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 at 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.
The East Block: Witness to 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.
Choose
from these Attractions:
