Use of 100 Wellington
Context
On National Indigenous Day on June 21, 2017, the Prime Minister announced that 100 Wellington, Ottawa, would be transformed into a national space for Indigenous Peoples.
Questions related to the new space for Indigenous Peoples should be directed to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs (CIRNA) as the federal lead on this initiative.
Suggested responses
- The Government of Canada is committed to improving our relationship with Indigenous Peoples and advancing reconciliation
- Working in collaboration with the National Representative Organizations and the Algonquin Nation, we are transforming the former United States Embassy at 100 Wellington into a national space for Indigenous Peoples
- Together with Indigenous partners, we have temporarily converted 100 Wellington into a space for Indigenous exhibitions, meetings and press activities
- We will continue to work with our Indigenous partners to develop a concept and design for the permanent facility
Background
The former United States Embassy is a classified heritage building located at 100 Wellington Street in Ottawa. The building was constructed in 1931 to1932, and served as the United States Embassy until 1998.
On June 21, 2017, the Prime Minister announced that a new space for Indigenous Peoples will be established at 100 Wellington Street, on the ancestral land of the Algonquin people.
Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) is working with Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNA), the National Representative Organizations (Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Métis National Council), and the Algonquin Nation to transform the building and the adjacent property at 119 Sparks Street into a space for Indigenous Peoples.
PSPC is supporting CIRNA and Indigenous partners in the continued development and delivery of this project—to establish a clear vision for the space that will provide an important new addition to Canada’s Parliamentary Precinct. PSPC is responsible for managing the construction and fit-up of 100 Wellington, while CIRNA and the Indigenous partners are leading the development of the vision and concept.
At the request of National Representative Organizations, PSPC worked with CIRNA to develop the facility as an exhibition, meeting and press space while the planning and development of its long-term permanent use is underway. PSPC delivered the short-term use as planned in June 2019.
While the building is not yet fully rehabilitated, the main floor has been made universally accessible. Minimal redevelopment of the space also enables visitors to experience a “building in transition” and the art of the possible for its long-term use.
PSPC continues to work with CIRNA and Indigenous partners and support their recommended pace and approach for the development of the vision for the permanent facility.
PSPC has spent approximately $200,000 per year in operations and maintenance costs for the vacant building
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