Departmental Results Report

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Long Term Vision and Plan for the Federal Science Strategy

Federal science and research plays a key role in the lives of Canadians. The Government of Canada is committed to revitalizing federal science and technology excellence by creating a world-class national network of modern and multipurpose laboratories. The government owns and operates over 3,500 federal science and technology assets, including approximately 200 science and research facilities. With almost 50% of these assets built before 1975, the physical, digital and equipment backbones no longer meet modern needs and impede science outcomes. As such, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC), in partnership with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada and federal science-based departments and agencies, established a Long Term Vision and Plan (LTVP) that describes a 25-year integrated approach to building new federal laboratories and fostering the change necessary to amplify existing successful collaborative efforts. The vision is to create a world-class national network of modern, multipurpose, federal science and technology laboratories to support collaborative, multidisciplinary research and innovation, and evidence-based decision-making, including in regulatory responsibilities.

Aligned with the Government of Canada's vision for science and research, this strategy recognizes the need for a transformative approach to addressing various science and technology challenges, including aging infrastructure and aims to advance collaborative, multidisciplinary research. The approach was developed by the federal science community and driven by science outcomes. It also correlates with the independent views of the chief science advisor, the 2017 fundamental science review led by Dr. David Naylor, and the Council of Canadian Academies, as well as counterparts in other international jurisdictions.

The strategy also intends to address policy and administrative barriers that inhibit collaboration, streamline equipment procurement procedures and modernize information management and information technology (IM/IT) systems.

The minister responsible for Innovation, Science and Industry has the overall policy and leadership role for ensuring the strategy supports the objectives mapped out in Canada's science vision. The minister responsible for Public Services and Procurement is accountable for implementing the new science infrastructure and retains the budget and contracting responsibilities. A governance framework is in place that supports the collective accountability for implementation in concert with all partner departments and agencies.

Budget 2018 provided $2.8 billion to initiate phase 1 of this ambitious, whole-of-government strategy to address science infrastructure in critically poor condition. In addition to phase 1 infrastructure investments objectives, the strategy also aims to advance a series of science outcomes, bringing together science-based departments and agencies into 5 science hubs based on their common science goals and in support of science excellence. Engagement is critical and necessary to identifying hub science requirements.

These hubs are now exploring opportunities to strengthen their research agendas through enhanced interdisciplinary work and shared facilities where appropriate.

Phase 1 activities have been grouped into the following 5 science hubs :

Atlantic Science Enterprise Centre
Atlantic Science Enterprise Centre will undertake science focused on improving sustainability of Atlantic fresh and saltwater resources; monitoring and protecting the health of coastal ecosystems of the Gulf St. Lawrence/Atlantic Ocean regions.
Cultural Heritage Science
Cultural Heritage Science will be focused on the science of preserving cultural heritage for future generations, facilitating access to collections, as well as identifying and addressing emerging risks to cultural heritage.
Regulatory Security Science
Regulatory Security Science will provide seamless integration of complementary government science capabilities to protect Canada's people, animals, and plants, as well as advance innovation and economic growth
TerraCanada
TerraCanada will undertake science focused on advancing technology solutions to increase the environmental competitiveness of the Canadian resources sector as well as enable informed land use and support mitigation of/adaptation to cumulative effects from development, climate change, and natural disaster risks. It will also focus on advancing Canada's low carbon economy to help Canada meet emission reduction targets and grow the clean energy and manufacturing sectors as well as building capacity to protect Canadians from hazards of human origin, such as air contamination, radiation exposure, fire, and unsafe consumer products. Research of natural hazards, such as earthquakes, will also be incorporated to support the reduction of risk to people and infrastructure.
Transportation Safety and Technology Science
Transportation Safety and Technology Science will undertake assessing and reducing transportation safety risks for Canadians; creating new technologies to improve safety certification processes, responsive and accurate investigation procedures as well as enhancing transportation safety.

Project outcomes

Much of the existing federal science infrastructure is now outdated, with physical, digital and equipment infrastructure no longer able to meet the modern needs of scientists. This rust-out of facilities puts science outcomes at risk, and impedes the ability of federal scientists to collaborate and achieve the highest levels of scientific excellence.

The LTVP advances collaborative and multidisciplinary research, with science as the key driver, and addresses the rust-out of federal facilities and siloed science. LTVP investments will create a world-class national network of federal laboratories to support evidence-based decision making, collaborative scientific discovery research with partners, and innovation in core program delivery across the science spectrum, including regulatory responsibilities, by:

Industrial benefits

Beyond strengthening science outcomes for Canada's science community, the LTVP has a broad range of benefits for people across Canada.

Jobs and skills development
An interconnected science ecosystem drives innovation and creates new jobs and skills that grow research and development capacity in the science community. Phase 1 investments will create an estimated 20,000 direct jobs in architecture, engineering, manufacturing, trades and the construction sectors, both locally and nationally.
Visible tangible investments
Several facilities are expected to be in full operation within the first phase of the strategy, allowing the government to demonstrate progress and continued investments into traditional sectors in Canada, including forestry, mining and aquatic resources.
Efficient government
The LTVP is being delivered in tight alignment with the government's horizontal fixed asset review, which will improve the management of fixed assets across government and better align the government's footprint with its program requirements.
Accessibility
Aligned with the Accessible Canada Act, the strategy is committed to being a pathfinder for standards development in accessible building design, while advancing federal science and technology. New collaboration centres are ideal for accessible design and will lead by example to create an accessible and inclusive workplace. The built environment offers the chance to show concrete results in accessibility, while the procurement and IT could showcase important progress, as well.
Sustainability
The strategy is committed to demonstrate leadership in low-carbon, resilient, and green operations, with new facilities designed to meet federal standards for environmental sustainability. Our facilities will be environmentally sustainable, accessible and carbon-neutral.
Broad procurement benefits
Construction management firms will be awarded large contracts. However, 90% of their value will be sub-contracted out to small and medium enterprises from across the country.
Reduced costs
Instead of spending on rusted-out facilities, the strategy will reduce operating and maintenance costs, replacing them with spaces that better support the important work undertaken within them. These investments will reduce also health and safety risks.
Lower risk overall
Laboratories Canada is a once in a generation opportunity to de-risk federal science infrastructure and accomplish a broad array of objectives rooted in strengthening and modernizing Canada's approach to federal science itself. It positions Canada for international leadership in areas critical for the public good and stewardship as well as broader economic objectives.

Sponsoring department

Public Services and Procurement Canada

Contracting authority

Public Services and Procurement Canada

Participating departments

Participating departments and agencies in phase 1:

Prime contractor

Project phase

Phase 1 of the LTVP will address the most critically at-risk federal laboratories while renewing and building collaborative facilities across Canada. Altogether 11 facilities within the National Capital Area, Ontario, Quebec, Atlantic and Western regions will be designed and constructed.

Key priorities for phase 1 will be advanced through 4 pillars, with science as the key driver.

Barriers: Address barriers that inhibit science and technology collaboration

Information management and information technology: Modernize information management and information technology systems to meet evolving science needs

Define and develop the IT services required to deliver science outcomes.

Equipment: Promote sharing and streamline procurement of major equipment

Develop a new approach to the procurement and management of equipment to optimize utilization and support leading edge science.

Facilities: Build leading-edge, collaborative, accessible, sustainable facilities

Subsequent phases

The process for developing subsequent phases is under development, and information will be available in 2020 and will focus, to an even greater extent, on science outcomes while continuing to address at-risk federal science infrastructure and exploring opportunities for collaborative science and potential partnerships with academia, industry, Indigenous groups, provinces, territories and municipalities.

Major milestones

Guided by the LTVP, the following are the major elements to be completed during the phase 1 of the strategy.

Governance

The strategy will be guided by a horizontal and vertical, internal and external governance structure to ensure the successful delivery of projects through sound decision making, and interdepartmental collaboration (spring 2020).

Site selection

Comprehensive site selection methodology will be developed in collaboration with the 5 science hubs, to identify the most suitable site locations for new facilities. This is an evidence-based process that incorporates science outcomes as a primary driver, together with socio-economic considerations (summer 2020).

Engagement and change management

Develop various strategies that support each key activity and its distinct stakeholders (such as, unions, hubs, and scientists), building collaborative and successful partnerships to enable the effective management of this horizontal initiative.

Design and project delivery

Over the course of 2020 and 2021, PSPC will tender and award regionally-based architectural and engineering services and construction management contracts to design and build the facilities located across Canada. The regional hub approach supports a streamlined and efficient approach to delivery. This approach also creates a scale of economy while creating more bidding opportunities for firms across Canada to participate in this work.

Continue to advance the planning, design and delivery of 11 science infrastructure projects with the first planned to open by 2022.

Information management and information technology

Laboratories Canada and Shared Service Canada's Science Program will work together to define and develop the IT services required to deliver science outcomes. In support of phase 1, the program has 2 primary responsibilities:

Policy barriers

The task of mitigating policy and administrative barriers that block modern science collaboration is underway. For example, the Policy on Transfer Payments was previously interpreted as prohibiting any federal involvement in projects where recipients received grants and contributions funding. Additional barriers will be addressed through the development of a new custodianship model and operating framework (winter 2021).

Effective life-cycle management of Canada's renewed federal science infrastructure

In order to best support the effective life-cycle management of new and renewed federal science infrastructure, PSPC is working with the Treasury Board Secretariat on 3 key initiatives:

Progress report and explanation of variances

PSPC in partnership with the federal science partners has fully launched the Laboratories Canada Strategy and made significant advancements across all pillars of this transformative horizontal initiative:

Variances of the major milestones

There are currently no variances to the major milestones.

Long Term Vision and Plan for the Parliamentary Precinct

Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) is implementing the Long Term Vision and Plan (LTVP) for the Parliamentary Precinct—a multi-decade plan for the restoration and modernization for the buildings and grounds on and around Parliament Hill. The Parliamentary Precinct is comprised of 35 Crown-owned buildings, of which 28 are designated federal heritage properties, including the parliamentary triad (West Block, Centre Block, and East Block), as well as several leased properties throughout the National Capital Region.

The LTVP is delivered by PSPC on behalf of the parliamentary partners (Senate of Canada, House of Commons, Library of Parliament, and Parliamentary Protective Service), as well as the Office of Prime Minister and Privy Council. The LTVP is a complex multi-decade strategy designed to address the following 3 priorities:

The LTVP is a complex strategy delivered through rolling programs of work that offer flexibility to respond to emerging priorities. First approved in 2001, and subsequently updated in 2006, the LTVP has made significant progress in addressing health and safety risks, and in modernizing the Parliamentary Precinct to meet the needs of a 21st century Parliament, all while respecting its heritage character. It is comprised of multiple concurrent projects of varying sizes and durations, including large-scale heritage restorations, new construction projects, smaller fit-up and information-technology related works, as well as planning initiatives.

To manage and advance the LTVP, PSPC has established 5 closely-connected and interdependent programs:

The Major Capital Program focuses on the rehabilitation of major buildings in the Parliamentary Precinct, including the Centre Block rehabilitation projects, as well as previously completed projects such as the West Block, the 180 Wellington Building, and the Senate of Canada Building. In addition, this program manages new construction projects, such as the Parliament Welcome Centre.

The Recapitalization Program addresses projects in buildings that are occupied and operational and have not yet been fully rehabilitated. The projects are designed to preserve buildings, stop or reduce ongoing deterioration, respond to urgent building repair requirements, address health and safety issues, and reduce cost and complexity of future work. The Recapitalization Program is also responsible for the restoration and rehabilitation of the heritage character of the Parliament Hill grounds.

The Building Components and Connectivity Program entails the modernization of the precinct's campus-wide communication and information technology. These projects for more than 30 buildings in the precinct to ensure they meet modern parliamentary business needs.

The Planning Program focuses on the development of master plans to guide project planning and preparatory work for future projects, including the development of plans and cost estimates. It provides overall coordination between active projects to ensure they dovetail and contribute to broader objectives of the LTVP vision and guiding principles. Through studies, design guidelines and strategic advice, the planning team supports the initiation of new projects and coordinates active projects to ensure they support and contribute to the broader objectives of the LTVP.

The Security Infrastructure Program (security, material handling, etc.) focuses on the implementation of improved and modernized security measures in the precinct.

Over the course of the past decade and a half, the Parliamentary Precinct's LTVP has focused on the rehabilitation of the parliamentary triad (West Block, Centre Block, and East Block), and the upgrade of numerous other assets, which faced serious deterioration. During this time, the LTVP has planned and delivered a complex sequence of interdependent projects and moves throughout the precinct. This process was necessary to develop the swing-space needed to vacate the Centre Block, and commence the strategy to fully restore and modernize other key heritage assets. PSPC successfully accomplished this objective in fall 2018 when parliamentary operations were successfully transferred from the Centre Block into the beautifully restored and modernized West Block, Senate of Canada Building, and phase 1 of the Parliament Welcome Centre―the first new building to be constructed on the parliament triad in over 100 years. Current LTVP efforts are now focused on the rehabilitation of Centre Block and rehabilitating the remaining precinct assets in need of intervention.

The LTVP update is currently underway through the development of a Campus Master Plan (the plan), which shifts from a building-by-building approach, towards an integrated parliamentary campus. The LTVP update will guide decision-making about future growth, development, rehabilitation, and infrastructure with the underlying objective of building an integrated parliamentary campus that considers important connective infrastructure issues including: accessibility, sustainability, security, and the movement of people, goods and vehicles.

Moving forward, the phase of work will include the historic rehabilitation of the Centre Block and the redevelopment of the 3 city blocks across from Parliament Hill (area bound by Wellington, Bank, Sparks and Elgin streets) also known as blocks 1, 2, 3.

The strategy for transitioning the broader precinct into an integrated campus that meets the needs of a 21st century Parliament will advance significantly beginning with the launch of an international design competition in 2020 for block 2, located along Wellington and Sparks streets, the completion of which will enable the restoration of the remaining buildings on Parliament Hill, including the East Block. A design competition will bolster innovative ideas and promote design excellence, all of which reflect the significance of the site.

PSPC is also working with Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs (CIRNA), and the national representative organizations (Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, the Métis National Council, and the Algonquin Nation) to transform the 100 Wellington Street building into a national space for Indigenous Peoples.

PSPC is supporting CIRNA, the national representative organizations (NROs) and the Algonquin Nation in the continued development and delivery of this project—to establish a clear vision for the space that will provide an exciting new addition to Canada's Parliamentary Precinct. PSPC is responsible for managing the construction and fit-up of the 100 Wellington building, while CIRNA and the Indigenous partners are leading the vision development. PSPC has converted the space into a temporary exhibition, meeting and press space for Indigenous Peoples, for use until major construction activities begin for the final long-term design.

PSPC will continue to work with CIRNA and Indigenous partners and support their recommended pace and approach for the development of the long term vision for the space.

Project outcomes

Through the delivery of the LTVP, PSPC ensures the integrity of the nation's most iconic assets and that parliamentarians are provided with accommodations that enable them to carry out the ongoing work of the country effectively, efficiently and with minimal interruption.

The Parliamentary Precinct LTVP is a multi-decade strategy designed to:

As the LTVP program advances, broader benefits are also being realized, including:

The benefits of a well-conceived and well-executed LTVP are substantial. When the work envisioned is complete, the Parliament buildings will stand not only as proud symbols of Canadian heritage, but also as the hub of a parliamentary system of government equipped to handle the demands of a growing, dynamic nation in a rapidly changing world.

Industrial benefits

Job creation

With the recent completion of major projects, the rehabilitation of the West Block, the Government Conference Centre (now known as the Senate of Canada Building) and the construction of phase 1 of the Parliament Welcome Centre, the LTVP has created and/or sustained thousands of person-years of employment. Looking forward, the LTVP is expected to generate thousands more by continuing to stimulate the economy through contracts with small, medium, and large companies, across varying sectors such as manufacturing, architecture, engineering, construction, and skilled trades; and to benefit Canadian social, cultural and heritage landscapes.

Indigenous partnerships

PSPC continues to look at ways to increase the number of meaningful economic opportunities for Indigenous businesses, employment, and capacity building. The LTVP focuses on Indigenous benefits and uses Indigenous firms in its procurement process. Substantial expenditures for major projects are tendered to and through Indigenous firms. PSPC has awarded over $40 million in work for Indigenous firms since 2007 to 2008 on projects within the scope of the Parliamentary Precinct. All recently completed major projects have included the use of set asides, providing for:

Moving forward, PSPC will continue to leverage economic opportunities for Indigenous business involvement by including provisions to ensure at least 5% of contracts are directed to Indigenous firms.

Youth and innovation

In 2019 to 2020, PSPC hired 73 students in various areas in support of the delivery of the LTVP.

PSPC has leveraged the hiring of students and has established partnerships with Canadian post-secondary institutions, such as the University of Alberta, the University of Calgary, Carleton University, the University of Manitoba, University of Guelph, and the University of Montreal to help to create unique opportunities for young Canadians to contribute to these historic projects and to build industry capacity. These partnerships provide invaluable job experience for Canadian youth, creating opportunities to hone the skills and practical experience they need to succeed, while contributing to the historic work within the precinct.

These partnerships have directly contributed to the delivery and development of the LTVP. Through a continued partnership with Carleton Immersive Media Studio (CIMS), PSPC is using 3D imaging to improve the design, construction, and operations of the buildings within the Parliamentary Precinct. PSPC is also supporting the University of Guelph's elm recovery project by providing genetic samples of the American elm tree (previously located in the Pleasure Grounds on Parliament Hill) in order to propagate the tree, thus enabling it to live on in Canada.

Universal accessibility

PSPC strives to become a model of accessibility excellence and inclusive design by making significant improvements to buildings and shifting to the campus-wide approach. This is central to the development of the Parliamentary Precinct as the LTVP seeks to ensure that the precinct not only meets, but exceeds standards for accessibility where possible, while providing an equitable experience for all.

New and restored buildings throughout the precinct, including the West Block, Senate of Canada Building, and phase 1 of the Parliament Welcome Centre, have exemplified this excellence through features such as:

PSPC has established an Accessibility Advisory Panel that is tasked with the development of a Universal Accessibility Review and Action Plan (UARAP). The purpose of this is to develop the strategy, criteria, tools, and plan for the Parliamentary Precinct to make the grounds and buildings even more universally accessible. In 2020 to 2021, PSPC will begin to implement the strategy developed by the UARAP.

Moving forward, the Campus Master Plan presents an opportunity whereby accessibility remains a key feature in the development of the Parliamentary Precinct and its shift to an integrated campus.

Security

PSPC has continued to improve and implement security measures that enhance security, but still offer an open and accessible parliament to Canadians. The recently constructed Parliament Welcome Centre—phase 1 provides enhanced secure access for parliamentarians and staff, and visitors to the main Parliament buildings. This will be further compliment through the development of the Parliament Welcome Centre—phase 2. Phase 2 of the Parliament Welcome Centre Complex will interconnect the West Block with the Centre Block and East Block to form one integrated parliamentary complex which includes security screening for all visitors. Furthermore, the development of the Campus Master Plan will take into account enhanced security measures in the development and restoration of the precinct's buildings and assets.

Environmental sustainability

PSPC is committed to showcasing the Parliamentary Precinct as a model of sustainability by leveraging the LTVP to reduce the carbon footprint of the Government of Canada, all while protecting its heritage nature.

In 2019 to 2020, PSPC initiated the implementation of the Parliamentary Precinct Environmental Sustainability Strategy. This 3-year strategy is a planning tool that sets out sustainable development priorities, establishes goals and targets, and identifies actions to achieve them. Currently, PSPC is diverting more than 90% of demolition materials from landfills (exceeding the 80% target), diverted materials are recycled, re-used and reprocessed into new products. Major projects target a 25% reduction in energy consumption, over and above the National Building Code standards. In support of this, PSPC is using different techniques such as installing green roofs, solar hot water panels, and water-saving plumbing systems. PSPC has already reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the precinct by 56% as of March 31, 2019, and is on track to reduce them by 80% by 2030 and 100% by 2050.

Green Globes achieved by Long Term Vision and Plan projects

The Green Globes Eco-Rating Program was designed to evaluate and rate the energy and environmental design of buildings. PSPC has historically proven itself by receiving distinguished Green Globes certifications on previous major projects completed since 2015 including:

Looking ahead, PSPC will continue to incorporate low-carbon and climate-resilient design into its projects. To this end, in 2020 to 2021, PSPC will advance or accomplish the following sustainability initiatives:

Sponsoring department

Public Services and Procurement Canada

Contracting authority

Public Services and Procurement Canada

Participating departments

Participating departments and agencies

Parliamentary partners

Prime contractor

Major subcontractors

Project phase

The LTVP encompasses numerous and varied individual major capital, recapitalization, building components and connectivity, and planning projects taking place simultaneously at different project phases at any one time. The major Crown projects currently ongoing are described below.

Centre Block rehabilitation

Built between 1916 and 1927, the Centre Block is one of Canada's most important national symbols. An icon of Canadian democracy, the Centre Block is home to the Senate of Canada, the House of Commons, and the Library of Parliament.

The restoration and modernization of the Centre Block has been the core objective of the LTVP since its inception. The building has not undergone significant upgrades in over a century. Its rehabilitation is a complex, multi-year project that will include many facets, such as structural and seismic reinforcement, masonry restoration, designated substance abatement, heritage asset conservation, security enhancements and the installation of completely new building systems to ensure it meets the needs of a 21st century Parliament.

In 2019 to 2020, the program completed a series of enabling projects to allow for rehabilitation work to commence. Examples of this work include:

In 2019 to 2020, PSPC also completed a comprehensive assessment program of the Centre Block. This has provided a much better understanding of the Centre Block building and site conditions and informed the schematic design process.

In the year ahead, PSPC will continue to work in concert with its partners in parliament to advance major construction activities, including demolition and abatement of hazardous substances and the commencement of masonry restoration as well as excavation for the Parliament Welcome Centre, and the completion of the Centre Block's and Parliament Welcome Centre schematic design.

The Parliament Welcome Centre

The Parliament Welcome Centre (formerly referred to as the "Visitor Welcome Centre"), phase 1 was the first new building to be constructed on Parliament Hill in 100 years and became operational in January 2019. Phase 2 will expand the Parliament Welcome Centre to the east, providing an easy and accessible connection between the West, Centre and East Blocks. It will include functions to both support parliamentary operations, and provide services for visitors to Parliament Hill. Together, phases 1 and 2 will significantly improve security screening outside of the footprint of the main Parliament Hill buildings as well as provide additional committee rooms and multi-purpose spaces as requested by parliamentarians. By connecting the parliamentary triad (West Block, Centre Block and East Block), the Parliament Welcome Centre will create a more integrated campus, and an improved visitor experience to one of Canada's most important heritage sites and popular tourist attractions.

In 2019 to 2020, a number of important contracts were initiated for the Parliament Welcome Centre, including contracts for the excavation of the underground infrastructure. Excavation activities for the Parliament Welcome Centre included site preparation, overburden removal, line drilling, rock excavation, shoring and rock anchoring.

Throughout 2019 to 2020, PSPC continued engaging with the parliamentary partners with respect to the full scope and design Parliament Welcome Centre phase 2, and more specifically on:

Moving forward, PSPC will continue to support parliamentary partners in their decision-making surrounding details for the Parliament Welcome Centre phase 2.

East Block rehabilitation phase 1 and 2

The rehabilitation of the East Block building is taking place in 2 distinct phases. In 2019 to 2020, PSPC continued to advance phase 1, which focuses on the recapitalization work on 4 areas of greatest concern within the exterior envelope of the 1867 wing. These areas include urgent repairs to: the South West tower to be completed by the fall 2021; the South East entrance (Agricultural entrance) to be completed by the summer 2020; the Governor General's entrance by the Spring 2021; the South entrance which was successfully completed in winter 2018 to 2019; as well as the continuous implementation of an enhanced maintenance program to provide targeted maintenance activities and an ongoing screening and investigation program to identify issues to be addressed prior to its full rehabilitation. Rehabilitation of these areas will also include seismic upgrades, masonry rehabilitation, restoration of heritage stained glass, replacement of windows, exterior doors, and some of the copper roof, and the conservation of ornamental ironwork.

In 2019 to 2020, PSPC continued work on the pre-planning of phase 2 of the East Block rehabilitation project by pursuing pre-design activities. This included engagement with stakeholders to develop the preliminary functional program; and to identify the necessary technical and feasibility studies to be undertaken. As part of phase 2, PSPC is assessing options for the remaining exterior rehabilitation and for advancing the full interior rehabilitation of the East Block. The full rehabilitation will address the remaining exterior work not addressed in the first phase, including the 1910 wing, completing the seismic reinforcement program for the entire building, and replacing interior building systems with modern systems. The building will also be upgraded to meet the modern building standards and functional requirements to meet the accommodation needs of the Senate of Canada.

In 2020 to 2021, PSPC will continue pre-planning activities such as the development of the functional program, as well as advancing technical and feasibility studies.

Once complete, the restored and modernized East Block will meet modern building standards, with the functional requirements addressing the accommodation needs of the Senate of Canada.

Blocks 1, 2, and 3

Developed at different stages from 1858 to 1968, the buildings and assets south of parliament, along Sparks and Wellington streets are generally referred to as blocks 1, 2, and 3. As part of the LTVP, PSPC remains committed to restoring and developing these underutilized assets, as these will address the critical requirement for swing space during the upcoming rehabilitation of the Confederation Building, the East Block as well as longer-term accommodations demands. In 2019, the Treasury Board granted the approvals for PSPC to initiate the redevelopment of block 2. This is the first major project to be undertaken as part of the integrated campus strategy. Once completed, this project will provide core office space for both the Senate of Canada and the House of Commons so that both Confederation and East Block rehabilitations can be initiated, and will also meet long term occupancy requirements.

In 2019 to 2020, PSPC continued to work in concert with its parliamentary partners, as well as National Capital Commission (NCC), the City of Ottawa and the Federal Heritage Building Review Office, in the planning and development of these blocks. In an effort to follow an innovative approach to procurement for this landmark project, the Treasury Board has approved the use of an architectural design competition as the method for selecting the architectural and engineering prime consultant for block 2.

Leveraging a design competition will bolster innovative ideas and promote design excellence, all of which reflect the significance of the site. In 2019 to 2020, PSPC engaged the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada to oversee this design competition, including the nomination of an independent jury who will recommend the competition winner. The design competition, which will be launched in summer / fall 2020 through the release of a request for qualification (RFQ), provides an opportunity for the international architectural community to reimagine this important site into a world-class development that adds value to the Parliamentary Precinct and the capital, and that helps to revitalize Sparks Street. The project will also present an opportunity to enhance the connection between the Parliamentary Precinct and the city's urban core, enriching the experience of the capital, its parliamentary institutions, as well as the site and its surroundings.

Indigenous Peoples' space: 100 Wellington

On June 21, 2017—National Indigenous Peoples Day—the Prime Minister announced that an Indigenous Peoples' space would be created in the heart of the Parliamentary Precinct. This commitment would see the transformation of the former US Embassy located at 100 Wellington Street (within block 2 of the Parliamentary Precinct), into the Indigenous Peoples' space. PSPC, the department of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs (CIRNA) and National Indigenous Organizations (NIOs) (Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Métis National Council), and the Algonquin Nation, have been working together to advance the initiative.

PSPC is leveraging the delivery of the LTVP to advance efforts in reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples by supporting the development of the vision for a national space for Indigenous Peoples.

In 2019 to 2020, PSPC successfully converted the Indigenous Peoples' space at 100 Wellington into a temporary exhibition, meeting and press space for short-term use until major construction activities begin for the final permanent design. However, a lack of consensus between the NIOs and the Algonquin Nation on the overall use of the facility has prevented it from opening in the short-term, as previously planned.

Moving forward, PSPC will continue to support the department of CIRNA, the NIO's and the Algonquin Nation in the development of the vision for the permanent space. Once the vision has been developed for the long-term Indigenous Peoples' space, PSPC will begin major construction. The project will also be leveraged to further incorporate Indigenous procurement in the rehabilitation of the Parliamentary Precinct.

Major milestones

Long Term Vision and Plan

Since the completion of the Library of Parliament in 2006, PSPC has delivered 24 major projects in the precinct, all on time and budget. Since 2015, 5 major projects have been completed:

The following table outlines the projects and their respective target and final completion dates.

Table 1: Update to the Long Term Vision and Plan
LTVP project Target completion Final completion
Perimeter security project 2013 2013
East Block 1867 Wing—Northwest Towers 2013 2013
Sir John A. Macdonald Building rehabilitation 2015 2015
Wellington Building rehabilitation 2016 2016
West Block rehabilitation 2018 2018
Parliament Welcome Centre (phase 1) 2018 2018
Senate of Canada Building 2018 2018

West Block Building rehabilitation

Parliament Welcome Centre (phase 1)

Senate of Canada Building rehabilitation

East Block rehabilitation phase 1

East Block rehabilitation phase 2

Centre Block rehabilitation

Parliamentary operations

In 2019 to 2020, PSPC successfully operated the West Block, Centre Block and East Block in a no-fail environment, achieving 0 hours of downtime to parliamentary business for the entire Parliamentary Precinct.

Progress report and explanation of variances

Variances of the budget

West Block rehabilitation
The approved budget was $862.9 million [excluding goods and services tax (GST)/harmonized sales tax (HST)], and the project was completed within this amount.
Parliament Welcome Centre (phase 1)
The approved budget was $129.87 million (excluding HST), and the project was completed within this amount.
Senate of Canada Building rehabilitation
The approved budget was $219.8 million (excluding HST), and the project was completed within this amount.

Variances of the major milestones

There are currently no variances to the major milestones. An active management approach has been instituted to avoid project delays, and lessons learned have been captured and are being applied to subsequent projects in the LTVP Program.

National Defence Headquarters Carling Campus project

This project is to upgrade and refit the buildings at Carling Campus enabling the Department of National Defence (DND) to consolidate a significant portion of its accommodations, currently located in the downtown core, to a single, suburban Crown-owned location by 31 March 2020.

Project outcomes

This project will ensure that DND will have secure location from which they can continue to communicate sensitive information with other international allies, and a new work location that will drive business transformation by introducing the workplace renewal initiative and opportunities for co-location of staff currently in multiple locations. It will provide office space to accommodate a 3 phased migration of up to 9,455 DND team members who will consolidate to the campus from other National Capital Area leases with full migration expected to be completed by 31 March 2020.

This consolidation project will result in important savings and cost avoidance for Canadians. The purchase of the campus represents overall savings and cost avoidance of approximately $750 million over the status quo.

Industrial benefits

The Canadian construction industry in the Ottawa region (including small and medium enterprises) will benefit from this project as the service provider (Brookfield Global Integrated Solutions), through the construction manager (EllisDon), will solicit bidders for the work to be done at the campus using transparent processes.

Sponsoring department

Public Services and Procurement Canada

Contracting authority

Participating departments

Prime contractor

Brookfield Global Integrated Solutions (BGIS)

Major subcontractors

Project phase

The project is in the delivery stage of National Project Management System and has received 4 expenditure authorities (EA).

Major milestones

Expenditure authorities (1) (December 12, 2013)

Expenditure authorities (2) (June 9, 2015)

Expenditure authorities (3) (February 2018)

Construction of phase 3

Expenditure authorities (4) (February 2019)

Inception stage of National Project Management System

Statement of requirement approval: April 2012

Identification stage of National Project Management System

Delivery stage of National Project Management System

Close-out stage

Completion: 31 March 2021

Progress report and explanation of variances

The Carling Campus project phase 1 move-in was completed as of December 2017. The moves-in for the remaining phases (phase 2 and phase 3) will be completed as of July 17, 2020.

Over 95% of the phase 2 and phase 3 buildings have been completed. Less than a handful of deficiencies are to be cleared by end of July 2020 at the latest. Courtyard work will be completed over the 2020 summer months.

The project close-out is to be completed by March 31, 2021.

Document navigation for "Status report on transformational and major Crown projects: 2019 to 2020 Departmental Results Report"

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2024-07-08