West Block photo gallery

Discover the photos of our project to restore and modernize the West Block.

Two photos of the same building. In the first photo, the stones are darkened from years of exposure to soot, scaffolding covers parts of the building and the copper roof is worn in areas. In the second photo, the stones have been restored, the scaffolding is removed and new copper has been installed on the roof. — Before and after of the exterior, as seen from the lawn of Parliament Hill, east side.

Two photos side by side. In the first photo, work is underway in an open courtyard. In the second photo, the steel and glass structure rises up, covering the former courtyard, which is now the interim House of Commons. — Before and after of the courtyard infill: the interim House of Commons Chamber was built in the courtyard by excavating into the bedrock below the courtyard and building the infill structure. In the first photo from 2015, heavy machinery excavates the bedrock in the open courtyard. In the second photo from 2018, the completed glass roof rises over the courtyard infill, which is now the interim House of Commons Chamber.

Two photos taken from the same vantage point. The first photo shows an open exterior courtyard with steel roof supports being built inside it. The second photo shows the completed room with the steel supports holding a glass roof. — Before and after views of the interior of the interim House of Commons Chamber. The first photo from 2016 shows the steel structures being built in the courtyard to support the glass roof. The second photo from 2108 shows the completed Chamber.

Two photos of the same stairway and corridor. The first photo shows the area as a construction site. Brick walls are exposed, and the celling in the corridor is deconstructed. The second photo shows the finished stairway and corridor. — Before and after of a corridor and staircase. The interior of the building was completely rehabilitated. Many walls and ceilings were stripped bare to remove hazardous materials, reinforce the structure, and add a central heating and cooling system, as well as new electrical and plumbing systems. Extra rungs and an additional railing were added to the staircase so they would meet modern building codes while keeping their heritage style. Decorative tiles were replaced and fresh carpeting added, in addition to new lighting and doors.

Two photos of the same room. In the first photo, the windows are boarded up and the bricks in the ceiling are exposed. The second photo shows the same room with windows installed and walls and ceiling fully rehabilitated. — Before and after photos of a meeting room. The heritage-style ceiling is exposed in the first photo, and the old windows have been removed. In the second photo, newly built and installed windows, lighting, furniture and carpeting, along with a heating system, integrate nicely to make this space feel as though it has always looked this way.

Two photos of ornate plaster moldings and a wood-paneled roof. In the first photo, the fine details of the plaster are covered by several layers of paint. In the second photo, the plaster is restored and the exquisite details are apparent. — Before and after photos of heritage plaster and woodwork in the Prime Minister's office. While heritage conservationists were restoring the plaster, they discovered hand-painted ceramic tiles that had been covered over by paint. The wood on the ceiling was removed, restored to its original colour and re installed.

More information

Restoring and modernizing the West Block
Explore the West Block
Watch videos of the West Block and other Parliamentary Precinct projects
Read the infographic on the West Block masonry
Learn more about how parliamentary buildings are rehabilitated
Learn about the construction of the Visitor Welcome Centre and how it will connect the Centre Block, the West Block and the East Block
Watch the Visitor Welcome Centre video
Follow us on Instagram for the most recent photos of the West Block

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Date modified:: 2023-08-30