THE PEACE TOWER was reopened on December 2, 1996, after undergoing two years of renovations aimed at stopping deterioration. The Peace Tower was badly deteriorated and the restoration work was required to protect our national heritage. The great differences in temperature during winter and spring thaw in Ottawa had damaged the masonry, and pieces of stone were falling off.
Scaffolding Protection
In order to allow the renovation work on the Peace Tower, a temporary structure or "building" was constructed around the Peace Tower. The 300-feet (92.2 metres), 13-floor "building" consisted of beams, columns and a 15-foot ceiling. One-third of the temporary walls was made from lexan, a space-age plastic which withstands physical wear and tear as well as provides protection from inclement weather. The remaining walls were covered with green safety netting to allow air flow 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What was the cost of the Peace Tower restoration projet?
$9.9 million - What is the height of the Peace Tower?
92.2 metres - What was the height of Victoria Tower (part of original Centre
Block destroyed by fire in 1916)?
55 metres - How many linear metres of mortar joints make up the Peace Tower?
25 km - How many stones make up the Peace Tower?
54,000 (approximate) - What is the size of the clock face?
4.8 metres diameter - What is the size of Canadian flag on the Peace Tower?
2.25 x 4.5 m - How many bells are there in the Carillon?
53 - What types of stones make up the Peace Tower?
Nepean, Ohio and Wallace sandstones and granite
