East Block

In the fall of 1997, renovations to the 1910 wing of the East Block (the northeast section, facing the Rideau Canal) were completed. Renovations comprised rebuilding the interior of the wing and restoring the masonry and roof.

The 1910 wing had never been modernized prior to this. Before this work was done, the wing had been mostly unoccupied and uninhabitable. Much work needed to be done on the masonry, which was damaged by moisture, freezing and thawing, and earth tremors.

Most of the washrooms were of 1910 vintage. Mechanical systems were ancient. Electricity was installed at a time when computers, fax machines and photocopiers only quickened the imagination of science fiction writers. All of this needed to be upgraded.

Since an extensive restoration was necessary, it was essential to remove asbestos-reinforced plaster from the 1910 wing.

Completed: fall 1997.