A Legacy for Future Generations

The Long-Term Vision and Plan for the Parliamentary Precinct

Executive Summary

What Is The Long-Term Vision and Plan?
How the Long-Term Vision and Plan was Developed
Why Is The Vision and Plan Being Proposed Now?
What were the Main Requirements?
What Does The Plan Entail?
What Happens Next?
What Are The Expected Benefits?

What Is The Long-Term Vision and Plan?

The Long-Term Vision and Plan for the Parliamentary Precinct is a detailed blueprint for renovations and new construction over the next 25 years that will meet accommodation requirements identified by the Senate, House of Commons, and Library of Parliament.

It provides clear direction for the renewal of Canada's seat of government-the Parliamentary Precinct. A recent survey of visitors to Parliament Hill conducted by the National Capital Commission confirmed that Canadians see the Precinct as the preeminent symbol of Canada's history and traditions. It is also seen as a key symbol of democracy and freedom, our system of government, Canadian unity, and of the common pride Canadian's feel in their accomplishments.

The Vision and Plan will transform this historic landmark in keeping with citizen expectations and parliamentary requirements. During the 25-year implementation period, Parliament Hill will become an even more welcoming, convenient place to visit-with ample amenities close at hand for the millions of visitors expected each year. At the same time, new and renovated offices and committee rooms will accommodate the long term space requirements of Parliamentarians and staff so that their work can be conducted safely, effectively and efficiently.

How the Long-Term Vision and Plan was Developed

Framework

In developing the Long-Term Vision and Plan, Public Works and Government Services Canada had to take into account the Precinct's requirements to accommodate Parliamentarians and their staff in the 21st century, while preserving and enhancing the symbolic presence of Parliament and its environment for all users. To achieve this, PWGSC developed a framework consisting of four components: condition of buildings; space and functional requirement of the Senate, House of Commons and Library of Parliament; the approved use of the various buildings; and considerations relating to urban design and capacity of site of which the Precinct is situated.

Parliamentary Buildings Advisory Council (PBAC)

Another important aspect of this planning initiative has been the active participation of PBAC. PBAC was established in 1999 upon a recommendation from the Auditor General. PBAC's role is to provide the Minister of PWGSC with a source of independent review -- both of the Long-Term Vision and Plan and its implementation. This role included the review of stakeholder requirements, advice and guidance on accommodation and other issues, and recommendations on project priorities. The Council, Chaired by the Honourable John A. Fraser, includes representatives from the Senate, 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 Is The Vision and Plan Being Proposed Now?

The scope of parliamentary activities has increased significantly over the years, but 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 three areas of immediate priority: safeguarding health and safety; maintaining the essential operations of government; and meeting the growing functional requirements of parliamentary clients. 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 repair 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 comprehensive and forward-looking vision and plan became evident.

What were the Main Requirements?

The Precinct's major clients, the Senate, House of Commons and Library of Parliament, have submitted to PWGSC detailed reports on their accommodation requirements for the next 25 years. An analysis of these reports indicates that there are considerable pressures for additional space to accommodate day-to-day needs of Parliamentarians. There is a projected shortfall of 28,000 m2 of office and committee room space. In their reports both the Senate and the House of Commons included the principle that this additional space to support parliamentary functions must be located north of Wellington Street.

As well, a comprehensive study was also done to evaluate the current condition of Parliamentary Precinct buildings and evaluate the risks of breakdown of building systems. A number of key factors were assessed, such as the condition of the interior and exterior of the structures, as well as the state of the mechanical and electrical systems, the elevators and the life and fire safety systems. It was found that many of the Parliamentary Precinct buildings are experiencing a very high risk of failure in more than one primary building system. A potential consequence of these failures could be the effective loss of an entire asset for an extended period of time.

What Does The Plan Entail?

Within the planning framework, PWGSC undertook a number of studies and looked at a wide range of alternatives under three main categories:

1. options relating to Urban Design, to identify the boundaries of the Parliamentary Precinct;
2. options relating to accommodation for stakeholders;
3. possible scenarios for implementation to establish the sequencing and timing of the 15 major projects under Long-Term Vision and Plan over the a period of 25 years, in five phases.

Urban Design Solution

With respect to Urban Design, stakeholders agreed on an Urban Design solution that defines the geographic boundaries for Parliamentary Precinct to include all buildings and land north of Wellington Street, east of the Kent Street and west of the Rideau Canal. The plan identifies projects to be completed within the boundaries for the Precinct and as well as work on buildings outside the boundaries that are required for use as temporary space during renovations and, or, accommodation for non-Parliamentary staff.

Parliamentary Accommodation Options

The plan identifies three possible options for new accommodation within the Parliamentary Precinct. All three options include a new building on currently vacant land at the corner of Bank and Wellington Streets and infill structures (an addition to an existing building) between the Justice and Confederation Buildings on Vittoria Way and the East Block courtyard. The total required space is 28,000 m2. The difference between the options is the allocation of offices and committee rooms for the Senate and House of Commons.

Implementation Scenarios and Cost Estimates

After considering a number of alternatives, PWGSC narrowed the field to two scenarios. These scenarios were developed based on the accepted Urban Design Solution and Accommodation Option C, as having the features most acceptable to the stakeholders. The key difference in the scenarios is that, in Scenario 1, the renovation of the West Block does not occur until Phase 2, because the House of Commons would continue to use the existing committee rooms in the West Block until completion of the new permanent committee room facility. In Scenario 2, the West Block renovation occurs in Phase 1, because temporary committee rooms would be created during the renovation of the Wellington Building.

Detailed costs have only been developed for projects included in Phase 1. Costs for the subsequent phases are identified on an order of magnitude basis only, and cannot be further verified until detailed project scopes and schedules are developed.

*Studies identify that the Centre Block as the building in the most critical need of repair, and at the same time the building in the Precinct that supports the most important functions-the two Chambers, as well as committee rooms and offices for both the Senate and the House. As a result, the Centre Block cannot be vacated for renovation until alternate locations are found for these functions. As such, renovation of other buildings and new construction has to be done prior to closure of the Centre Block. Engineering studies indicate that the Centre Block-while in poor repair-can continue in operation for the 10-12 years it will take to complete projects that must proceed first. It should be noted that the costs of operating and maintaining the building will be higher, due to its deteriorated condition. **Preplanning includes expenditures occurring during the phase, but related to projects which will be implemented in subsequent phases.

What Happens Next?

The Long-Term Vision and Plan will be reviewed by the Parliamentary Buildings Advisory Council (PBAC) who will provide their advice and recommendations to the Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC). Based on the advice received, the Minister of PWGSC will decide on the final options and seek program and funding approval in accordance with Government of Canada's rules and regulations for capital projects.

What Are The Expected Benefits?

The benefits of a well conceived and executed Long-Term Vision and Plan will be substantial. All Canadians will share the benefit of preserving our most important national symbol for future generations, at the same time enjoying improved access and enhanced security. 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.