West Block

Preserving the West Block

Today, the West Block houses offices of ministers and Members of Parliament.

The West Block, like the other Parliament Buildings, is an impressive heritage building. Officially opened in 1865, the West Block then contained the Postmaster General, Public Works and Crown Lands departments. Two extensions were later added to the original structure. The Mackenzie Wing and Tower was completed in 1878 and the Laurier Tower and Link was completed in 1906. The first renovations of the West Block took place from 1961 to 1965.

Today, it is occupied by Ministers, Members of Parliament and their staff. The Confederation Room, one of the largest reception rooms on Parliament Hill, was created during renovations in the early 1960s. Also known as Room 200, it is used for some state occasions, committee work and conferences.

Preserving the West Block

The West Block was last renovated in the early 1960s, and requires a lot of work. In order to preserve this building for future generations, electrical, mechanical and sprinkler systems, and fire alarms, must be upgraded, fire exits added, and asbestos removed. In addition, the windows will be replaced and the copper roof needs repair.

Over the past few years, urgent masonry repairs have been completed; yet much more work remains to be done. It is also necessary to make this building fully accessible to people with disabilities.