A Legacy for Future Generations

The Long-Term Vision and Plan for the Parliamentary Precinct

A Parliament for the New Millennium

A Capital Vision
A Vision Renewed
What The Future Holds
Key Features Of The Long-Term Vision and Plan
Why Now?
How Will Canadians Benefit?

A Capital Vision

Every great nation requires a vision and a clear concept of where to go and how to get there. Creating a seat of government worthy of a vigorous, accomplished nation is clearly an important part of such a vision.

In the 1850s, Canada's nation builders foresaw the need for a new Capital of which all the partners in an emerging nation could be proud. Responding to the need, Queen Victoria chose a strategically sited city rich in both history and possibilities. Already a thriving lumber centre, Ottawa was destined to become the Capital of a dynamic nation.

With the location decided, an international competition was called to invite designs for new Parliament Buildings. A Notice to Architects issued on May 7, 1859 offered £250 and £100 as first and second prizes for the best designs for a Centre Block. Identical prizes were offered for East and West departmental buildings.

Out of the competition, a wonderful vision for the future of the Capital emerged. Three spectacular Neo-Gothic buildings would perch high atop a cliff with a commanding view of a waterway that once carried explorers and voyageurs deep into Canada's heartland.

Vaulted Senate and House of Commons Chambers, spacious meeting rooms, and a library of unrivaled beauty and functionality would meet the working needs of Parliamentarians. The richly detailed cut-stone buildings would feature state-of-the-art heating, cooling, and lighting systems.

The grounds would be artfully landscaped - with promenades, lookouts, monuments and gardens rivaling the best public spaces in the world.

When the first Parliament of the new Confederation met in its new buildings in 1867, this vision was well on its way to being fulfilled. With every year that followed, the main parliamentary triad - and neighbouring structures built in later years to accommodate the legislative needs of an expanding nation - would become ever more widely shared symbols of national accomplishment and future promise.

A Vision Renewed

During the last year of the 20th Century, visitors to Canada's Capital were invited to share their visions for the future of the Parliamentary Precinct.

The survey, conducted by the National Capital Commission, prompted an emotional outpouring. Visitors to the Precinct said they see it, first, as a symbol of Canada's history and traditions. Almost equally important is its significance as a symbol of democracy and freedom, our system of government, Canadian unity, and of the common pride Canadians feel in their accomplishments.

Far from being thought of as a remote place reserved for politicians, Parliament Hill is regarded by many Canadians as a place that they have helped to create and in which they have an important stake. On the grounds of the Precinct, Canadians from every region and every ethnic background feel that they are part of a great nation.

The survey confirmed that Canadians truly care about the Parliament Buildings' state of physical repair. There is widespread understanding that these venerable buildings need care and attention, and agreement on the value of a vigorous program to protect and preserve them for future generations.

Moreover, the survey revealed that Canadians value expanded opportunities to participate in the day-to-day life of the Parliamentary Precinct - not just in the Changing of the Guard, or in celebrations such as Canada Day, or in self-guided activities such as interpretative walks, but also in attending and participating in the open legislative sessions, Committee deliberations and public hearings that have become important features of our democratic system of government.

The Parliamentary Precinct, the centre piece of our national political life, must grow as we grow - while preserving its rich legacy.

This idea is at the heart of a renewed vision that will guide the Precinct into the new millennium.

What The Future Holds

What does the future hold for the Parliamentary Precinct? The Long-Term Vision and Plan - recently completed after years of study, consultation and planning - is expected to preserve this historic landmark so that it can continue to meet both parliamentary requirements and citizen expectations.

During the Plan's 25-year implementation period, the Parliamentary Precinct will become an even more welcoming, convenient place to visit for the millions who come to the Hill each year.

Visitors will be greeted by buildings and breathtaking views that will evoke a sense of pride and delight.

The Precinct will continue to be a vivid reminder of Canada's history - a history embodied in treasured buildings, monuments, landscapes and interpretive displays that serve as an inspiration, especially for our youth.

Parliamentarians will carry out their duties as our representatives in a much more efficient working environment, making it possible for them to serve constituents across the country with even greater effectiveness.

Offices within the Precinct, like those throughout government, will be connected directly to Canadians through the Internet, fulfilling the Canadian government's determination to be the national government most connected to its citizens.

In short, the Parliamentary Precinct will be geared to the needs of the 21st Century and beyond.

Key Features Of The Long-Term Vision and Plan

To achieve these results, the Long-Term Vision and Plan has several proposed key features.

Defined Boundaries

For the first time, the "Parliamentary Precinct" - a term that has been used in many different ways in the past - will be given a precise geographic definition as an aid to focused planning. The "Precinct" will refer to a compact area north of Wellington Street, east of Kent Street, and west of the Rideau Canal.

Figure 1: Proposed Parliamentary Precinct Boundary

For parliamentarians and visitors alike, this will mean that all buildings and attractions within the Precinct will be within a convenient distance of one another. Boundaries are indicated in red. Buildings outside the boundaries constitute swing space to be used during renovations and/or accommodation for other staff.

Historic Preservation & Renovation

Figure 2: Parliamentary Precinct Buildings to be Renovated (in blue)

An extensive preservation program will restore the magnificent appearance of these late 19th and early 20th Century buildings. At the same time, they will be brought up to modern standards by renovating their electrical, mechanical and safety systems, and by providing more functional offices and committee rooms. Buildings that may be affected include the: Library of Parliament; West Block; Centre Block; Confederation Building; East-Block-1867 Wing; Wellington Building; and La Promenade Building.

New Construction

The three major occupants of the Parliamentary Precinct - the Senate, House of Commons, and Library of Parliament - have each spent considerable time and effort to articulate their requirements for buildings, grounds and services over the next 25 years. These requirements are based on a thorough assessment of current operations and future objectives, and are directed at ensuring that parliamentarians are able to serve Canadians effectively in an open and accessible environment.

A major requirement is additional space for committees, which are essential to our parliamentary system and form an integral part of the work of Members and Senators. The work carried out by committees has evolved greatly over time and facilities have not kept up with the pace and magnitude of change. Other space pressures relate to projected increases in the number of elected representatives as the country's population grows. As the size and complexity of the institutions grow it is necessary not only to accommodate parliamentarians, but also to provide the services they need to function effectively. An example of this type of pressure is the recent decision, announced in the Speech from the Throne, to increase the research resources of the Library of Parliament to better serve the needs of Senate and House of Commons committees.

The requirements identified by the Senate, House of Commons and Library of Parliament have been analyzed, and the result is a forecast requirement of approximately 28,000m² of new space in the Parliamentary Precinct over the next 25 years.

Figure 3: New Parliamentary Precinct Construction

To meet the requirement, new construction is being proposed, including a new building on currently vacant land at the corner of Bank and Wellington Streets; an infill structure between the Justice and Confederation Buildings on Vittoria Way and construction either in or under the courtyard of the East Block. There is a long term need for a Visitor Centre, but this has been determined to be the responsibility of the National Capital Commission and, as such, does not form part of this Long-Term Vision and Plan.

Site Development

The Parliamentary Precinct is one of only two landscapes that have been officially classified by the Federal Heritage Building Review Office (the other is Rideau Hall). The grounds provide not only fitting surroundings for the buildings of government, but also a magnificent venue for ceremonies, public events and commemorations. Site development will improve vehicle and pedestrian circulation, provide amenities such as shaded rest areas, benches, drinking fountains, and provide an appropriate aesthetic so that every visitor comes away with a clear sense of the importance of the Precinct and a lasting sense of pride.

Figure 4: Landscape Masterplan

Implementation

The Vision and Plan will be implemented through a number of major projects in five phases over a 25-year period. The priorities for each phase are summarized in the following chart.

Active Review

The planning for the Long-Term Vision and Plan has been carried out with the active participation of the Parliamentary Buildings Advisory Council (PBAC), under the chairmanship of the Honourable John A. Fraser. This Council was established in 1999 on the recommendation of the Auditor General. PBAC's role is to provide the Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada with a source of independent review - both of the Long-Term Vision and Plan, and of its implementation. This role includes the review of client and stakeholder requirements, advice and guidance on accommodation issues, and recommendations on project priorities. The Council includes representatives from the Senate, the House of Commons, the Library of Parliament, the National Capital Commission, the Canadian Conservation Institute, and two private sector associations - the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada, and the Association of Consulting Engineers of Canada.

Why Now?

Meeting the needs of all of the Parliamentary Precinct's stakeholders has long been a concern for Parliamentarians and for Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC), the federal department responsible for the care and upkeep of buildings in the Precinct.

While the scope of parliamentary activities has increased significantly over the years, the quality and quantity of accommodation has not kept pace with the changing roles and requirements of Parliamentarians, or with the growing numbers of Canadians and other visitors who want a first-hand look at Canada's seat of government.

At the same time, buildings have deteriorated physically and essential support systems have become outdated. There is a particular need to equip all buildings with the information technology and related infrastructures required to ensure appropriate access to information services across the Precinct both to ensure the modernization and effective functioning of Parliament and to meet the government's stated objective of being the national government most connected to its citizens.

Over the last decade, a considerable amount of renovation work has been undertaken as part of the 1992 Long Term Capital Plan which addressed areas of immediate priority: safeguarding health and safety and maintaining the essential operations of government. As the Long Term Capital Plan was being implemented, it became apparent that the scope of required work was much greater than originally thought. Some structures were in poorer condition than expected, entirely new renovation requirements emerged, and clients identified new needs for space to accommodate their needs.

As these additional requirements emerged, the need for a more comprehensive and forward-looking planning framework also became evident. It is for that reason that PWGSC sought - and has since developed options that are included in the comprehensive Long-Term Vision and Plan for the Parliamentary Precinct.

The Precinct's major clients - the Senate, House of Commons and Library of Parliament - submitted their accommodation requirements for the next 25 years to PWGSC. The Department has carried out, or has commissioned, a number of studies to determine the current state of buildings, other structures and geotechnical features within the Precinct. The results of these inputs provided a foundation on which to build a detailed plan for the future of the Precinct.

Clearly, this ambitious initiative affords a unique opportunity for the Senate, House of Commons and Library of Parliament, as well as Public Works and Government Services Canada, to continue to shape the future of our Parliamentary Precinct.

How Will Canadians Benefit?

The benefits of a well conceived and executed Long-Term Vision and Plan will be substantial. First, all Canadians will share the benefit of preserving our most important national symbol for future generations.

Among the many other benefits are:

• Facilities better able to accommodate the public hearings, Committee deliberations, and national forums that are important to our process of government;
• Office accommodations that will enable parliamentarians to better communicate with and serve their constituents;
• A modern, productive work environment that fully meets government standards for health and safety;
• Enhanced security for parliamentarians, staff and visitors;
• Current building systems (heating, ventilation, etc.) that save on operating costs and model the government's objective to be a leader in the greening of the workplace;
• Improved vehicle control, and
• Improved access for visitors from Canada and abroad, enhancing the image of Canada's Parliament and making it a truly public place for all Canadians.

When the work envisaged in this plan is complete 25 years hence, the Parliament Buildings will stand not only as proud symbols of Canada's heritage, but as the hub of a parliamentary system of government equipped to handle the demands of a dynamic nation in a rapidly changing world.