Canada House: Revitalizing a Landmark of Canadian Democracy
London, England
Project Duration: 2013 – 2015
Client: Global Affairs Canada
Services: Project Management
SPACING
Canada House
Canada House is a dynamic hub of culture, collaboration, and diplomacy in the United Kingdom (UK), showcasing Canadian artwork, business, and values in central London.
Originally constructed in 1827, the building was renamed Canada House in 1923 when the Canadian High Commission relocated to Trafalgar Square. As the High Commission’s role expanded over the next several decades, space limitations forced many of its functions to disperse across multiple sites.
In 2013, Global Affairs Canada (then known as Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Development Canada) announced its plan to consolidate all diplomatic functions into a single location. The adjacent building was acquired to expand and transform Canada House into a modern and secure High Commission.
Scope
The Canada House project aimed to renew, renovate, and rehabilitate the 200-year-old heritage space and connect it to the neighbouring property, creating a home for Canadian diplomacy and culture in the UK.
Project objectives included:
- Preserving and restoring heritage architectural elements
- Upgrading structural and seismic supports
- Retrofitting mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and life safety systems
- Installing modern security infrastructure
- Refurbishing offices, meeting rooms, and public-facing spaces
In addition to these objectives, critical security upgrades were integrated into the design to accommodate high volumes of public visitors, including bullet-resistant windows, blast-resistant walls, and other protective features—underscoring the Government of Canada’s commitment to staff safety and physical security.
Today, Canada House stands as a symbol of Canada’s presence in the British capital, improving the diplomatic experience and access to services for Canadians abroad.
Approach
Tiree supported Global Affairs Canada (GAC) by delivering comprehensive Project Management services focused on schedule, cost, risk, and quality.
Working in close collaboration with GAC stakeholders, consultants, and UK diplomatic representatives, Tiree helped modernize and rehabilitate the existing infrastructure to support day-to-day embassy operations, host diplomatic and cultural events, and better serve Canadians.
Our approach to revitalizing the Canadian High Commission building included:
- Defining project roles and responsibilities to foster collaboration
- Managing project scope, approvals, and changes
- Establishing and maintaining detailed schedules and progress tracking
- Preparing cost plans and managing the cost baseline, cash flow, and reporting
- Identifying and allocating resource requirements and cost drivers
- Executing communication plans in line with GAC protocols
- Supporting procurement and contract administration
- Setting and monitoring quality standards
- Overseeing construction health and safety
- Securing environmental approvals, permits, and licenses
- Conducting ongoing performance monitoring and reporting
- Advising on scope changes with potential budget or schedule impacts
Outcomes
When Canada House reopened in 2015, it marked the first time in 50 years that High Commission staff had been brought together under one roof—a significant milestone in Canadian history.
The modernized embassy is now better equipped to provide passport, immigration, visa, and emergency services to Canadian citizens, serve as a military liaison office, and workplace for trade and political officers, strengthening Canada’s diplomatic presence in the UK.
Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh attended the opening ceremony in Trafalgar Square, where they were presented with a ceremonial set of keys—similar to those given to King George V in 1925.
To spotlight one of Canada’s most abundant natural resources, the space features Canadian hemlock, maple, white oak, and walnut throughout. Meeting rooms are named for provinces, territories, and oceans, and feature custom furniture, lighting, and carpets designed by Canadian artisans and craftspeople—celebrating the best of Canada in the 21st century.
Highlighting the country’s cultural diversity, the Culture Canada gallery also regularly curates exhibitions with Canadian artists based in the UK.
Tiree, in collaboration with GAC, played a key role in revitalizing Canada House—underscoring the federal government’s commitment to modernizing Canada’s embassies abroad and showcasing Canadian identity on the world stage.
The Queen Elizabeth Atrium
British Columbia Room