Ottawa/CMEDIA: Introduction of the Queen’s Park Restoration Act, 2023 yesterday by the Ontario government, if passed, will establish a ministry called the Queen’s Park Restoration Secretariat to oversee the planning and renovation of the Queen’s Park’s Legislative Building including the temporary re-location of operations, a news release has said.
Included in the restoration project are careful and safe interior deconstruction keeping in mind the accessibility issues to preserve heritage elements while modernizing building systems, and securing and preparing a temporary place to conduct parliamentary business.
“Our government’s proposal strikes an important balance between the need to leverage the infrastructure expertise, fiscal transparency, and accountability of the government with the independence and oversight of our Legislative Assembly,” said Paul Calandra, Minister of Legislative Affairs. “While much work lies ahead, I am confident the restoration of Queen’s Park will make it a functional place of business for another 130 years and a symbol of our democracy of which all Ontarians can be proud.”
Since its construction in 1893, the Legislative Building has has not undergone a major renovation in over 100 years with its critical building systems such as plumbing, heating, electrical, and IT services, are at or beyond end of life and at risk of total failure.
There is a need for a full restoration of the Legislative Building to bring it up to modern safety and operational standards, so that the needs of parliamentarians can be met and to serve the people of Ontario for years to come.
Subject to its being passed, the proposed legislation would establish the foundation of a comprehensive restoration project and temporary relocation of parliamentary operations while the project is underway.
Housing the offices of the members of the Assembly, offices of members of the press, and the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, the Legislative Building currently serves as the centre of government where Ontario’s elected representatives debate and pass laws.
Ontario government’s plan to execute the restoration of the building in managing large-scale infrastructure projects is subject to its collaboration with the Assembly, and consent of an all-party committee of parliamentarians.
A symbol of Ontario’s history and heritage, Ontario’s Legislative Building offers education programs and guided tours for the public.
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