House of Commons - Centre Block

The most prominent building in Canada, the Centre Block, was constructed between 1916 and 1920 after a fire destroyed the original Centre Block leaving only the Parliamentary Library.

By 1993, the condition of the building had deteriorated to the point where, in line with extensive renovations to other portions of Parliament Hill, it was determined that major restoration / renovations should be initiated. Based on preliminary examination, it was determined that the south (main) façade required restoration to meet the time frame of the work on the Peace Tower.

At the time of the proposed work, Christopher Borgal was on a term contract with Public Works and Government Services Canada. He was given the job of acting Project Conservation Architect for the project, which eventually totaled more than $22M. Mr Borgal directed a team, drawn from both the private and public sectors, and personally guided the project through to completion in 1997.

The innovative work on this project was initiated by Mr Borgal: every stone on the building was drawn - a new level in conservation accuracy - based on parameters he set and directed; new methods of cleaning sandstone were developed; and conservation of over 100 original windows and replacement of over 500 windows, with details to match original windows. New methods of cathodic protection were introduced with research brought to Canada by Mr Borgal from contacts in the UK. Security provisions, initiated by Mr Borgal, were of a level that exceeded prevailing requirements. Such provisions were found to be more than justified after the Oklahoma bombing. State of the art building envelope upgrading was integrated with restoration of the historic copper roofs. New methods of stabilization of damaged stones were developed under Mr Borgal's direction. A system of roof top scaffolding was developed which was unique to the project and acted to secure the courtyard parapet walls during reconstruction.

The project was completed on time and on schedule.