Federal Government Acquires Downtown Ottawa Office Tower for House of Commons Staff
The federal government has officially confirmed the purchase of the office tower located at 131 Queen Street in downtown Ottawa. This strategic acquisition is specifically intended to provide long-term accommodation for House of Commons administrative staff, according to Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC).
Details of the Transaction
In an email statement to the Ottawa Citizen on February 25, PSPC spokesperson Jean-François Létourneau revealed that the building was originally constructed for government use and will continue serving as a key administrative facility. "The building was constructed for government use and will continue to serve as a key administrative facility to support the long-term accommodation of the House of Commons," Létourneau stated.
The property, built in 2006, offers substantial office space totaling 305,210 square feet. While PSPC has not disclosed the exact purchase price or provided details about the acquisition timeline, real-estate company Morguard announced in a February 19 news release that it had secured a commitment to sell its leasehold interest in an Ottawa office property for $148.2 million, excluding closing costs. This transaction is scheduled for completion on August 21, 2026.
Broader Portfolio Strategy
This purchase occurs as PSPC implements a comprehensive strategy to optimize its office portfolio. The department is actively working to offload a significant portion of its properties, including listing select assets for sale through the Canada Land Bank. This move reflects a broader governmental approach to real estate management amid changing workplace dynamics and fiscal considerations.
Key facts about the acquisition:
- Location: 131 Queen Street, Ottawa
- Building constructed: 2006
- Total office space: 305,210 square feet
- Primary purpose: House of Commons staff accommodation
- Transaction scheduled to close: August 21, 2026
The federal government's decision to acquire this specific property underscores its commitment to maintaining functional administrative spaces for parliamentary operations while simultaneously managing its broader real estate holdings. PSPC has not elaborated on the specific motivations behind choosing this building or how long the acquisition process has been underway, but the transaction aligns with ongoing portfolio adjustments.
As federal departments continue to evaluate their physical office needs in a post-pandemic environment, this purchase represents a significant investment in centralized government infrastructure. The 131 Queen Street tower will now become a permanent part of the parliamentary administrative landscape, ensuring dedicated space for House of Commons operations for years to come.
