project: Taxation Building
location: Regina, Saskatchewan -- client: Government of Canada
completion: 2007

The Government of Canada decided to renovate the Taxation Building in conjunction with the major tenant reorganization that was to occur with the refurbishment of the former Galleria Building. The Taxation Building had previoulsy undergone improvement work to the exterior and building envelope but the mechanical systems were past their anticipated life. Building services and systems were inefficient and lacked proper accessibility due to an obselete floor plan and core configuration. Interior finishes were tired and dated.

The project commenced with an Integrated Design Workshop in late 2004, to determine the best options for rehabilitation of mechanical and electrical systems and reorganization of the core from both functional and economic perspectives. Sustainable building initiatives were explored during the Integrated Design Workshop with a goal established to achieve a Certified level under the LEED program. Application will be made at the end of the project for LEED Silver standing.

Although the client had originally hoped to maintain approximately half of the building occupied during the construction phase, wisely the decision was made to house there people elsewhere and allow construction to proceed more efficiently over a shorter period of time. Construction was completed on schedule and within the budget anticipated. Renovations were completed in August 2007.

Renovations included a new entrance lobby incorporating Saskatchewan's first machine room-less, energy efficient elevator, barrier free washroom's and efficient services core. Finishes have been replaced throughout the building. Materials were selected with consideration given to recycled content, durability and low VOC levels. Mechanical systems employed energy-saving technology. Water consumption was reduced through the selection of fixtures. Lighting system controls ensured that energy use was reduced through the use of occupancy sensors and use of low-energy ballasts. Full building commissioning was undertaken to ensure that all systems were operating at peak efficiency. Colours were used throughout the space to give warmth to the interiors.