CANADA HISTORY - Places-Landmarks

Parliament Buildings

The Parliament Buildings in Ottawa are among Canada’s most iconic landmarks, symbolizing the country’s democratic governance and rich history. Situated on Parliament Hill, which overlooks the Ottawa River, these buildings house Canada’s legislative institutions, including the House of Commons and the Senate. The complex is known not only for its architectural grandeur but also for its role as the center of Canadian political life. The Parliament Buildings have witnessed the country’s most significant events and continue to serve as the heart of the nation’s government. This essay will explore the origins of Parliament Hill, the political context of its construction, the tragic fire of 1916, the architectural significance of the Gothic Revival style, and the ongoing renovations that have temporarily relocated the House of Commons to the West Block.

Origins of the Parliament Buildings and the Political Context

The decision to locate Canada’s capital in Ottawa was made by Queen Victoria in 1857, a move that surprised many. At the time, several cities were considered as potential capitals, including Kingston, Toronto, Montreal, and Quebec City. However, Ottawa’s strategic location on the border between Ontario and Quebec, and its distance from the American border, made it an ideal choice for a national capital. It was also centrally located, facilitating political unity between Canada’s English and French populations.

In 1859, construction began on the Parliament Buildings, designed in the Victorian Gothic Revival style, which was popular in Britain and its colonies during the 19th century. The style was chosen to symbolize the stability and endurance of the British parliamentary system, which Canada inherited. Parliament Hill quickly became the political heart of the country, with its main building, the Centre Block, housing the chambers for both the House of Commons and the Senate.

The original Centre Block was completed in 1866, just one year before Canadian Confederation in 1867, when the British North America Act created the Dominion of Canada. The Parliament Buildings were a symbol of the new nation’s commitment to responsible government and the parliamentary system.

The Centre Block Fire of 1916

On February 3, 1916, tragedy struck the Parliament Buildings when a fire broke out in the Centre Block. The fire began in the reading room of the House of Commons and quickly spread, engulfing much of the building. Despite efforts to contain the blaze, the fire raged throughout the night, destroying most of the Centre Block, including the original House of Commons and Senate chambers.

The Library of Parliament, however, was miraculously spared. A quick-thinking clerk, Michael MacCormac, closed the heavy iron doors that separated the library from the rest of the Centre Block, preventing the fire from spreading into the library. Thanks to this swift action, the Library of Parliament, with its iconic circular reading room and collection of irreplaceable books and documents, was saved from destruction.

The fire claimed seven lives and left the government without a permanent home. However, the Canadian Parliament quickly adapted, moving temporarily to the nearby Victoria Memorial Museum (now the Canadian Museum of Nature) while plans were made to rebuild the Centre Block.

Rebuilding the Centre Block and Architectural Significance

Following the fire, the Canadian government decided to rebuild the Centre Block, and the new design would be an even grander expression of the Gothic Revival style. Construction on the new Centre Block began in 1916 and was completed in 1927. The rebuilt structure retained many elements of the original design but featured significant improvements, including the addition of the Peace Tower, which became a defining symbol of the Canadian Parliament.

The Peace Tower, standing 92.2 meters tall, was completed in 1927 as a memorial to the Canadians who had died in World War I. Its carillon of 53 bells regularly rings out over Ottawa, marking important national events and ceremonies. The Peace Tower’s spire, intricate stonework, and stained glass windows exemplify the Gothic Revival style that defines Parliament Hill’s aesthetic.

The new Centre Block also included the Memorial Chamber, located in the Peace Tower, which honors the sacrifices of Canadians who served in war. The Chamber is one of the most solemn spaces on Parliament Hill, housing the Books of Remembrance, which list the names of Canadians who have died in military service.

The East and West Blocks

While the Centre Block is the most well-known structure on Parliament Hill, the East and West Blocks are equally important components of the parliamentary complex. Both buildings were constructed during the original phase of Parliament’s construction in the 1860s and are key examples of Victorian Gothic architecture.

The East Block, located to the left of the Centre Block, housed government offices, including those of Canada’s first Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald. Its design features high towers, elaborate stonework, and arched windows, which give it a castle-like appearance. The East Block has been well-preserved, and many of its rooms remain in their original state, offering a glimpse into the administrative workings of early Canadian government.

The West Block, located to the right of the Centre Block, originally housed offices and meeting spaces for ministers. Like the East Block, it is characterized by its Gothic Revival style, with pointed arches, turrets, and detailed carvings. In recent years, the West Block has taken on a new role as the temporary home of the House of Commons while the Centre Block undergoes extensive renovations.

Renovations and the Relocation of the House of Commons

In 2018, the Centre Block was closed for a decade-long renovation project aimed at modernizing the building’s infrastructure while preserving its historic character. During this period, the House of Commons was relocated to a specially designed chamber inside the West Block. This temporary chamber features a modern glass roof that allows natural light to flood the space while maintaining the historic feel of the Gothic structure surrounding it.

The relocation of the House of Commons to the West Block marks a significant moment in Canadian parliamentary history, as it is the first time the Commons has been housed outside the Centre Block since the 1916 fire. The renovation of the Centre Block is one of the largest and most complex heritage restoration projects in Canadian history, and it is expected to be completed in the late 2020s. Once finished, the Centre Block will continue to serve as the home of Canada’s government, blending modern functionality with its rich historical legacy.

Parliament Hill as a National Symbol

Beyond its architectural beauty and political function, Parliament Hill is also a focal point for national celebrations and ceremonies. Each year, on July 1st, Canada Day festivities are held on the expansive lawns of Parliament Hill, drawing thousands of Canadians and visitors to celebrate the nation’s birthday. The Hill is also the site of important national commemorations, including Remembrance Day ceremonies, state visits, and the changing of the guard.

Parliament Hill has become a symbol of Canadian democracy, unity, and heritage. Its location on the border between Ontario and Quebec reflects Canada’s bilingual and bicultural identity, while its architecture and history embody the country’s commitment to responsible government and peace.

The Parliament Buildings in Ottawa are much more than a seat of government—they are a symbol of Canada’s national identity, political heritage, and cultural values. From their origins in the mid-19th century to the devastating fire of 1916 and their subsequent reconstruction, the Parliament Buildings have witnessed and survived some of the most significant moments in Canadian history. The East and West Blocks, with their Gothic architecture, provide a lasting connection to Canada’s early years, while the temporary relocation of the House of Commons to the West Block during the ongoing renovations ensures that the work of governance continues uninterrupted. As Parliament Hill remains a central stage for Canadian democracy, its significance as both a historical landmark and a functioning seat of government will endure for generations to come.