Follow the rehabilitation of the parliamentary buildings
The Parliamentary Precinct is home to Canada’s Parliamentary system and the physical expression of our commitment to democracy and the principle of freedom. The Precinct provides the setting for the work of Parliamentarians and their staff and is Canada’s top gathering place for public expression and celebration.
The long-term planning and rehabilitation of the Parliamentary Precinct has been a longstanding concern of the Government dating back to 1912. The Long Term Vision and Plan is the current comprehensive multi-decade strategy to renew the Parliamentary Precinct by:
- addressing the deteriorated state of Canada’s 19th-century Parliament buildings
- modernizing accommodations to meet the needs of a 21st-century Parliament, while preserving the heritage character of the buildings
- creating a safe and secure place to work while ensuring that Parliament remains open and accessible to visitors
In this context, the term “rehabilitation” means:
- fully restoring and modernizing an older building, inside and out
- preserving the buildings’ architectural heritage character
- ensuring that the buildings meet current safety standards
- ensuring that the buildings meet the current needs of their tenants/owners
Rehabilitating the West Block
Work on the West Block began in 2011, and building occupancy is planned for the opening session of Parliament in fall 2018. The permanent courtyard infill will serve as the House of Commons Chamber while the Centre Block will be vacated to undergo rehabilitation.
Rehabilitating the Centre Block
Rehabilitating the Centre Block will be PWGSC's largest and most complex heritage rehabilitation project ever. Planning is underway as the project is expected to begin in 2018.
Rehabilitating the East Block
The East Block’s exterior has some of the most remarkable examples of stonework and ironwork in Canada. While exterior masonry work will continue on portions of the building, plans for the full rehabilitation of this important heritage building are being developed.
Building the Visitor Welcome Centre
Phase 1 of the project is underway and will be ready to welcome its first visitors by the opening session of Parliament in the fall of 2018. This beautiful underground space will expand and enhance visitor experience while meeting security and infrastructure demands.
Rehabilitating the Government Conference Centre and office accommodation
Once Ottawa's former central train station, the Government Conference Centre will house the interim Senate Chamber during the Centre Block rehabilitation. Construction work is underway to allow the Senate to occupy this building for the opening session of Parliament in the fall of 2018.
Rehabilitating the Wellington Building
Completed in 2016, the Wellington Building will be used for parliamentary offices and meeting spaces. The interior features a new, central, multi-level atrium and a spectacular, restored ceiling mosaic in the lobby of the main entrance.
Rehabilitating the Sir John A. Macdonald Building
The project was completed in June 2015. The Sir John A. Macdonald Building is now the permanent home for large parliamentary meetings and functions.
Rehabilitating the grounds of Parliament Hill
Several changes have been made to the grounds since Confederation. Learn about recent improvements and the construction projects currently underway.
How parliamentary buildings are rehabilitated
Learn about the major work involved to conserve, rehabilitate and upgrade these buildings. The rehabilitation of the Library of Parliament, completed in 2006, serves as example.
The Long Term Vision and Plan
The Long Term Vision and Plan (LTVP) provides a detailed and coordinated approach to rehabilitate the Parliament Buildings and nearby buildings.