West Block photo gallery
Discover the photos of our project to restore and modernize the West Block.
Before and after of the exterior, as seen from the lawn of Parliament Hill, east side.
Before and after of the courtyard infill: the interim House of Commons Chamber was built in the courtyard by excavating into the bedrock below the courtyard and building the infill structure. In the first photo from 2015, heavy machinery excavates the bedrock in the open courtyard. In the second photo from 2018, the completed glass roof rises over the courtyard infill, which is now the interim House of Commons Chamber.
Before and after views of the interior of the interim House of Commons Chamber. The first photo from 2016 shows the steel structures being built in the courtyard to support the glass roof. The second photo from 2108 shows the completed Chamber.
Before and after of a corridor and staircase. The interior of the building was completely rehabilitated. Many walls and ceilings were stripped bare to remove hazardous materials, reinforce the structure, and add a central heating and cooling system, as well as new electrical and plumbing systems. Extra rungs and an additional railing were added to the staircase so they would meet modern building codes while keeping their heritage style. Decorative tiles were replaced and fresh carpeting added, in addition to new lighting and doors.
Before and after photos of a meeting room. The heritage-style ceiling is exposed in the first photo, and the old windows have been removed. In the second photo, newly built and installed windows, lighting, furniture and carpeting, along with a heating system, integrate nicely to make this space feel as though it has always looked this way.
Before and after photos of heritage plaster and woodwork in the Prime Minister's office. While heritage conservationists were restoring the plaster, they discovered hand-painted ceramic tiles that had been covered over by paint. The wood on the ceiling was removed, restored to its original colour and re installed.
Visitor entrance on the west side of the Centre Block.
More information
- Restoring and modernizing the West Block
- Explore the West Block
- Watch videos of the West Block and other Parliamentary Precinct projects
- Read the infographic on the West Block masonry
- Learn more about how parliamentary buildings are rehabilitated
- Learn about the construction of the Visitor Welcome Centre and how it will connect the Centre Block, the West Block and the East Block
- Watch the Visitor Welcome Centre video
- Follow us on Instagram for the most recent photos of the West Block