A Legacy for Future Generations

The Long-Term Vision and Plan for the Parliamentary Precinct

How the Vision and Plan were Developed

The Planning Framework
The Guiding Principles

Planning Framework and Guiding Principles

The Planning Framework

The framework for developing the Long-Term Vision and Plan for the Parliamentary Precinct had to take into account the Precinct as both the home of Canada's parliamentary system, the physical expression of our commitment to democracy and the principle of freedom. The picturesque landscape and architectural style of the Precinct are enduring symbols of our country, while the openness, accessibility and security of the public spaces are representative of the values treasured and celebrated by all Canadians.

The Precinct provides the setting for the work of hundreds of Parliamentarians and staff to go about their business in a secure and efficient manner. It is also the preeminent gathering place for public expression and celebration, as well as a place of quiet reflection.

Change within the Parliamentary Precinct needs to occur in a way that balances the evolving functional needs of Parliament and other users with the overriding commitment to preserve the historic, environmental and symbolic primacy of the site.

The goal of the Vision and Plan for the Parliamentary Precinct is to accommodate the long term space requirements of Parliamentarians and staff so that their work can be conducted safely, effectively and efficiently, while preserving and enhancing the symbolic presence of Parliament and its environment for all users. To achieve this, the Department of Public Works and Government Services developed a framework for the Long-Term Vision and Plan consisting of four interdependent dimensions:

• the condition of the buildings;
• the space and functional requirements of the Senate, House of Commons and Library;
• the approved use for the various buildings; and
• considerations relating to urban design and the capacity of the site on which the Precinct is situated.

Under this planning framework, a series of studies and consultations with stakeholders were conducted. The resulting Vision and Plan describes a way forward that tries to balance the often competing requirements under these four dimensions. An example of this balanced approach is the recommended Urban Design Solution (page 29), which respects important symbolic values of the site as well as the composition of buildings, while identifying development opportunities to meet the current and future needs of parliamentarians.

Another important aspect of this balancing is reflected in the implementation strategy, where an analysis of client operational requirements and asset integrity may not necessarily yield the same results in terms of priorities. For example, although the Asset Integrity Study (page 25) clearly identifies the Centre Block as the building in the most critical need of repair, it is also the most important building in the Precinct in terms of the functions it supports - the two Chambers, as well as committee rooms and offices for both the Senate and the House. The building cannot be vacated for renovation until alternate locations are found for these functions, allowing for the continuity of government. As a result, renovation of other buildings and new construction has to be done first, to pave the way for the closure of the Centre Block.

The Guiding Principles

The second major underpinning of the Long-Term Vision and Plan are the Guiding Principles outlined below. The eight statements are expressions of values and attitudes towards development within the Precinct. They are based on principles established in:

• Building the Future, House of Commons Requirements for the Parliamentary Precinct (October 22, 1999);
• Principles for Security in the Precinct, Committee of Senior Officials Responsible for Security of the Parliamentary Precinct (December 1, 1999);
• Senate Long Term Accommodations Strategy (January, 2000);
• Principles developed at Long-Term Vision and Planning Framework Stakeholder Workshops (November 25, 1999 and January 27, 2000); and
• Long Term Accommodation Plan for the Library of Parliament including Visitor Services on Parliament Hill (April, 2000).

Two other source documents from which planning and design level principles and concepts have been taken are:

• Parliamentary Precinct Area Urban Design Guidelines and Demonstration Plan for Long Range Development, (duToit, Allsopp, Hillier), 1992; and
• Report of the Advisory Commission on Parliamentary Accommodation (Abbott Report), 1976.

Together, the following principles - which were endorsed by the Parliamentary Buildings Advisory Committee at its meeting of March 27-28, 2000 - form a qualitative context for evaluation and decision-making as the Vision and Plan is implemented. Each principle will be supplemented with more specific development guidelines, which will offer key directions for accommodating development within the context of the Guiding Principles.

1. PRESERVE AND ENHANCE THE SYMBOLIC PRIMACY AND THE VISUAL INTEGRITY OF PARLIAMENT HILL.
   
   Development should respect and reinforce the cohesive order and unified image of the Hill as the focus of the Precinct.
   
   
2. RESPECT FOR THE ROLE AND HERITAGE VALUE OF THE BUILDINGS, THE LANDSCAPE, AND THEIR SETTING AS A SYMBOL OF CANADIAN DEMOCRACY.
   
   Development should protect and enhance the architectural and heritage integrity of the buildings, the landscape, and their setting, including their relationship to the National Capital, so as to recognize the symbolic importance of this site.
   
   
3. ENSURE THAT DEVELOPMENT IS SENSITIVE TO THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT OF THE SITE.
   
   Development should clarify and reinforce the distinctive landscapes and topography within the Precinct and respect the environmental capacity of the site.
   
   
4. ESTABLISH A CLEAR, PHYSICAL BOUNDARY TO ACCOMMODATE ALL CORE PARLIAMENTARY ACTIVITIES AND ESSENTIAL SERVICES.
   
   To facilitate the work of Parliamentarians, enhance public understanding of the parliamentary process and provide public access to Parliament, core parliamentary functions - Chambers, Committee, Caucus and Constituency and Regional representation - should be centrally located in a defined area which is recognizable as the institution of Parliament. While direct support services must be easily accessible to the lines of business they support, indirect support functions can be located in adjacent areas.
   
   
5. ENSURE A BALANCE BETWEEN OPENNESS, ACCESSIBILITY AND SECURITY.
   
   Provide a secure environment for Parliamentarians, staff and the visiting public while respecting the special nature of the institution and its importance as an open and accessible venue for Canadians.
   
   
6. INCORPORATE COHERENT AND HARMONIOUS PATTERNS OF USE WITHIN THE SITE AND WITH THE SURROUNDING COMMUNITY.
   
   Facilities should be organized to support the work of Parliamentarians and other users in a hierarchy of space that reflects the relationships among various functions. Development should ensure a coordinated interface between Crown lands and the surrounding community.
   
   
7. ENSURE INTERCONNECTION OF FUNCTIONS, SERVICES AND BUILDINGS.
   
   Infrastructure should be incorporated to facilitate effective and coordinated security, information technology and communication services, as well as the secure, logical and efficient movement of people and goods throughout the Precinct.
   
   
8. PROVIDE RESPONSIBLE STEWARDSHIP OF RESOURCES.
   
   Development and management of the buildings and site should be undertaken using an approach that protects financial investments, ensures the continued viability of existing assets, and preserves the environmental sustainability of the site. The program for restoring the Parliamentary Precinct will be a model of "green" government in order to make a positive contribution to the principles of sustainable development and to ensure that the natural environment, and the buildings within it, will be healthy for generations to come.