The original East Block was once the domain of some famous Canadians. 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.

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The rehabilitation of the West Block will provide the required space so that the Centre Block can be emptied and rehabilitated in the coming years. The Long Term Vision Plan (LTVP), addresses the accommodation needs of Parliament, which have evolved considerably since the buildings were constructed. The LTVP also involves managing a number of interdependent and concurrent projects.

Before it was vacated in January 2011, the West Block served several core parliamentary functions. It housed offices for the prime minister, ministers, members of Parliament and employees; committee rooms; and an important ceremonial feature—the Confederation Room.

Once the rehabilitation is completed in 2017, the West Block will house the interim House of Commons chamber, parliamentary offices, committee rooms and support space.

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East entrance to the Canadian House of Commons. HCS!

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Renovations continue on the Parliamentary landmark

The West Block, which shows signs of significant deterioration, was vacated in 2011 so that work to rehabilitate the heritage building could begin.

Both the interior and the exterior of the building will be rehabilitated, which will include the restoration of the masonry, modernization of life-safety systems and seismic upgrades. The rehabilitation will include construction of a permanent courtyard infill and the first phase of a visitor welcome centre. The courtyard infill will accommodate the House of Commons chamber, which will be temporarily relocated to the West Block during the rehabilitation of the Centre Block.

The West Block is scheduled to reopen in 2017.

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The East Block on Parliament Hill was built in two stages. The main section went up in the mid-1800s at the same time as the West Block and the original Centre Block. Then, in 1910, a wing was added to the rear. The purpose, style and appearance of the 1910 wing were quite different from those of the earlier structures. Today's conservation and renovation work aims to preserve the distinctive characteristics of both sections.

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