The Centre Block Rehabilitation Project consists of the complete rehabilitation of Centre Block, the crown jewel of Canada’s Parliamentary Precinct. Occupying a central position between West Block and East Block on Parliament Hill, this iconic national landmark serves as Canada’s Parliament and is a Classified heritage building.

The scope of the project includes the construction of an underground Visitor Welcome Centre complex that will connect the West, East and Centre Block buildings and provide circulation and program space for the Parliamentary Precinct. The rehabilitation will combine heritage conservation and contemporary innovation with the inclusion of new information technology, multimedia and security systems and the restoration of designated heritage spaces.

Sustainability

As a result of its many sustainability features, the Centre Block project aims to pursue LEED and Zero Carbon Building Standard certification. The rehabilitation of Centre Block will address sustainability, energy efficiency and climate resilience as well as accessibility. Innovative new approaches were explored to select and source sustainable materials and to improve the building envelope. Designed to minimize impact to the building’s impressive stone facade, the envelop improvements include new windows and the addition of insulation to reduce air infiltration for better energy efficiency and occupant comfort.

The building’s new mechanical systems will also improve efficiency by capturing and re-purposing waste heat, while potable water demand will be reduced through the use of rainwater and greywater for non-potable uses, like toilets or landscaping needs. When completed, it is estimated that the renovation will see energy consumption reduced by at least 75 per cent, and water consumption by over 50 per cent.