Executive summary: The Long Term Vision and Plan for the Parliamentary Precinct—Annual Report 2021 to 2022
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Summary
Over the 2021 – 2022 fiscal year, significant progress has been made towards restoring and modernizing Canada’s Parliamentary Precinct. While continuing to advance on projects such as implementing accessibility measures for Canadians and revitalizing the North Slope on Parliament Hill, there were several external factors to contend with this year. The social and political impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and the disruption caused by the occupation of Wellington Street demanded Public Services and Procurement Canada to take an agile and creative approach when addressing this year’s project goals.
The Long Term Vision and Plan is comprised of five strategic directions:
- Parliamentary Accommodations: Concentrating on new development opportunities for permanent accommodations north of Wellington to Blocks 1, 2 and 3 while carrying out crucial restoration work on existing assets north of Wellington Street.
- Infrastructure Planning: Implementing integrated systems and unifying functions on the campus to increase efficiency, such as material handling, waste management, food services, and support services.
- Security: Integrating a comprehensive security plan for the campus, including identifying security zones. Developing holistic physical security design requirements for seamless protection, detection and response, and to address changing threat levels.
- Innovation: Exploring proactive ways of integrating innovation in parliamentary functions and how accommodations are provided and deployed in the Precinct.
- Future Growth: Considering strategies for future growth beyond the timeframe of the Long Term Vision and Plan, and identifying opportunities to protect Parliament and provide future requirements.
The five strategic directions are vital as they provide the framework to steer the evolution of the Long Term Vision and Plan. In response to disruptions such as the occupation of Wellington Street in winter 2022, which impacted access to the worksites, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic we had to act swiftly to ensure projects continued to progress smoothly and safely. As Canadian society and Parliament’s needs evolve, Public Services and Procurement Canada remains adaptable to ensure the Long Term Vision and Plan is implemented.
Overcoming challenges from external factors
The COVID-19 pandemic continued to influence how operations and rehabilitation projects were approached in 2021-22. Learning from previous years, project leaders continued to develop and adapt strategies to work safely and effectively. The pandemic was not the only obstacle that was overcome this year. The occupation of Wellington Street and adjacent areas obstructed access to Wellington and the major worksites on the Hill, causing weeks of shutdown on major works. It impacted operations on the grounds as well, with the need to erect security barriers overnight, and to respond to the building of temporary structures, such as tents and the lighting of open-air fires on the Parliamentary campus.
Strengthening partnerships
Partnerships are critical for the continued progression of the Long Term Vision and Plan. Enhancing our relationships with our partners allows Public Services and Procurement Canada to gain skills and mastery from a wide variety of subject matter experts, including parliamentary partners, Indigenous partners, and stakeholders throughout the Parliamentary Precinct.
In addition, this past year provided significant opportunities for our relationship with Indigenous partners to flourish. Visioning sessions were held to ensure that Indigenous perspectives are reflected in current and future projects regarding Centre Block and the Parliamentary Welcome Centre. When the Residential School Memorials were assembled around the Centennial Flame on Parliament Hill, we supported Indigenous Elders and leaders to ensure the utmost respect and care be given to the memorials.
The renewal of the Precinct demands strong relationships. Diverse views help guide the work ahead. Public opinion research, design competitions and partnerships with academia and a number of associations foster information sharing bringing forward numerous opportunities for the Precinct. The insight provided by these partnerships allows for an innovative and unique understanding when tackling complex projects such as the Centre Block Rehabilitation, Block 2 Redevelopment, and the North Slope vegetation projects.
Heritage restoration
A crucial aspect of the Long Term Vision and Plan is to bring our historic buildings back to their original beauty and preserve them for future generations. This year Public Services and Procurement Canada achieved several key milestones in the Centre Block Rehabilitation. The carillon bells were last heard in February 2022 before they were carefully removed and flown on a Canadian Forces aircraft to the Netherlands for restoration. Schematic designs for the Centre Block and Parliament Welcome Centre were finalized, clarifying the vision for the new building.
Block 2 has also seen significant progress this year. An international design competition was held, with a winning design team chosen in May 2022. The design competition brought together many of the best architectural firms from across Canada and around the globe to offer an array of compelling design solutions to transform obsolete buildings and empty lots into a new integrated complex that will serve a modern parliamentary democracy and inspire civic pride.
The first phase of the East Block Rehabilitation project was completed as planned. This project addressed pressing health and safety issues extending the East Block’s lifespan in advance of a major rehabilitation. Important steps were taken towards the full rehabilitation of Block 1, the home of the Office of the Prime Minister and Privy Council. The acquisition in 2020-21 of 100 Sparks Street and 30 Metcalfe Street from the National Capital Commission enabled the implementation of a swing space strategy to ensure the Office of the Prime Minister and Privy Council can be fully rehabilitated.
Advancements in communication and connectivity
Communication and connectivity has always played an essential role in the Long Term Vision and Plan. A substantial number of projects to enhance communication and connectivity have made significant progress over the past year. Projects such as the Information Technology Infrastructure Base Building, the Integrated Campus-Connected Services and the Permanent East Interconnect Facilities continue to progress. This progress allows for greater uninterrupted communication for those working within the Parliamentary Precinct.
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