Peace Tower to be covered with Canadian steel scaffolding as renovations continue

OTTAWA — Visitors to Parliament Hill won’t be able to see the iconic Peace Tower by the end of next year, once it’s covered with Canadian steel scaffolding to enable renovations and repairs.

The Peace Tower is set to be sheathed in scaffolding so that workers can repair its interior and exterior — part of sprawling renovations to the nearly 100-year-old building.

Siavash Mohajer, senior construction director with Public Service and Procurement Canada, said the push to use Canadian materials in the renovation ramped up after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on this country.

“Initially, the design of (the scaffolding) would have required a lot of foreign-made steel. And so we went back and challenged our designers,” Mohajer told reporters during a guided tour through Centre Block to view the state of renovations.

“We think once we buy that steel, it’ll be 100 per cent Canadian.”

That same approach is being used in other parts of the Parliament Hill renovation project. Designers are being asked to modify their plans to ensure materials can come from Canadian sources.

In situations where that’s not possible, they’re looking to see if there are other ways to redirect the supply chain.

“I think we may make some good headway. This is still very preliminary, but at a high level, I think it might be good. So we’re very proud of that,” Mohajer said.

Mohajer said that in 10 to 15 years, he’ll be proud to know that all, if not most, of the elements used for the renovation project came from Canada.

A document tabled in the House of Commons in September noted Public Service and Procurement Canada is “responsible to pay any premiums incurred when the supply chain is redirected to Canadian sources after contract award.”

Centre Block closed for renovations in late 2018 and is expected to reopen sometime after 2030. The work is estimated to cost between $4.5 billion and $5 billion.

Mohajer took reporters on a tour of the project site Wednesday — including the massive, muddy underground pit that will become Centre Block’s new two-storey visitors’ centre, equipped with a classroom, a theatre and a café for guests.

Located directly in front of the Peace Tower, the visitors’ centre entrance is designed to be more accessible to guests. Officials say they expect to see more visitors once the centre is open, as it will expand the building’s security footprint and give visitors more spaces to roam in and between the three buildings on Parliament Hill.

Parliament’s annual tour group capacity is currently around 350,000 people.

The east and west courtyards of Centre Block are also being covered by roofing to reduce maintenance costs and allow for accessible entry to the House of Commons and Senate chambers.

The interior of Centre Block is undergoing extensive renovations. Most of its interior has been gutted, apart from some ornate ceilings and decorative elements with heritage value — those items are also receiving restoration to repair damage incurred over the years.

The renovations are meant to modernize Parliament while maintaining its famous facade.

Mohajer said crews are future-proofing the interior to ensure the building is equipped for future technological advancements, is climate resilient and is able to meet the needs of future generations.

Mohajer said that means ensuring there is room to build and space in the walls for excess wiring.

The project team uncovered some previously hidden design elements during the tear-out process — such as the intricately stencilled patterns found on the walls of the Speaker’s dining room.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 26, 2025.

Alessia Passafiume, The Canadian Press