The Renewed West Memorial Building and Memorial Colonnade

Serving as symbols of remembrance, the newly completed West Memorial Building and Memorial Colonnade now stand as vital Canadian heritage structures that embrace the careful balance between preservation and progress.

EllisDon led the rehabilitation of the West Memorial Building, transforming the long vacant Second World War memorial site into a secure and fully functional workplace for the Supreme Court of Canada and the Federal Courts. Using a coordinated delivery approach, the project evolved midway through construction to include a separate scope focused on the repair, conservation, and protection of the Memorial Colonnade, which connects the East and West Memorial Buildings.

“I’m genuinely proud of our contribution to these two projects and of the teams whose dedication and expertise made it all possible,” said Mike Armstrong, Vice President & Area Manager, Ottawa. “Being trusted to work on these historic landmarks speaks to our commitment to efficiency, innovation, and the responsibility that comes with shaping spaces that hold lasting cultural meaning.”

West Memorial Building 

With up to 350 people on site during peak construction, the team delivered extensive upgrades to improve accessibility, complete seismic improvements, and integrate modern building systems, while preserving the building’s federal heritage character. The scope included restoring exterior walls and windows, improving the roof, replacing mechanical and electrical systems, and reinforcing the structure to meet current earthquake codes.

Inside, the work involved significant demolition and structural upgrades, including reinforcing beams and columns, restoring historic doorframes, elevators, and marble finishes, and transforming two former courtyards into light‑filled interior spaces with new skylights. These spaces now sit at the core of the building, including the Grand Hall, which features carefully integrated elements such as a multi‑storey acoustic chandelier and a custom glass feature elevator and stair, all delivered through extensive technical coordination across multiple trades.

Memorial Colonnade 

The project team focused on reinforcing the Memorial Colonnade by installing 20 full height structural anchors within the existing columns, contributing to the long-term preservation of this significant landmark. Secured deep into the underlying bedrock, each 65–75‑foot anchor was assembled on site and placed by crane through the roof. Extensive scaffolding was required due to the scale and condition of the existing structure, while specialized drilling techniques were used to maintain stability and protect the historic frame.

The successful renewal of the West Memorial Building and Memorial Colonnade highlights our teams’ expertise in delivering complex work in historic environments and reinforces EllisDon’s reputation as a trusted partner on Canada’s most significant infrastructure projects.