Introduction
Rising majestically over Ottawa‘s Parliament Hill, the Canadian Parliament Buildings are more than just the seat of the nation‘s government – they are an iconic symbol of Canada itself. For over 150 years, these Gothic Revival buildings have borne witness to the key moments and figures that shaped the country. Today, they endure as an architectural treasure, a working legislature, and a must-see attraction for visitors to the capital.
History
The Parliament Buildings‘ history begins in 1858, when Queen Victoria selected the rough lumber town of Ottawa to be the capital of the Province of Canada. Ottawa‘s scenic location on a cliff overlooking the Ottawa River was seen as a compromise between the rival cities of Montreal, Toronto, Quebec City and Kingston.
The site of Parliament Hill itself has a much older history. For centuries, it was a meeting place for the Algonquin First Nation, who named it "Barrack Hill". In the early 1800‘s, the hill was occupied by a military barracks used by the British Army. After Ottawa was named capital, the government expropriated the barracks and hired architects to design a grand new legislative building.
A public design competition was held in 1859, drawing entries from across the empire. The winners were two partnerships: Thomas Fuller and Chilion Jones, and Thomas Stent and Augustus Laver. Each were awarded a major building to design in a complementary Gothic Revival style: Fuller and Jones the Centre Block and Parliamentary Library, and Stent and Laver the East and West Blocks.
Construction began with a cornerstone laying ceremony by the visiting Prince of Wales in September 1860. The complex was built of durable local sandstone and took six years to complete, at a cost of $1.2 million. The first Parliament officially opened on June 6, 1866, with over 400 gas lights illuminating the occasion.
Sadly, much of the original Centre Block was lost in a devastating fire on February 3, 1916. Within just 30 minutes, the House of Commons and Senate chambers were gutted, though quick-thinking staff saved key treasures, including some portraits and a 1915 copy of Magna Carta. Only the Library of Parliament survived, thanks to iron fire doors that were closed by the Librarian.
Investigations failed to determine the cause of the blaze, which killed 7 and injured many more. Occurring in the midst of World War I, some suspected German sabotage, but most likely it was caused by a carelessly discarded cigar.
Parliament continued to sit after the fire, first in the nearby Victoria Memorial Museum, and then in a temporary wood-frame structure built on the Hill. Meanwhile, work began on a grand new Centre Block, designed by John A. Pearson and Jean-Omer Marchand.
Completed in 1920, the new Centre Block was an expanded and modernized version of the original, built with a steel-frame, concrete, and fireproof materials. It also added a taller central tower, the Peace Tower, as a war memorial. The total cost was $12 million.
Over the 20th century, the Parliament Buildings continued to evolve to meet the needs of a growing nation. More office space was added in the 1950s with the construction of the Confederation Building across the street. In the 1970s-80s, extensive renovations were done to update electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems. And in 2018, the Centre Block closed for at least a decade to undergo a complete overhaul and restoration.
Architecture
Architecturally, the Parliament Buildings are among the world‘s finest examples of Gothic Revival, a romantic style that saw a resurgence in the Victorian era. Inspired by medieval cathedrals and castles, the style features pointed arches, ribbed vaults, flying buttresses, intricate stonework, and ornate decorative elements.
In Canada, the choice of the Gothic Revival style was partially political. It visually tied the buildings to those of the British Parliament, asserting Canada‘s British heritage and identity. The style was also seen as appropriately dignified and impressive for a legislature.
The Parliament Buildings are laid out in a formal arrangement. The Centre Block is the heart of the complex, housing the House of Commons and Senate chambers, as well as the iconic 302-ft Peace Tower. Flanking the Centre Block are the East and West Blocks, containing MPs‘ offices, committee rooms, and various government departments. Underground tunnels connect all the buildings.
Some quick statistics on the buildings:
- Over 600 Gothic arched windows
- 30 gargoyles and grotesques carved on the exterior
- 175 rooms in the Centre Block
- 10,850 tons of steel in the structure
- 50,000 carved stones on the interior walls
Adorning the buildings inside and out is a wealth of symbolic art and imagery reflecting Canada‘s history, heritage, values, and aspirations. Carved into the walls are hundreds of stone sculptures depicting people, creatures, and foliage – including corn husks and maple leaves.
The interiors are richly furnished with carved wood paneling, plaster moldings, marble floors, stained glass windows, and giant chandeliers. The walls display portraits and statues of notable Canadians. And the halls and lobbies are hung with large paintings depicting scenes from Canadian history and allegorical figures representing ideals and concepts.
Some architectural highlights:
- The soaring Gothic-arch ceiling of the House of Commons
- The ornate gold-leaf and dark wood décor of the Senate
- The colorful stained glass windows of the Memorial Chamber
- The white marble Queen‘s Entrance, used for ceremonial occasions
- The octagonal domed ceiling of the Library of Parliament
As a feat of architecture and art, the Parliament Buildings have received many accolades over the years. They were designated a National Historic Site in 1976, and recognized as a Classified Federal Heritage Building in 1986, the highest level of protection.
Political Importance
Beyond their striking architecture, the Parliament Buildings are of vital political importance as the seat of Canada‘s federal government. This is where key democratic institutions are housed, fundamental political ceremonies occur, and landmark decisions affecting the lives of Canadians are made.
The Centre Block is the domain of Canada‘s two-chamber Parliament. The lower House of Commons, modelled on the British system, is made up of 338 elected Members of Parliament (MPs) representing ridings across Canada. The upper Senate has 105 members appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister.
The buildings are also the workplace of many key government officials. In Centre Block are the offices of the Prime Minister, Government House Leader, and Leaders of the Official Opposition. The East Block houses the offices of the Governor General, representing the King as Canada‘s Head of State. And the Privy Council Office, the cabinet secretariat, is located in the Blackburn Building behind Parliament.
Many important traditions and ceremonies are centered on the Parliament Buildings:
- The Speech from the Throne, where the government outlines its legislative agenda
- The Changing the Guard ceremony, performed daily on the lawn in summer
- The Speaker‘s Parade, a procession of officials into the House and Senate
- Royal Assent ceremonies, where bills passed by Parliament receive final approval
The buildings have also been the stage for pivotal events in Canadian history:
- The first sitting of Parliament after Confederation in November 1867
- The 1982 proclamation of the Constitution Act, patriating the constitution
- The 2014 terrorist attack on Parliament Hill, where a gunman was shot in Centre Block
- The lying-in-state of prime ministers, governors general, and monarchs after their death
In recent years, the Parliament Buildings have also become a focal point for protests and demonstrations on pressing issues, from pipelines, to climate change, to indigenous rights. The buildings‘ front lawn is a popular rallying spot to capture the attention of politicians and the public.
Culturally, the Parliament Buildings have long been a potent emblem of Canada, appearing on everything from currency and stamps, to souvenirs and corporate logos. Their distinctive silhouette has become a visual shorthand for the nation, used in news graphics, political cartoons, and tourism ads. Affectionately nicknamed "The Hill", the buildings have embedded themselves in the public consciousness.
Tourism
As Ottawa‘s premier attraction, the Parliament Buildings draw hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. In 2019-20, over 338,000 people went on free guided tours of the complex.
Guided tours, offered in both English and French, give visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the buildings. Tours include:
- The history-focused House of Commons tour
- The art and architecture-themed Senate tour
- The Library of Parliament tour, highlighting the 1916 fire
- The East Block tour, focusing on the restored offices of early leaders
- The Peace Tower tour, with expansive views from the observation deck
Tours typically include the opportunity to sit in the House and Senate galleries to observe Parliamentary debates when in session. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
In the summer months, various public events and programming take place on the Hill, including the Changing the Guard Ceremony, yoga classes on the lawn, the Sound and Light show, and special holiday celebrations on Canada Day (July 1). And each Christmas, a giant evergreen tree is erected on the front lawn and decorated with thousands of lights.
The Parliament Buildings are conveniently located in downtown Ottawa within easy walking distance of many other attractions, including the National War Memorial, the Chateau Laurier hotel, the Bytown Museum, and the Rideau Canal. Across the river in Gatineau is the Canadian Museum of History.
For those wanting to stay near the Hill, several landmark hotels are steps away, including the Chateau Laurier and the Lord Elgin. And the historic ByWard Market nearby is packed with restaurants, shops and galleries. The area is well-served by public transit, with a light rail stop at Parliament station.
As the capital‘s star attraction, the Parliament Buildings figure prominently in Ottawa Tourism‘s destination marketing. Images of the complex grace guidebook covers, brochures, and ads, and the agency promotes tours and events on the Hill. Each year, tourism to the buildings contributes significantly to Ottawa‘s economy.
Conclusion
For over 150 years, the Canadian Parliament Buildings have stood as an enduring symbol of Canada and its democracy. From their awe-inspiring Gothic Revival architecture, to their role hosting fundamental democratic institutions and traditions, the buildings are a sight to behold both outside and in.
As a venue where pivotal moments in Canadian history have played out, the Parliament Buildings are a true icon, forever etched in the nation‘s memory. And as a major tourist draw, the buildings introduce hundreds of thousands of visitors each year to Canada‘s political system and heritage.
At their core, the Canadian Parliament Buildings are more than just an impressive piece of architecture or a place where laws are made – they are a physical manifestation of Canada‘s values, identity and aspirations. They remind us of the importance of preserving our heritage and democratic traditions, while also evolving to meet the needs of a changing society.
As Centre Block undergoes extensive renovations in the coming decade, Canadians can reflect on the Parliament Buildings‘ storied past and imagine their future. These cherished buildings have seen the country through triumphs and trials, and will no doubt be the stage for many more momentous occasions to come. More than just relics of history, they are living symbols of Canada‘s democracy – now and for generations.
