Modernization of Parliament (Parliamentary Precinct): Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates—March 22, 2023
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Status of the long term vision and plan for the Parliamentary Precinct
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 future of Wellington Street:
- The Parliamentary Precinct is a complex environment involving many actors with overlapping accountabilities, including Parliament, PSPC, several other federal departments and agencies, the City of Ottawa and security agencies. This creates issues of ownership, security and governance
- The Parliamentary Precinct has changed and is continuing to evolve. Within the next decade, more than 50% of parliamentary offices will be located on the other side of Wellington Street, which no longer serves as a boundary for the Precinct, but runs right through its core
- The Government is developing a response 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, and also considering the recommendations from the Public Order Emergency Commission report
- PSPC continues to work with the City of Ottawa, Parliament, Public Safety and other key stakeholders to establish a plan for Wellington Street that ensures that the Parliamentary Precinct is a safe, secure, open and accessible place that works for residents, enhances access to Canada’s Parliament, creates an improved visitor experience and supports vibrant business activity
If pressed on the Centre Block Rehabilitation Program:
- As you are aware, the Auditor General is scheduled to table its performance audit on the Centre Block Rehabilitation Program on March 23
- 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
- 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 the worst performing facility in the PSPC portfolio, from an energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions perspective
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 and will complete the fourth wall of Parliament
- The winning design concept by the Zeidler/Chipperfield team that was selected by an independent jury respects the heritage elements of the buildings while providing modern, sustainable and accessible accommodations for Parliament
- We are finalizing negotiations for the design contract and 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 will 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
- Design 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 Algonquin Anishinaabeg 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 Canada’s Indigenous Peoples 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 is working with stakeholders and partners to develop a plan and recommendations for Wellington Street
- Together we are working on a transportation study assessing the impact of potential changes to Wellington Street
- 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:
- We acknowledge the motion passed by the City of Ottawa City Council to reopen Wellington Street to vehicular traffic
- We are having ongoing discussions with City of Ottawa officials regarding a redefined Parliamentary Precinct, including working together on a transportation study assessing the impact of potential changes to Wellington Street
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