Centre Block

Centre Block, in its impressive setting on Parliament Hill, is perhaps Canada’s most recognized landmark. This iconic building houses the seat of government for the country, including the Senate of Canada and the House of Commons.

The Centre Block Rehabilitation project is one of the largest and most complex heritage projects of its kind. The project involves the comprehensive rehabilitation of Centre Block and portions of Parliament Hill, including upgrades to building systems and upgrades to meet seismic, accessibility and sustainability requirements.

As heritage planners, and a sub consultant with the CENTRUS joint venture, ERA is responsible for preparation of a Background Analysis Report, a Conservation Management Plan, and Heritage Impact Assessment, as well as support for the development of submissions to federal authorities.

The Background Analysis Report provides an overview of the regulatory, policy and planning framework, an historical and design analysis, and an interpretation of heritage value and attributes. It encompasses the overarching design principles, patterns, and interrelationships that inform the whole of the building and landscape as well as their component elements.

The Conservation Management Plan provides an overview of the site’s condition and integrity, describes the project’s scope and requirements as it relates to the conservation guidelines, and describes the concepts applicable to the conservation approach. It then sets out comprehensive conservation goals, principles and guidelines addressing the landscape, building exterior, building interior, and physical assets.

Heritage Impact Assessment, which is embedded within the design process, provides continuous feedback regarding the nature and level of heritage impact of proposed interventions, and identifies potential mitigation measures to ensure informed recommendations and decision-making.

The joint venture partnership branded as CENTRUS is being led by WSP and HOK with associate architects Architecture 49, and ERA’s work also involves collaboration with a range of other consultants, notably DFS Architecture & Design who are the conservation architects on the project.