The Supreme Court of Canada is preparing for a major displacement, with plans to move into a temporary home this summer for a stay expected to last at least a decade. This timeline is significantly longer than previous estimates for the court's absence from its iconic building on Wellington Street.
A Building in "Critical Condition"
The federal government has classified the current Supreme Court building as being in "critical condition." Constructed between 1938 and 1940, the structure is over 80 years old and requires a massive overhaul. The extensive revitalization project, budgeted at more than $1 billion, will address urgent issues including asbestos removal, restoration of walls and windows, electrical system replacement, and upgrades to meet modern earthquake building codes.
Despite the pressing need for repairs, the project has faced repeated delays. Initially announced in 2017, construction was slated to begin in 2023 and finish by 2028. However, work cannot start until the court's nine justices and their staff have vacated the premises.
The Temporary Home: West Memorial Building
The court's interim headquarters will be the West Memorial Building, located a short walk down Wellington Street. This heritage building itself has been undergoing rehabilitation since April 2020, after sitting vacant since 2008. The preparation of this temporary space has encountered its own setbacks, including pandemic-related delays and unforeseen challenges such as reinforcing concrete walls, removing contaminated soil, and stripping lead paint.
According to court spokesperson Vanessa Racine, the move is scheduled for the end of the judicial year in late July. The court will reconvene in its new, albeit temporary, home in the fall, typically by mid-September.
Preserving History in a New Space
The renovated West Memorial Building will blend historical preservation with modern functionality for the nation's highest court. Racine confirmed that key historical elements from the current courtroom, such as the red carpeting and the judge's bench, will be transferred to maintain continuity. New features will include a skylight, intended to symbolize the openness and transparency of the court.
The scope of the main Supreme Court building's renovation is comprehensive. Officials have stated the project aims to maintain everything down to the "grillwork and furnishings" of the historic structure while bringing its infrastructure into the 21st century. This decade-long process underscores the scale of decay that has accumulated in a building deemed vital to Canada's justice system.
