Les Terrasses de la Chaudière complex: Renovating and modernizing
From: Public Services and Procurement Canada
Learn about some of the major projects happening and planned to renovate and modernize the Les Terrasses de la Chaudière (LTDLC) complex.
On this page
Overview of projects
- Location
- Gatineau, Quebec
Locate the Les Terrasses de la Chaudière complex on a map - Type of project
- Rehabilitation
- Lead department
- Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC)
- Contracts awarded
- Learn about the different contracts awarded to undertake this project.
- Project status
- The 5 main projects to modernize LTDLC are at various stages. The stages range from feasibility to completion. The timing and restoration of the entire complex is being reviewed in-light of the PSPC’s long-term plans to optimize its real property portfolio.
Description of projects
These are the 5 major construction, repair and renovation projects to modernize the complex:
- Replacing the exterior (envelope replacement project)
- Repairing and modernizing the parking garage
- Modernizing the interior: GCworkplace
- Renewing the base building systems
- Redeveloping the site
1. Replacing the exterior (envelope replacement project)
Status of the project: construction phase
The envelope replacement project (ERP) is the removal of the existing brick exterior and windows, and replacing them with a new exterior covering. This project will permanently address health and safety risks with LTDLC’s deteriorating exterior brick façade.
The new façade will be mainly glass, aluminum, and porcelain. The new design will contribute to the transformation of LTDLC into a modern and energy-efficient structure.
Pre-construction work began in the fall of 2022 in the exterior courtyard. Interior mobilization is underway at 1 Promenade du Portage and 10 Wellington Street.
Removal of the existing brick wall assembly will begin in the fall of 2023 at 1 Promenade du Portage. The project will be conducted in sequentially overlapping, building-by-building stages:
- winter 2022 to summer 2024 for 1 Promenade du Portage
- spring 2023 to fall 2025 for 10 Wellington Street
- fall 2024 to winter 2026 at 15/25 Eddy Street
During construction, towers will be vacant. Occupants will be accommodated through a combination of:
- telework
- on-site temporary accommodations
- off-site GCcoworking
- other locations in the national capital region
Exterior brick inspection
Every year, we inspect the bricks for safety and do any repairs needed. We will continue to inspect and repair the bricks until the entire exterior is replaced.
Removing overhead protection
When we discovered that the aging exterior was deteriorating, we installed overhead protection systems and closed the courtyard. The overhead protection will be removed as we replace the exterior. The courtyard will be reopened once the complex is fully modernized.
Energy-efficient windows
We will install new windows that will provide better insulation. These new windows will have multiple panes of energy-efficient glass. They will be better at keeping the cold out during the winter and keeping the cool in during the summer.
Effect on roads and bus routes
We will work with the City of Gatineau and the Société de transport de l’Outaouais to minimize impacts on the general public and employees working at the complex.
Construction schedule
The ERP project started in fall of 2022 and is expected to be completed during winter 2026.
2. Repairing and modernizing the parking garage
Status of the project: completed
We completed the modernization of the parking garage in December of 2020. In addition to doing major structural repairs, we installed new:
- ventilation systems
- heating systems
- electrical components
We also added new features to make the garage more environmentally sustainable, such as:
- 355 bike racks
- 17 electric vehicle charging stations
- energy-efficient lighting (light-emitting diode [LED])
3. Modernizing the interior: GCworkplace
Status of the project: phase 1 construction
We are modernizing the interior of the complex following GCworkplace standards. The project is called the GCworkplace: A modern workplace for the new public service. It is scheduled to be completed in phases over a 10-year period. We will do this work in parallel with the other projects being carried out.
The GCworkplace modernization program will give employees greater flexibility in where and how they work and is designed to enhance productivity. The new workplaces will have sustainable and energy-efficient features and meet accessibility standards.
Phase 1 will be completed at 15/25 Eddy Street in the summer of 2024. Spaces at 10 Wellington Street will be ready as soon as the ERP is completed. In this phase, we will modernize approximately 32,200 square metres of office space and accommodate an estimated 2,460 full-time employees. The project will accommodate employees who have been temporarily displaced by construction with telework options.
We have already renovated 3 areas at 15/25 Eddy. There is:
- 3,187 square metres of available space on the 5th floor, accommodating approximately 255 workspaces
- 2,261 square metres on the 15th floor for 178 workspaces
- 5,613 square metres on the 6th floor for 473 workspaces assigned to a single occupant
Consultations
We consulted with employees who will work in the new GCworkplace offices to understand their needs. Consultations included town halls, tenant meetings, surveys and questionnaires. In response, we are providing change management support services to facilitate the transition to a GCworkplace environment and to address issues expressed by occupants.
Design considerations
We are also working with federal organizations occupying the complex to maximize Indigenous design considerations, such as:
- inclusivity
- medicine wheel inspiration
- features
- finishes
Work with these organizations and the Indigenous community resulted in the creation of Indigenous design guidelines. This will be used by Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) for the design of their offices nationwide, as well as by any other department wishing to design spaces using these concepts.
4. Renewing the base building systems
Status of the project: planning phase
We plan on renewing and replacing the base building systems. This will help us meet future needs and achieve government sustainability targets.
The project includes repairing, upgrading or replacing the following systems:
- heating and cooling
- mechanical
- electrical
- plumbing
- elevators
- building automation and lighting control
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions
The new systems will be more modern and will use energy more efficiently. Our overall target is for the complex to have net-zero carbon emissions.
5. Redeveloping the site
Status of the project: planning phase
We plan on improving the following public sections of the complex:
- landscape
- courtyard
- ground floor
- retail spaces
This project will address long-outstanding issues with the way that people and materials move around the site.
View this architectural image of the exterior of the complex. Note that the image is for illustrative purposes only.
Benefits to Canadians
The modernization of the LTDLC complex will ensure a safe and modern environment for federal employees, occupants, tenants, visitors and passersby. The project will also extend the service life of a key federal asset. It will contribute to sustainability targets and our goal to produce net-zero carbon emissions.
Contracts awarded
- Prime consultants
- Construction managers
- Environmental services
- Commissioning services
- Other contracts
Prime consultants
We awarded 2 contracts for design and architectural services through competitive procurement processes:
- the first one to NORR for the GCworkplace interior modernization project
- the second one to BBB Architects Ottawa Inc., Adamson Associates in Joint Venture for the exterior ERP
BGIS manages the NORR contract on behalf of PSPC under a Real Property 1 (RP-1) arrangement.
Construction managers
We awarded 2 construction management contracts through competitive procurement processes to PCL Constructors Eastern Inc.:
- for the exterior envelope replacement project
- for phase 1 of the GCworkplace interior modernization project
BGIS manages the GCworkplace contract on behalf of PSPC under an RP-1 arrangement.
Environmental services
We awarded 2 contracts for environmental services through competitive procurement processes:
- the first one to Englobe for the exterior envelope replacement project
- the second one to InAir for the GCworkplace project
BGIS manages the InAir contract on behalf of PSPC under an RP-1 arrangement.
Commissioning services
We awarded 2 commissioning services contracts through competitive procurement processes to WSP Canada Inc.:
- for the exterior envelope replacement project
- for phase 1 of the GCworkplace interior modernization project
BGIS awarded and manages the GCworkplace contract on behalf of PSPC under an RP-1 arrangement.
Other contracts
Additional service contracts are anticipated to undertake the complete modernization of the complex. We will announce them as we award them.
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