Originally built to house the offices of senators and members of Parliament, the East Block held the offices of Sir John A. Macdonald and Sir George-Étienne Cartier. Today, it still houses the offices of senators and their staff. The building also contains faithful recreations of the offices of its famous occupants from the 19th century.
In 1859, the architects Thomas Stent and Augustus Laver designed the East Block in Gothic Revival-style. They added a wing in 1910 to meet the needs for more government office space. The new wing linked the ends of the original building and was designed differently. At one time, the wing contained six huge vaults that stored the nation’s financial treasures. Afterwards, the vaults were converted to office space, but the original doors were saved.
As of 2025, the East Block on Parliament Hill in Ottawa remains a cornerstone of Canada’s parliamentary heritage. Constructed in the mid-19th century, this Victorian High Gothic building has undergone significant restoration and modernization to preserve its historical integrity while adapting to contemporary needs.
The East Block is renowned for its distinctive architectural features, including steeply pitched roofs, turrets, and intricate stone carvings. It stands as one of the most intact buildings on Parliament Hill, having largely escaped the extensive fires that affected other structures. Its design reflects the Victorian High Gothic style, characterized by ornate detailing and a sense of verticality.
Recognizing the building’s age and need for modernization, a two-phase restoration project has been underway. The first phase, focused on exterior work such as masonry repairs, roofing replacements, and window restorations, has been completed. The second phase, addressing interior systems, seismic upgrades, and further conservation efforts, is ongoing to ensure the building meets modern standards while preserving its historic character.
The East Block is open to the public for guided tours during summer months, offering visitors insight into Canada’s parliamentary history and the building’s architectural beauty. Given its status as an active government building, it maintains high security, and accessibility accommodations are available to ensure all visitors can experience this important site.
Overall, the East Block remains a vital and historic part of Canada’s government infrastructure, embodying a balance between heritage preservation and contemporary functionality.
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