Assistant Deputy Minister's message—The Long Term Vision and Plan Annual Report 2017 to 2018

I am pleased to present the Long Term Vision and Plan Annual Report for the 2017 to 2018 fiscal year. Throughout this report, you will find updates on key activities with regards to the upkeep and renovation of buildings within the Parliamentary Precinct and the Parliament Hill grounds, as well as an outline of new and renewed priorities that will be taken into account in the coming programs of work.

This past year has been historic in many respects. During Canada 150, the Parliamentary Precinct played centre stage to a number of key events and activities from the Governor General laying a cornerstone for the new Visitor Welcome Centre, to the construction of a rink on Parliament Hill and the incorporation of Nunavut in the Centennial Flame. As well over this past year, a historic milestone was achieved - major construction was completed on a trio of major projects – the West Block, phase 1 of a new Visitor Centre for Parliament Hill and the Government Conference Centre – which will enable the iconic Centre Block to be emptied and its historic restoration and modernization to begin. Reaching this milestone has been a central objective of the Long Term Vision and Plan since its inception in 2001.

Over the past year, a number of other important projects were also completed or significantly advanced. This includes more than 30 enabling projects to get the Centre Block ready for full launch, from readying a new headquarters for the Library of Parliament to re-locating underground infrastructure so that future excavation work can proceed. Also on the Hill, significant re-capitalization work was advanced on the East Block to ensure that deteriorated tower structures and entrances are rehabilitated to extend the safe operations of this critical building. Off of the Hill, the structural and masonry restoration of the Canada's Four Corners building was brought to near completion and the Canada 150 tarp was removed from the Postal Station B building revealing beautifully restored stonework and a shiny new copper roof.

Looking forward to next year, all eyes will be on the West Block, Visitor Welcome Centre and Government Conference Centre as they come into full operation. This will also mark the true launch of efforts to restore and modernize the Centre Block, which will be the largest heritage rehabilitation project in Canadian history. We will also continue our important work to support Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada and national and local Indigenous organizations in establishing the re-development vision for 100 Wellington. In addition, efforts to establish an integrated parliamentary campus will continue to be at the forefront of our planning activities.

The Parliamentary Precinct is a Canadian icon and should represent the best of what Canada has to offer. It is with pleasure that I invite you to review this report on the LTVP's accomplishments and upcoming endeavours.

Sincerely,

Rob Wright
Assistant Deputy Minister
Parliamentary Precinct Branch