National Assembly of Quebec honoured at the Canadian Consulting Engineering Awards

The work of Canadian consulting engineering firms was celebrated online Thursday night, as twenty projects were recognized for excellence during the 2020 Canadian Consulting Engineering (CCE) Awards virtual celebration.

WSP’s Montreal team received an Award of Excellence for their Infrastructure improvements to the National Assembly of Quebec project in Quebec, QC.

Recognized as the industry’s highest honours, the awards are presented to projects by Canadian firms that showcase the most remarkable engineering feats. “Though we may not have been able to celebrate in person this year, these achievements and the incredible work of our members were recognized on a virtual stage” said ACEC President and CEO John Gamble.

“Through their ingenuity and innovation, the work of consulting engineering companies connects communities, grows the economy, protects the public and improves sustainability. The impacts and benefits of their work are long-lasting, often immeasurable, and deserve to be celebrated. Enhancing the heritage landscape and infrastructure of a symbol of Quebec democracy”

Infrastructure improvements to the National Assembly of Quebec – To meet its changing needs, the National Assembly of Quebec has had to improve its facilities by adding spaces that are better suited to visitors and the holding of parliamentary committees, without compromising the heritage, symbolic and identity character of the Parliament Building. The solution recommended by the implementation team was to create an underground reception pavilion, which contributes to the enhancement of the heritage landscape. Thanks to WSP’s civil and structural engineering services, innovative principles made it possible to realize the bold concept. The engineering of the numerous underground structures near and under heritage masonry buildings was an extraordinary technical challenge. Prior to the improvement of its infrastructure, the National Assembly was struggling to accommodate more than 124,000 visitors per year. Citizens can now enjoy safer access to the National Assembly, ensuring that even more people will be able to visit this symbol of Quebec democracy.

Addressing the complexity and structural challenges involved with creating new space below the existing parliamentary building and receiving LEED Silver certification were significant achievements noted by the jury.

“At WSP, our teams are constantly pushing the boundaries of innovation to support the communities where we operate. Being recognized for our work in the Buildings sector speaks to the world-class expertise and talent of our people,” said Ryan Brain President and CEO, WSP Canada.