PWGSC - Doing Business with PWGSC - The Jewel on The Hill

The Jewel on The Hill

The Library of Parliament construction has been completed after four years of extensive conservation, rehabilitation and upgrade work. As the official custodian of the Parliament Buildings, PWGSC undertook a large-scale project to preserve and enhance this architectural wonder for generations to come.

Preserving a part of history

As the sole portion of the original Centre Block to be saved from a devastating fire in 1916, the Library’s restoration demanded the utmost care in protecting its unique features. “PWGSC and the Library of Parliament worked closely with Canadian Heritage and other departments and federal organizations to ensure the conservation of the building’s historic architectural details and its collections,” says Mary Soper, Project Director for the Library’s renovations.

The project was guided by the principles of “minimum intervention,” which respects the integrity of historical buildings. “The project team showed great respect for the building’s historical value, and also added our own value — to preserve a part of history for future generations,” says Ms. Soper.

For more information about the Library of Parliament project, visit www.parliamenthill.gc.ca

Over time, the aging effects of weather and air pollution have contributed to the building’s deterioration. Space requirements have changed as the need to store publications in a proper environment and access to electronic resources have increased. The overall services offered by the Library have also diversified. As a result, PWGSC’s expertise was called upon to co-ordinate repairs ranging from masonry conservation and roof replacement, to creating more functional workspaces for Library staff.

“From the PWGSC and Library of Parliament team, to the architects and engineers, to the stonemasons, to the woodworkers — and including everyone in between — the quality of your work and dedication speaks for itself,” said PWGSC Minister Michael M Fortier at the ceremony transferring the building to Parliament.

“PWGSC’s project team was comprised of dedicated and committed members who were proud of the work they were doing to restore this important historical building,” explains Mary Soper, Project Director for the Library’s renovations. “We focused on improving the building for the long-term, ensuring it continues to serve as a modern, functioning Library of Parliament for years to come.”

To bring the Library up to current safety standards and make certain it can fully accommodate the needs of the future, major improvements had to be made structurally, as well as to the floor layouts and electrical systems.

The addition of three new basements to house the Library’s collection and new mechanical systems for ventilation and temperature control was completed so material will remain protected. Security and communications systems were also revamped.

PWGSC also had the opportunity to improve other aspects of the Library. “We took advantage of the unique opportunity to clean the Library’s collections, digitize material to reduce space demand and upgrade the building to today’s codes and standards for fire and safety,” says Ms. Soper. “We renewed every aspect of the building so that it will function well for many years.”

Picture of the inside of the Library of Parliament and black and white photos of the Library of Parliament

Overhead shot of the Library’s restored parquet floor.
Image top left: Original construction in 1872.
Image bottom left: Rebuilding Parliament; the Library was the only building that survived the fire in 1916.

Exterior photo of the Library of Parliament.