Location

Ottawa, Ontario

Client

Government of Canada

Delivery

2017 2022

Contract type

Construction management

Project

Restore the exterior, reinforce the structure for earth- quakes and improve the interior of the main entrance of the 1867 Wing of the East Block. This is one element of the complex, multi-decade program to modernize the entire Canadian Parliamentary Precinct.

Challenges

Preserve the building s magnificent features and adhere to strict conservation guidelines: load-bearing and sculp- tural stone masonry, ornamental ironwork, wooden doors and windows, leaded windows, stained glass, and cop- per roof.

Limited site laydown area, while coordinating with ongoing projects on Parliament Hill.

Major works on an occupied building, while minimizing the impact for occupants.

High-risk worksite.

Solutions

Work with several historic building restoration experts who use traditional techniques and hand tools.

Scaffold and provide a weather-tight enclosure to the building. Maintain constant ambient temperature with cooling and heating controls to ensure optimal condi- tions for restoration. Agree with the trade partners on a work sequencing that could limit the use of cooling and heating to reduce costs and remain on schedule.

Assist with developing the design to accommodate the temporary structures necessary to access the facades.

Carefully survey, number, review and log each stone and incorporate this data into a digital model of the portions of the building worked on. Laser-clean, restore or rebuild each stone and sculptural element with materials from the same quarries with similar geological formations, and put them back in their original place, respecting the same masonry techniques.

Increase coordination and communication for 300 wor- kers on day and night shifts to move around efficiently on site. Pre-plan and approve heightened health and safety measures.

Rehabilitation of a heritage building on Parliament Hill

The East Block is directly associated with the shaping of Canada s history. It housed the offices of Sir John A. Macdonald and Sir George-Étienne Cartier. Today, the offices of senators and their staff are located there.

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