Precinct expansion report expected this fall, but feds, city already in talks
MPs expected to deliver a report on the possibility of expanding the Parliamentary Precinct this fall are weighing the benefits of wading into the Hill’s complicated tangle of jurisdictional security issues. But, as members of the Procedure and House Affairs Committee (PROC) recently heard, that work is underway, with the City of Ottawa having already […]
Security key factor in successful Block 2 design that will complete ‘Parliament square’
After a year-long competition, the winning bid to complete “Parliament square’s” fourth wall came out ahead, thanks, in part, to a design that works well with Hill security plans, according to one of the MPs who sat on the jury. Zeidler Architecture Inc. and David Chipperfield Architects were unveiled May 16 as the prevailing design […]
Politics This Morning: Winner of the Block 2 design competition to be named today
Good Monday morning, The prime minister will meet with the mayor of Regina, SANDRA MASTERS, in Ottawa at 2 p.m. An important section of the Parliamentary Precinct will be one step closer to a major overhaul today. Public Services and Procurement Minister FILOMENA TASSI and JOHN RALSTON SAUL, honorary advisor to the Royal Architectural Institute […]
‘Town and Crown’ Block 2 design challenge brings ‘new voices’ to Parliamentary Precinct’s national narrative, finalists say
Rooftop gardens, a double-storey library, a people’s square, and a Truth and Reconciliation tower situated to complement expansive views of Parliament Hill and the Peace Tower are among the design concepts proposed by the six finalists tasked with reimagining the space opposite Centre Block. Dubbed Block 2, the unique space that marries, what one architect […]
After the Freedom Convoy, politicians are reimagining Wellington Street
OTTAWA—Politicians representing the downtown Ottawa area hardest hit by the three week-long trucker convoy protest in January and February are finding a silver lining from the massive disruption. Wellington Street through the Parliamentary Precinct should remain shut to vehicular traffic. “Our downtown is built of highways—Lyon, Kent, Slater, Albert [streets]—we do not need Wellington as […]
Victoria Building reno to be moved up into Block 2 overhaul
There’s been an official change in plans for renovations on Parliament Hill, with the Senate Internal Economy Committee recently giving a green light to a rejigging that will see the Victoria Building emptied and renovated sooner, and incorporated into the overall redevelopment of Block 2 between Wellington and Sparks streets. “Instead of having an occupied […]
Faced with deluge of misinformation, MPs, Senators say they’re doing what they can to fight the spread
Faced with a surge of misinformation and conspiratorial thinking among the general public, Parliamentarians are raising the alarm, and are pushing back by talking to people directly, compiling research, and being mindful of the content they themselves digest and produce. “We are seeing the radicalization of an increasing number of Canadians,” NDP MP Peter Julian […]
‘There seemed to be this complete loss of faith in institutions’: Canadian journalists talk about covering ‘Freedom Convoy’
A number of leading Canadian journalists who covered the ‘Freedom Convoy’ came together last week to discuss how media should be covering those who have lost faith in the media, and who are absolutely determined to have their voices heard. Carleton University hosted the “Journalism Under Siege” panel discussion, moderated by CBC Ottawa journalist Adrian […]
Pandemic measures easing in House Precinct, public allowed back starting in April
The House of Commons will once again be open to visitors next month, as part of a broader easing of measures introduced nearly two years ago to limit the spread of COVID-19 in the Parliamentary Precinct. House Speaker Anthony Rota (Nipissing-Timiskaming, Ont.) announced the changes on March 10, saying the Commons Board of Internal Economy, […]
‘Freedom Convoy’-prompted pause to Centre Block work cost estimated $3-million: PSPC
Work to renovate Centre Block and build a new underground visitor’s welcome centre is running apace to where where it was before a 16-day suspension caused by the “Freedom Convoy” that occupied downtown Ottawa last month, an interruption that Public Services and Procurement Canada estimates cost roughly $3-million. “PSPC is currently assessing the cost and […]
