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The Working Group on the LTVP and the Centre Block Rehabilitation
Minutes - LTVP - 10

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Meeting Minutes

Tuesday, December 19, 2023

A meeting of the Working Group on the Long Term Vision and Plan (LTVP) and the Centre Block Rehabilitation (the Working Group) was held in camera on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at 12:05 p.m., in Room 035-B, West Block.

In the Chair: Chris d’Entremont, Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons

Present: Hon. Steven MacKinnon, Mrs. Kelly Block, Ms. Carol Hughes, Mr. Martin Shields, Mrs. Ruby Sahota, Mr. Louis Plamondon and Mr. Mark Gerretsen

Also Present: Stéphan Aubé, Deputy Clerk, Administration (Acting); Benoit Dicaire, Chief Information Officer (Acting); Susan Kulba, Director General and Executive Architect, Real Property; Charles Nahimana, Director, IT Programs Integration; Albéric Bilodeau, Chief Operations Officer, Parliamentary Protective Service; Yassine Aouididi, Senior Digital Product Manager; Pat McDonell, Sergeant-at-Arms; Darrell de Grandmont, Director, Centre Block Program; Sylvie Chiasson, Senior Architect, Centre Block Program; Gregory Dack, Director, Security Project Management and Technical Operations; Rob Wright, Assistant Deputy Minister, Science and Parliamentary Infrastructure Branch; Lena Trenholm, Senior Director, Centre Block Program; Taylor Quinn, Junior Project Leader, Science and Parliamentary Infrastructure Branch; Greg MacCormack, Senior Advisor, Office of the Clerk and Secretariat

TWO-STOREY LOBBIES

Susan Kulba, Director General and Executive Architect, Real Property, presented a proposed detailed plan for two-storey lobbies and lobby support spaces in Centre Block, and answered questions.

The Working Group supported the proposed detailed plan for the functional layouts in the government and opposition lobbies. The Chair of the WG will recommend the plan for approval at an upcoming meeting of the Board of Internal Economy (the Board). The detailed functional layouts of the lobbies will also include the following:

  • An area with mixed-use pods on the lower level
  • A 70 m2 family room to be located within Centre Block in proximity to the Chamber, with amenities such as
    • a microwave, small refrigerator, bottle warmer, and bottle dispenser;
    • a large dining area with highchairs;
    • a TV set to watch proceedings;
    • a two-piece washroom with change table;
    • a work area with a desk, task chair and access to the power supply;
    • soft seating and a coffee table;
    • a full-length mirror;
    • cribs, nursing chairs and change tables in separate nursing and sleeping areas;
    • more space for manoeuvrability;
    • additional electric outlets to enhance the experience of users;
    • a child-friendly design.

MULTIMEDIA ENABLEMENT FOR CENTRE BLOCK AND THE PARLIAMENT WELCOME CENTRE

Rob Wright, Assistant Deputy Minister, Science and Parliamentary Infrastructure Branch, and Yassine Aouididi, Senior Digital Product Manager, presented an overview of the Centre Block multimedia enabling projects, and sought endorsement for

  • the Multimedia Operations and Distribution Centre and simultaneous interpretation strategies (with the understanding that proofs of concept are underway, which will impact the decision on the final location of the television control rooms and interpretation booths supporting Centre Block and the Parliament Welcome Centre); and
  • the locations identified for the Centre Block multimedia enabling facilities.

He answered questions with Susan Kulba, Director General and Executive Architect, Real Property.

The Working Group supported the proposal and agreed on the next steps:

  • The Science and Parliamentary Infrastructure Branch will continue to inform the interpretation community of the Centre Block Rehabilitation Program’s plans and work with the Translation Bureau to ensure alignment on the approach;
  • The Centralized Simultaneous Interpretation (CSI) facility proof of concept will be extended to validate that parliamentary and ISO standards for audio and video quality meet the security requirements of the Privy Council Office;
  • A full proof of concept integrating off-precinct interpretation services and user experience testing will be developed to determine the reliability, scalability, and operational impacts of the system;
  • All standards will be assessed for compliance with the Accessible Canada Act;
  • An integrated working group comprising interpreters and procedural personnel will be established to design a centralized simultaneous interpretation booth pilot that meets parliamentary operational, functional, ergonomic, and accessibility needs as well as ISO requirements;
  • A proof of concept will be initiated to assess technologies to enable the Multimedia Operations and Distribution Centre; and
  • Potential locations within the precinct will be identified for the Multimedia Operations and Distribution Centre and the Centralized Simultaneous Interpretation facility.

DESIGN UPDATE: CENTRE BLOCK AND PARLIAMENT WELCOME CENTRE

Rob Wright, Assistant Deputy Minister, Science and Parliamentary Infrastructure Branch, presented an update on the design progress for Centre Block, the Parliament Welcome Centre and landscaping and opened a discussion on the potential for leaving the Queen Elizabeth II Equestrian and/or the Famous Five monuments in their interim locations. He also sought endorsement for the high-level heritage design strategy, with a focus on the initial key high-heritage spaces—the Hall of Honour, the Memorial Chamber, and the House of Commons Chamber—and the circulation design for parliamentarians, business visitors, and the public. He answered questions with Susan Kulba, Director General and Executive Architect, Real Property.

The members of the Working Group acknowledged the design progress and the current snapshot of design status. They supported the overall design direction presented, including the general circulation strategy and overarching approach to heritage strategy for Centre Block, while expecting that subject matter experts will continue to advise them and keep them informed of progress in each of the key heritage areas. The Chair of the Working Group will inform the Board of the design progress in his next report.

SECURITY BRIEF: CENTRE BLOCK REHABILITATION

Gregory Dack, Director, Security Project Management and Technical Operations, and Albéric Bilodeau, Chief Operations Officer, Parliamentary Protective Service, presented a security briefing for the Centre Block Rehabilitation Project, and answered questions with Pat McDonell, Sergeant-at-Arms.

The Working Group endorsed all aspects of the proposed security approach and the plan to integrate it in the detailed design and implementation. This item is recommended to be presented in full to the Board.

At 2:16 p.m. the meeting was adjourned.


Greg MacCormack
Clerk of the Working Group