Life Safety

Ensuring the safety for those who work inside the Saskatchewan Legislative Building and those who visit this prestigious property was the primary focus of the rehabilitation project. Phase two of the project provided an opportunity to enhance and upgrade life safety standards throughout the building. This included enhancing current fire code and accessibility standards.

When the Saskatchewan Legislative Building was constructed in 1908, fire code regulations did not call for a sprinkler system. The rehabilitation project provided an opportunity to enhance the building's fire code standards. The addition of a sprinkler system as well as an early detection smoke system were installed throughout the building. The installation of the fire sprinkle system required the cutting away of portions of ceilings in hallways and some public areas. All work followed a strict heritage conservation approach, thus ensuring the building’s historical integrity was maintained.

Outside of the addition of the sprinkler and smoke detector system, fire separation between floors was also improved. As well, additional exists have been constructed on both the East and West wing stairwell areas of the building.

Improving accessibility throughout the Saskatchewan Legislative Building for people with mobility impairments was part of Phase two of the four-year rehabilitation project. A barrier-free entrance on the north side of the building, west of the front stairs was constructed. This will ensure people who can’t use stairs have front entrance access. The new barrier-free entrance will lead people to an elevator which will provide access to the remainder of the building. (for more photos on phase II of the project, go to the photo library section)

The new entrance was officially opened by His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales, on April 27, 2001. Marble ballustrades and pillars as well as terazo flooring make up the new entrance. This ensures the new Prince of Wales entrance resembles other areas of the historic building.