Rehabilitation of the Sir John A. Macdonald Building

the Sir John A. Macdonald Building

Project Details

  • Scope: Rehabilitation of the existing building and the construction of an annex
  • Project Status: Construction started in early 2012 and is estimated to be completed by 2015.
  • Estimated Project Cost: $99,5 millionNote *
  • Design Contract: The contract for architectural and engineering services was completed by NORR Limited of Ottawa, Ontario. Contract number: EJA51-070574/001
  • Construction Management Contract: The construction management services contract was awarded to EllisDon Corporation, of Ottawa, Ontario. Contract Number: EP757-113495/001
  • Estimated Job Opportunities: The overall project is estimated to generate or sustain approximately 600 private sector jobs.

The building, located at 144 Wellington Street, is in need of restoration and system upgrades in order to extend its life. The rehabilitation of this important heritage building is part of the Long Term Vision and Plan for the Parliamentary Precinct.

The rehabilitation and construction work started in early 2012 and is scheduled to be completed by 2015.

Once the rehabilitation is complete, the building will permanently serve as the Confederation Room, hosting large meetings and ceremonial events for Parliament. The Confederation Room will permanently replace Room 200 of the West Block, which served this function before the building was closed for restoration.

Given the age and condition of the former Bank of Montreal Building, extensive rehabilitation, upgrades and the replacement of its systems are required to meet modern building codes. The majority of the building envelope, mechanical and electrical infrastructures and finishes are the original ones.

The rehabilitation includes:

  • a full heritage restoration of the building;
  • structural and seismic upgrades;
  • interior refurbishment;
  • the replacement of all systems, including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and life safety; and
  • the construction of an annex.

The construction of a new 3,100m2 addition in the courtyard to the west of the building will support the functional requirements for large parliamentary meetings and ceremonies. The addition to the Sir John A. Macdonald Building will provide additional meeting rooms, a secure entrance to the facility for guests as well as essential support functions, including a loading dock, mechanical rooms, and food services.

Status of the work

The rehabilitation of the Sir John A. Macdonald Building is currently in the construction phase and is progressing on time and on budget. Work is currently proceeding to complete the new annex structure adjacent to the heritage building.  Interior and exterior rehabilitation of the heritage building and interior fit-up of the annex basement are underway.

Footnotes

Footnote*

The overall expected costs are not limited to the construction work. The costs also include various components such as planning, professional and consultant fees, architectural design fees, demolition work, abatement of hazardous materials, seismic upgrading, restoration of exterior masonry and roof, replacement of mechanical, IT and electrical systems, security, fit-up of interior spaces, furniture, IT equipment, risk, escalation and contingencies.

Return to footnote * referrer