Canada's Parliament Buildings are in the midst of extensive renovations that will preserve and enhance the beauty and safety of these national treasures. This section provides visitors with detailed information on the Parliament Hill completed preservation projects.

The Effects of Time and Climate

The buildings on Parliament Hill are all quite old, having been built between 1865 and 1927. The West Block was built in 1865, although further work on the building proceeded in three stages (1875-1878, 1905-1906 and 1961-1965). The East Block was built in two stages (1867 and 1910). The Library of Parliament opened in 1876. The Centre Block, rebuilt after the Fire of 1916, was finished in 1920, while the Peace Tower was completed in 1927.

Over the years, the buildings have endured a great deal of damage associated with Canada's harsh climate. Small earthquakes have opened cracks in the masonry. Water seeping into these cracks freezes in the winter and opens them wider, making the problem worse in subsequent winters.

Conservation: What is Being Done

A conservation project of this magnitude requires the contribution of many skilled professionals. The following section gives an overview of the conservation techniques being used to repair decades of damage and restore the beauty of the Parliament Buildings.

Workers must re-point joints. That means carefully chipping the loose mortar out from between the stones. When repairing mortar, small tubes are pushed between the stones. Workers then inject fresh grout into the gaps, some quite substantial in size.

The old copper roof on the south facade of the Centre Block had reached the end of its life cycle and was removed. Its concrete base, which was severely damaged by water, was repaired. Then, a new copper roof was installed.

Even the familiar clock face underwent major work. The brass was brushed, the hands were covered with special new paint, and a special glass case was added to protect the clock's mechanism from dust and other pollutants.