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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.
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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.
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In recent years, air pollution has also taken a toll. Pollutants
carried in the rainwater react chemically with the mortar between
the stones. Pollution also eats away at the intricate stonework
and the many beautiful carvings that adorn the buildings.
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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.
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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.
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