Spy HQ’s glass walls raise concerns
Screens will be added to boost security
The federal government’s new billion-dollar spy palace in Ottawa has a problem that doesn’t sit well with the employees of one of the most secretive buildings in the world — it’s built like a fish bowl that might allow prying eyes to see inside.
The former head of the Communications Security Establishment (CSE) once called the Ogilvie Road complex — with its massive glass walls — an “architectural wonder.”
But now CSE officials are realizing that all that glass could potentially allow foreign intelligence agencies to eavesdrop on Canada’s electronic eavesdroppers.
Specialized darkened screens are now going to be added to the windows to prevent such an eventuality, sources tell the Ottawa Citizen.
In addition, a ramp built for the disabled inside the installation is too steep, making it difficult — and potentially dangerous — for such individuals to use it, the sources added. They noted that in response CSE management has provided motorized scooters so those with disabilities can drive up and down the ramp.
A CSE spokesperson confirmed to the Citizen that “mobility aids” are being provided to deal with the ramp issue.
“The sloped floor entry into the CSE facility was constructed according to building code specifications, which includes meeting accessibility requirements,” the spokesperson noted. “While the walkway meets all building code and accessibility requirements, mobility aids are being provided to assist a small number of employees.”
The CSE spokesperson noted that as a long-term solution, handrails are being installed in the area.
The Citizen also asked about the installation of the darkened screening on the windows to prevent eavesdropping, the cost of that screening, the period it will be installed and the reason why this type of security measure wasn’t thought of in the first place.
“CSE does not comment on the security features of its facility,” a CSE spokesman responded.
It’s unclear to what extent foreign intelligence agencies might be able to gather information through the glass windows.
But CSE’s U.S. counter-part, the National Security Agency, has prepared for that possibility. Its headquarters building in Fort Meade, Maryland, is covered with one-way dark glass and lined with copper shielding to prevent electronic and visual eavesdropping, noted American security expert James Bamford in his book Body of Secrets.
The CSE complex, which has been described as a glass skyscraper lying on its side, has drawn controversy before.
CSE management objected when officials with the Union of National Defence Employees told the Citizen the 72,000-square-metre facility was like the “Taj Mahal” because of its numerous amenities.
Former CSE chief John Adams acknowledged the facility’s opulence and massive glass walls but defended it in a 2013 interview with the CBC. “But, you know, glass in this (CBC) building is the same price as glass in that (CSE) building,” he said at the time.
The spy campus is home to more than 1,800 employees.
CSE intercepts, decodes, translates and analyzes the communications of Canada’s adversaries. It also safeguards government computer systems.
CSE views its state-of-the-art headquarters as a way to make it a leader among its allies and attract the best and brightest of spies, according to Department of National Defence documents obtained by the Citizen.
The new facility solves CSE’s need for modern accommodation and increased electrical power, the documents — obtained through the Access to Information law — pointed out. “It will also distinguish Canada as a leader among its intelligence allies for this type of showcase facility,” the records noted.
The documents also show the government had its own moniker for the new facility: Camelot, named for the mythical castle and court of King Arthur.
The government documents note that Project Camelot will make use of natural light throughout and be eco-friendly, one of the few government buildings to meet such standards. In addition, the installation of 28 filtered water fountains — at $200 each — will also help the environment, according to CSE.
The various features of the campus will aid in attracting highly skilled employees, the spy organization argues. “The resulting cutting-edge facility will enable the organization’s unique contribution to Canada’s national security by enhancing CSE’s appeal to the best and brightest technical, linguistic, mathematics, computer science and network defence capabilities experts,” the documents say.
The CSE complex is located near the Canadian Security Intelligence Service headquarters, which “will likely increase public awareness of CSE in contrast to its current relatively low profile,” the documents say.