Ontario Construction News staff writer
Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) has awarded Pomerleau Inc. a $2.8-million construction management contract for the first phase of the Block 2 redevelopment project.
The scope of the contract includes advisory services, as well as services for pre-construction, construction and post-construction.
Work includes decommissioning of old building systems, demolition and abatement of hazardous material, heritage protection and restoration, excavation, structural reinforcement and seismic upgrades of existing buildings, new building construction, including new building envelopes, new mechanical and electrical systems and landscape work.
“Selection of a construction manager is a step forward on the progress of Block 2” said Yasir Naqvi, Ottawa-Centre MP. “This exciting project will complete the parliamentary square and will contribute to the revitalization of our downtown core.
“With an innovative concept, people-first spaces, and sustainable features, this project will bring a renewed vibrancy to Wellington Street and the Parliamentary Precinct.”
The renewal of Block 2 is part of the project to restore and modernize Canada’s Parliamentary Precinct. Extensive work is already underway.
“The selection of a construction manager for Block 2 is a key step in bringing our collective vision to reality to ensure the Parliamentary Precinct is a space that works for and inspires not just Parliamentarians, but all Canadians for many generations to come,” said Jean-Yves Duclos, minister of public services and procurement.
Block 2 is immediately south of Parliament Hill in downtown Ottawa. It faces Centre Block and Peace Tower to the north. The block is bounded by Metcalfe, Wellington, O’Connor and Sparks streets.
The contract was awarded through a competitive process. PSPC issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for construction management on August 8, 2023. The RFP closed in October 2023.
- The redesigned Block 2 will provide office space for the Senate and the House of Commons and will allow for the future consolidation of parliamentary accommodations, including space for the Library of Parliament. It will also include renovated retail space in the Sparks Street Mall.
- Of the 11 buildings in Block 2, 2 buildings and an infill space in between have been dedicated for the development of an Indigenous Peoples’ Space.
- On May 5, 2023, following an international design competition, PSPC awarded the Architectural & Engineering Services contract to the winning design team of Zeidler Architecture Inc. (Toronto, Canada), in association with David Chipperfield Architects (London, United Kingdom).
