‘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 […]
Fergus to moderate economic recovery talk, suspicious fire at Liberal MP Fonseca’s office
The Pearson Centre is hosting an event tackling the issue of economic recovery in turbulent times on Feb. 28. The guest list includes a smattering of senior business, labour, and political leaders, with a cameo from the Liberal caucus in the form of the event’s moderator, Grit MP Greg Fergus (Hull-Aylmer, Que.). Also featured: Jaqui Parchment, CEO […]
‘Freedom Convoy’ dominated downtown for more than three weeks; living and working in Ottawa’s ‘red zone’
CENTRETOWN—It was eerily quiet on a cold Sunday morning in downtown Ottawa on Feb. 20. After so many weeks of disruption and disorientation, with the eyes of the world on Canada’s capital, the lack of movement, of incessant noise and activity, was a bit surreal. The final and largest confrontation between the “Freedom Convoy” protesters […]
Public service union helped residents take back their streets as citizens grew weary of law enforcement lag
As the “Freedom Convoy” that descended on downtown Ottawa and surrounding residential streets moved into its third week, thousands of counterprotesters in the nation’s capital began pushing back, many of whom were upset with the ongoing occupation and the lack of action by police services prior to the invocation of the Emergencies Act. Alex Silas, […]
