Behind the scaffold: a peek into the Centre Block restoration on Parliament Hill

Posted on Tuesday, January 28th, 2025

On Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, Algonquin College President and CEO Claude Brulé and Director of Indigenous Initiatives Anita Tenasco enjoyed aClaude Brule and Anita Tenasco posed with two AC alumni students inside the under renovation Centre Block on Parliament Hill behind-the-scenes tour of Centre Block on Parliament Hill, which is currently closed and under renovation.

Leading the tour was John-Philippe Smith, one of Algonquin College’s recent Alumni of Distinction Awards recipients, who serves as the Government of Canada’s dominion sculptor.

As dominion sculptor, Smith focuses on diversifying his team and creating opportunities for collaboration with artists from various communities. He plays the dual role of carver and sculpture-conservator. He is responsible for the preservation of 100 years’ worth of sculpture in Ottawa’s Parliamentary Precinct and the assessing and implementation of repairs. He is also responsible for expanding that inventory, creating new pieces to mark national events and continually adding to the stone, wood and bronze décor.

Brulé and Tenasco enjoyed a sneak peek of renovations that include restoring stonework, wood, plaster, stained glass, marble and metal work, replacing mechanical, electrical and fire systems and updating systems to allow the building to be better accessible and more environmentally friendly.

Accompanying Smith, Brulé and Tenasco were joined by two Algonquin College alumni who are currently working on the project. Ren Saunders is a graduate from the Illustration and Concept Art program and Mackenzie Commando is a graduate from the Personal Support Worker program. Both are now full-time junior sculptors on the team, PSPC Decorative Arts program and work with Smith.

Two Algonquin College alumni meet with Claude Brule and Anita Tenasco who toured the Parliament Hill renovation

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