Canada’s Largest and Most Complex Heritage Rehabilitation Project

The scope of the Centre Block Rehabilitation (CBR) project includes comprehensive restoration of Centre Block and its integrated Peace Tower, along with the completion of the Visitor Welcome Centre Complex, and over 25 enabling and 40 investigative sub-projects.

WSP is leading the joint venture partnership, branded as CENTRUS, and is providing all engineering and design management services. HOK, our partner in this joint venture, will lead all architectural and conservation efforts, supported by strategic partners Architecture49 and DFS Inc. architecture & design. The CENTRUS team is located close to the site with the construction management team, our client and user representatives in an integrated project delivery office.

The restoration is a complex blend of heritage conservation with appropriate and sensitive contemporary interventions such as new mechanical, electrical and security systems, as well as a comprehensive seismic upgrade strategy. The joint venture is driving improvements to the long-term durability of the building enclosure at Centre Block, while maintaining and enhancing the prestige of this unique and high-profile cultural asset.

Centre Block was closed for parliamentary and senate operations at the end of 2018 to enable the initial investigative work and subsequent refurbishment phase.

We are performing advanced, analytical, non-linear modelling of this historic building to determine its response to seismic shaking. Various seismic upgrade strategies are being explored, including the use of seismic isolation technology as a means of minimizing the structural intervention and its impact on the building’s heritage finishes.