Centre Block rehabilitation project to cost more than $4B
CTV
It’s a multi-billion dollar project that’s being called the largest heritage rehabilitation project in Canada’s history. Parliament Hill remains under construction and despite COVID and convoy occupation delays, the decade-long project remains on track.
It’s a multi-billion dollar project that’s being called the largest heritage rehabilitation project in Canada’s history. Parliament Hill remains under construction and despite COVID and convoy occupation delays, the decade-long project remains on track.
The construction site is completely closed off from the public with Public Services and Procurement Canada in charge.
"We have taken the building back to its bones, we are at a 90 per cent completion for demolition and we are well underway for restoration of heritage assets," said Jennifer Garrett, Centre Block Rehabilitation program director general for Public Services and Procurement Canada.
The project will cost between $4.5 and 5 billion.
"It's fantastic to have this iconic building, this heritage jewel being restored and modernized both for the needs of a 21st century Parliament but for Canadians," said Rob Wright, Public Services and Procurement Canada Assistant Deputy manager.
Behind-the-scenes, a massive hole more than three storeys below ground is part of phase one. The hole is to make room for a new three-level welcome centre that is being built underneath the building and around the core of the Peace Tower.
"It’s in the 2032 time frame that visitors will be welcomed to Canada's new Parliament welcome centre and Centre Block with the chambers will be operational," said Garrett.