Ottawa’s Wellington Building Redevelopment

A budget developed from accurate cost estimates help keep projects on budget

Ottawa’s Parliamentary Precinct is undergoing an extensive and much needed renovation project. It was decided that while Parliament Buildings undergo renovations, the Wellington Building would serve as the interim home of the Canadian Government for the next 25 years, housing the House of Commons, Senate offices and the Library of Parliament.

In order to accommodate this change and provide a quality, functional and modern facility to house senate members’ offices and services, the Wellington Building would need extensive renovations.

The historical building contained hazardous materials, didn’t meet seismic code requirements, and the elevator, mechanical and electrical systems were outdated and obsolete. The building’s heritage elements needed to be protected to FHBRO standards (Federal Heritage Building Review Office) while ensuring the required additional functional and security requirements would be accommodated.

An application for funding was submitted to the Treasury Board for approval. In order to have the funding approved and ensure that the funds would cover the costs of the project through all its complex challenges, a comprehensive cost report was required to establish the project’s budget.

A.W. Hooker carefully considered the numerous interrelated cost drivers and extensive heritage requirements. Knowing early on that the building would have to be ‘cored’ and a 7-storey structure built within the building to structurally reinforce it, A.W. Hooker carefully assessed the costs for the hundreds of elements and trades required to complete this complex undertaking. A.W. Hooker also prepared detailed costs for hazardous materials abatement, M&E systems upgrades and the preservation and restoration of the building’s heritage elements.

Arriving at a fully detailed, thorough and definite project cost report, A.W. Hooker established the budget documents and the Treasury Board approved the project’s funding in 2008. The project has proceeded through seven years of construction and it continues to remain within the established $425 million dollar budget. The project is scheduled for 2016 occupancy.