Senate Room Electrical Renovation
Ottawa Electric completed the commercial electrical renovation for the University of Ottawa Senate Room, located in Tabaret Hall at 75 Laurier Avenue East in Ottawa.
The Senate Room is a formal legislative and administrative boardroom used for academic governance and high-level university meetings. Because of the room’s role and premium finish, the project required a detailed commercial renovation electrical scope with high-end pendant lighting, programmable lighting controls, automated window shade controls, smart wall panel integration, emergency lighting upgrades, fire alarm upgrades, data conduit, panels, distribution, and full system commissioning.
A major part of the renovation was the advanced lighting and control package. Every light in the room was automated through a programmable control system, and the window shades were integrated into the same control environment. The installation also included high-value architectural pendant fixtures, including three large feature fixtures over the main boardroom table.
The existing Senate Room required a full electrical update to support a modern, high-end boardroom renovation. The space needed premium lighting, improved emergency lighting, updated fire alarm coverage, programmable lighting controls, automated shade controls, smart wall panel integration, and electrical infrastructure capable of supporting the room’s upgraded design.
This was not a standard lighting installation. The room included expensive automated fixtures, control systems, and architectural details that required careful planning, precise installation, and strong coordination with the general contractor and other project partners.
The most complex challenge was the installation of three large feature fixtures above the main boardroom table. Each fixture weighed approximately 100 lbs and had to be mounted through the finished ceiling with exact placement, while keeping the structural support hidden above the ceiling.
Ottawa Electric started with electrical demolition and removal of the existing systems within the renovation area. This prepared the Senate Room for a full commercial electrical upgrade.
The team then completed new electrical installation work for high-end pendant lighting, emergency lighting, fire alarm system upgrades, distribution, data conduit and wiring, panels, controls, and commissioning. The room’s programmable lighting controls, automated shade controls, and smart wall panel integration were installed to support centralized control of the lighting and window treatments.
For the three large feature fixtures above the main table, Ottawa Electric built custom support infrastructure above the cathedral ceiling. Each fixture required three support rods dropped through the finished ceiling in exact locations. To make this possible, the team built custom scaffolding to access tight areas above the ceiling and constructed concealed metal brackets tied into the metal joists.
Because of the weight and complexity of the fixture installation, Ottawa Electric also coordinated with a seismic engineer to confirm the support design and ensure the installation was properly reviewed and approved.
The project also included safety and compliance coordination. Ottawa Electric completed the wiring and device installation for the fire alarm upgrades, with third-party fire alarm verification completed as part of the project. ESA requirements were also part of the job, and internal safety checks were completed throughout the project to ensure proper documentation and site safety procedures were maintained.
The University of Ottawa Senate Room electrical renovation is now 100% completed.
The finished project includes high-end pendant lighting, programmable lighting controls, automated shade controls, smart wall panel integration, improved emergency lighting, upgraded fire alarm coverage, new distribution, data conduit, panels, and fully commissioned electrical systems.
The result is a safer, more functional, and more polished boardroom environment for one of the University of Ottawa’s key administrative spaces. The completed electrical work supports the room’s formal use, premium finishes, centralized controls, and long-term operational needs.
The standout feature of this project was the installation of three large architectural light fixtures above the main Senate Room table. Each fixture weighed approximately 100 lbs and required custom concealed support above the cathedral ceiling.
To install them correctly, Ottawa Electric had to build metal brackets from the metal joists above the ceiling, drop three support rods per fixture through the finished ceiling, and position every support point precisely. The team also built custom scaffolding to access tight ceiling areas and worked with a seismic engineer to confirm the support design.
This level of planning and coordination made the project a strong example of Ottawa Electric’s commercial electrical experience, especially for institutional spaces where safety, precision, aesthetics, and compliance all matter.
This project included ESA-related compliance requirements and third-party fire alarm verification. Ottawa Electric completed the fire alarm wiring and device installation, while verification was handled by a third party.
The project also required strong safety coordination on site. Brawn Construction, the general contractor, completed a COR certification-related inspection during the project and passed while Ottawa Electric was on site. Ottawa Electric also had internal safety reviews completed throughout the project to help ensure required safety paperwork and procedures were maintained during the renovation.
Need electrical work done in Ottawa? Ottawa Electric provides safe, code-compliant residential and commercial electrical services.
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