Peace Tower

The Peace Tower was reopened on December 2, 1996, after undergoing a two-year conservation project to stop deterioration and restore the masonry. The extreme temperatures of Ottawa's winter and spring thaws had damaged the masonry. As a result, pieces of stone were falling off.

For the first time since its opening in 1927, the Peace Tower underwent large-scale exterior masonry work to prevent moisture penetration and rock falls.

In order to allow the renovation work on the Peace Tower, a temporary structure or "building" was constructed around the Tower. The 92.2 m (302 ft. 6 in.), 13-floor "building" consisted of beams, columns and a 4.5 m (15 ft.) ceiling.

One-third of the temporary walls was made from plastic, which withstands physical wear and tear and provides protection from inclement weather. The remaining walls were covered with green safety netting to allow airflow in warmer weather. For the cooler winter months, a white tarp was added as a lining to the green netting to provide additional protection for the work area. The area was heated by steam, which was provided by existing steam lines, as well as natural gas space heaters.

Completed: fall 1996.