Restoring and modernizing the East Block
On this page
- About the East Block project
- Phase 1: Exterior work
- Phase 2: Full rehabilitation of the East Block
- More information
About the East Block project
The East Block is the most intact of Parliament Hill's heritage buildings. It is also one of the world's finest examples of High Victorian Gothic architecture. The Government of Canada built the East Block in two major campaign periods. The first portion was completed in 1865, but is referred to as the 1867 Wing. A second wing was added in 1910. We last performed major work on the 1867 Wing in the 1970s. The East Block is now in need of restoration and modernization.
Read more about the history and architecture of the East Block.
The Government of Canada is restoring and modernizing Parliament Hill's East Block. We will do this in two phases.
Phase 1: Exterior work
The interior of the East Block is in good condition. However, portions of the exterior require an overhaul from foundation to roof.
The first phase of the project focuses on restoring and repairing the exterior of the 1867 wing. The exterior is showing signs of deterioration, such as:
- cracked stones
- worn carvings
- corroded ironwork
- damage from water infiltration
The first phase of the project includes masonry repairs to the areas of greatest concern within the 1867 Wing. This includes urgent repairs to the:
- southwest tower
- southeast tower
- south entrance
- Governor General's entrance
During Phase 1, we will:
- rehabilitate the heritage masonry
- reinforce the masonry for earthquakes
- conserve the stained glass, leaded windows and exterior doors
- replace some of the copper roof
- conserve the ornamental ironwork
The first phase began in 2017 and is scheduled to be completed in 2022. We are continuing with assessing the building's condition and identifying what work needs to be done. This allows us to plan for Phase 2, which will include the full restoration and modernization of the building.
Photos
Interesting facts
- In 2013, the northwest tower of the building was rehabilitated
- The 2013 work served as a pilot project for masonry repairs that we are doing as part of Phase 1
- The exterior of the East Block's original wing has some of the most remarkable examples of stonework and ironwork in Canada
- Much of the rehabilitation work requires special care and will be done by heritage masons using traditional techniques and hand tools
- Some of the masons working on the East Block also worked on modernizing the West Block
Scope of Phase 1
Here's a snapshot of the exterior work that is underway to rehabilitate the East Block (Phase 1):
- scope: exterior repairs to the southwest tower, the southeast tower (agriculture entrance), the south entrance and the Governor General's entrance
- we are doing these repairs to address deterioration and to preserve the building's heritage
- we are currently planning for Phase 2, the full rehabilitation of the entire building
- project status: work began in 2017, and we aim to complete it in 2022
- approved budget: $81 million (excluding harmonized sales tax)
- we do not limit the overall budget to construction work
- the approved budget includes:
- planning, professional and consultant fees
- architectural design fees
- seismic upgrades
- restoration of the roof and exterior masonry
- security measures
- risk, escalation and contingencies
- job opportunities: we estimate the overall project will create or sustain approximately 500 jobs
- design contract: competitively awarded to Arcop/DFS in a joint venture
- consult the tender award: contract number EP747-141835/001/FE
- construction management phase 1 contract: competitively awarded to Pomerleau Inc.
- consult the tender award: contract number EP747-171823/001/FE
Phase 2: Full rehabilitation of the East Block
The second phase of the project will address the work left to complete after Phase 1. We are assessing options for the full rehabilitation of the East Block. The project for Phase 2 includes:
- addressing the exterior work that we did not complete in the first phase, including the 1910 wing
- completing the seismic upgrade for the entire building
- linking the building with the Visitor Welcome Centre
- replacing the outdated mechanical, electrical and safety systems
- upgrading the building to meet modern building codes
- upgrading the building to meet the needs of the Senate
The building will be vacated during Phase 2. We have not yet established the budget nor awarded the contracts.