Advertisement

Peace Tower to temporarily lose iconic green colour due to new copper roof

Click to play video: 'Heritage overhaul: Centre Block renovations mark major milestone at Parliament Hill'
Heritage overhaul: Centre Block renovations mark major milestone at Parliament Hill
WATCH: Heritage overhaul — Centre Block renovations mark major milestone at Parliament Hill – Nov 16, 2024

The Peace Tower in Ottawa will eventually lose its green colour for several years after crews replace its roof.

Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) told Global News Thursday that the work is part of the wider Centre Block rehabilitation project.

File photo from 1997, when new sections of copper roof were installed at the Centre Block of Parliament Hill, contrasting with the older green sections of the Peace Tower. Fred Chartrand/ The Canadian Press

The work, which began in 2020, is expected to continue until 2031, and Centre Block is expected to reopen to the public by 2032.

Story continues below advertisement

When it does, the public can expect several new features, including museum-esque exhibits, a multimedia theatre and on-site classrooms to educate visitors about Parliament.

Get daily Canada news delivered to your inbox so you'll never miss the day's top stories.

Get daily National news

Get daily Canada news delivered to your inbox so you'll never miss the day's top stories.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

However, those expecting a similar-looking roof when it reopens will have to wait years, a PSPC spokesperson said.

“The Centre Block Project is in process of replacing the Centre Block roof, including the Peace Tower, with a new copper roof. This new roof will take many years to oxidize and turn from brown to the green patina colour that is typically seen,” they wrote.

A construction worker is seen on the restored copper roof of the West Memorial Building in Ottawa on October 19, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

“Work is underway and replacement of the roof, including the Peace Tower roof, will continue over the next few years.”

Roughly 30 per cent of the roof on Centre Block has been removed so far, the project’s quarterly report for Jan. 1 to March 31 indicates.

Story continues below advertisement

Decorative tarps, which began being installed in 2022, will ensure the work can continue in all seasons, regardless of the weather.

The tarps are printed with a realistic image of Centre Block. PSPC said in the quarterly report that scaffold installation around the exterior of Centre Block is nearing completion, with only the Peace Tower and portions of the south facade to be enclosed.

A canopy covers the scaffolding surrounding the west side of Centre block on Parliament Hill as it undergoes renovations, Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024 in Ottawa. Adrian Wyld/ The Canadian Press

Sponsored content

AdChoices