A major redevelopment project on Parliament Hill that includes eventually building a tunnel in the area of Wellington and Sparks streets is scheduled to start this October, according to the City of Ottawa. The area, known as Block 2, sits in the shadow of Centre Block’s Peace Tower. The parliamentary complex will encompass 11 buildings and will cost an estimated $430 million and will include 150 offices.
Two of the 11 buildings in Block 2, and an infill space between, will be developed into an Indigenous Peoples' Space. In an update, the city says the execution of the Block 2 Redevelopment project will wrap up in January 2033. This October, it will start with the east side of Block 2, with upcoming key activities including installation of fences to secure the site perimeter, temporary relocation of existing infrastructure, including benches and lampposts, and interior abatement and demolition.
The project will also require shutting down parts of Wellington Street in the future for construction. "As part of this project, PSPC (Public Services and Procurement Canada) is indicated that they wish to construct a tunnel corridor along Wellington in front this building. It is to move parliamentarians and other staff.
It's also to serve as a utility corridor for the energy systems that need to be supplied to the building and also to move materials and goods, throughout the parliamentary precinct," said Court Curry, Right-of-Way, Heritage and Urban Design Services Manager. The const.