Canada’s Parliamentary Precinct Long Term Vision and Plan

The Parliament Precinct in Ottawa, ON is a symbol of Canada’s democracy. NORR, in partnership with DIALOG, is the primary consultant of a multi-year contract with the Science and Parliamentary Infrastructure Branch of Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) for the provision of a range of planning, architectural and engineering consulting services in the Precinct. As part of this work, one of the most significant deliverables is the update to the Long Term Vision and Plan (LTVP) for the Parliamentary Precinct comprising 35 buildings and the grounds on and around Parliament Hill.

The Parliamentary Precinct is going through one of the most complex and significant planning and restoration projects in Canadian history and the LTVP update will guide this process over the next 50 years. The update has required the collaboration of a broad range of architectural, engineering, urban planning/design and other specialized services to deliver a plan that addresses the full potential of this most important site in Canada. Developing a plan and programs that are functional, integrated and sustainable are part of the flexible strategy that will deliver on goals and requirements into 2067. The LTVP update focuses on key themes such as:

• Accommodating Parliamentarians
• Determining how people and materials move around the campus
• Environmental sustainability and resilience
• Universal accessibility
• Security
• Urban design
• Visitor experience

The assignment has been an interactive process involving collaborating with Public (PSPC) and associated Stakeholders on the LTVP update as well as several sub assignments that explore specialized topics in support of the main masterplan update.

Areas of investigation have included Sustainability, Climate Change and Universal Accessibility, Accommodation for members of Parliament including offices, committee rooms, multi-purpose rooms, daycare space and fitness facilities, which need to be secure and accessible. All existing and future conditions must consider security requirements including all major movement systems for pedestrians, vehicular services and materials. With sustainability a key priority, the design vision of the Parliamentary Precinct will exceed the Government of Canada’s environmental sustainability standards and identify strategies to reduce the ecological footprint of the site. As a tourist destination, the visitor experience is paramount. Working with stakeholders including Parliamentary Partners and special interest groups will help shape the approach to making the grounds universally accessible.

Photo : PSPC/SPAC