Library of Parliament

New Life for a Landmark

The Library of Parliament holds a special place in Canadian history. It is the last remaining part of the original Parliament building, the Centre Block, on Parliament Hill—and the only to have survived the devastating fire of 1916. Yet it is more than an architectural treasure, a beautiful example of the Victorian Gothic style. It is a fully functioning library whose collection and services support the activities and decisions of Canada's democratic Parliament.

The last major renovation dates back to 1952-1956, following a fire in the dome attic. To preserve the Library building as a piece of Canadian heritage-and to ensure its continued ability to sustain the activities of an efficient, modern parliamentary library and favourite destination for visitors-major work began in 2002 to conserve, rehabilitate and upgrade the building.

In collaboration with the Library of Parliament, Public Works and Government Services Canada led this important undertaking to preserve and enhance this architectural wonder for future generations. Inside and out, every aspect of the Library building was in need of attention, from the weathervane atop the roof to the cramped and crowded basements below ground. And virtually every task required specialized expertise: as a heritage building more than 130 years old, the Library demanded a unique approach and rare skills.

Exterior before. August 21, 2001	Exterior after. March 27, 2006 (Roy Grogan)

In the spring of 2006, construction was completed and the building ready for the Library to move back. These web pages tell the story of the work that was done and the people who did it.