The Stones of History: East Block

A bit of history

THE ORIGINAL EAST BLOCK was once the domain of some famous Canadians. Indeed, Sir John A. Macdonald and Sir George-Étienne Cartier had offices in this block, as did a number of Governors General and members of the Privy Council. When the 1910 wing was added, in effect linking the two ends of the original building and enclosing a courtyard, the intent was to provide space for government employees, not legislators and their staff. Consequently, this section is less ornate than the rest of the building. Nevertheless, parliamentary functions gradually encroached.

The 1910 wing had 6 massive vaults, originally used for storing the nation's financial treasures before the Bank of Canada was constructed. Rumours have circulated for years that gold was once kept here. The vaults have been converted to office space, but the original doors have been preserved.

Restoration and conservation

Of the three main buildings on Parliament Hill, the original section of the East Block (1867 wing) was renovated between 1979 and 1981 to restore the offices.

The most recent renovation of the East Block 1910 wing was completed in September 1997. The 1910 wing had never been modernized prior to this. For the past several years, it has 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. As well, salts were carried up from the ground by water, the way oil travels the wick of an oil lamp. Eventually, the water evaporates, leaving behind the minerals, which have damaged some of the stones.

Most of the washrooms were of 1915 vintage. Mechanical systems were ancient. Electricity was installed at a time when computers, facsimile machines and photocopiers only quickened the imagination of science fiction writers. All of this needed to be upgraded.

Due to the extensive restorations involved, it was essential to remove asbestos-reinforced plaster from the 1910 wing.

The southwest tower

The tower was damaged by water, freeze-thaw cycles, salts from the soil below, and some settling and cracking. Interior stone was stabilized and a computer system was installed to monitor stresses caused by further settlement or tremors.

Will anything be different?

To a casual observer, very little will appear different. The building is now accessible to people with disabilities. The stones have been repaired or replaced. The original stone came from Nepean, Ontario; new stone was brought in from St. Canut, Quebec.

Restoration architects and craftspeople preserved as much as they could from the original building. Moldings, doors, mosaic tiles and windows were restored and reused. The intent was not to restore the 1910 wing to its original condition, but to conserve as much as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of the East Block's 1910 wing restoration?
$18.8 million.
Who were the contractors?
Ellis Don Construction
Who were the architects?
Dorval & Fortin Architects
Why are the sections of the East Block named "1867" and "1910"?
The original 1867 section housed parts of the government of Canada in the early days of Confederation. It is built in the Victorian gothic style with turrets, arches, gargoyles and wrought iron details. The 1910 segment was added in 1910, built in a less ornate style to provide office for government staff and secure valuables.