Parliament Buildings: A multi-faceted rehabilitation
November 2014
For some time now, the iconic buildings on Parliament Hill have been getting a much-needed facelift. Work started in 2002 when the Long Term Vision and Plan was initiated. Originally built in the late 19th century, many of the buildings have stood the test of time but are beginning to show their age. Now that the overhaul has started, it is the perfect time to modernize the buildings to modern standards.
Many aspects of the buildings are being upgraded, from safety systems to electrical and mechanical systems (heating and cooling) to accessibility and seismic protection. A huge task in any building—but especially so in these iconic buildings on Parliament Hill where the heritage elements must be preserved.
Incorporating modern day standards into heritage structures is challenging. Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) works closely with heritage architects and other specialists, to ensure that the buildings are safe, meet the technical requirements of a 21st century democracy and that the work respects the heritage nature of the buildings. The Library of Parliament—whose rehabilitation completed in 2006 included seismic upgrading—is testament to the work being carried out on Parliament Hill.
Seismic considerations
Seismic assessments and upgrades to historic stone buildings can be particularly challenging, as these buildings were designed and constructed prior to the introduction of building codes. As part of the planned rehabilitation, and consistent with industry practice, the seismic resistance of the Parliament Buildings is routinely assessed by experts and all the assessments to date have confirmed that the buildings continue to be safe to occupy. After all, the buildings were not damaged during recent earthquakes—quite impressive for buildings more than 150 years old!
Yearly assessments are done to ensure that the buildings can be evacuated safely in the event of a major earthquake. Upgrades are automatically undertaken if a building is slated for major renovation and does not meet standards set out by the National Building Code of Canada.
In 2007, PWGSC collaborated with the Universities of Calgary, Manitoba and Alberta to study the effects of ground shaking on walls like those found on Parliament Hill. The research provided important findings on how these heritage stone walls will react to earthquakes. The research also informs seismic upgrade projects on Parliament Hill. That information is being widely shared for use by conservationists, engineers and stone masons so that similar important heritage structures can better be preserved throughout Canada and abroad.
As a best practice, recommendations resulting from ongoing seismic upgrade work to our Parliament Buildings are incorporated into upcoming projects and designs. These recommendations, by experts in the field, ensure that our Parliament Buildings will last for centuries more.
Want to know more about our Parliament Buildings and their rehabilitation? Visit our Parliament Hill website for more information!
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