One of Parliament Hill’s three principal buildings, the West Block has served Canadian lawmakers for over 150 years and now houses the interim House of Commons Chamber during the Centre Block’s renovation.
At a glance
The West Block stands as a working parliament building in Victorian High Gothic style, home to the temporary House of Commons Chamber since January 2019. Beyond its legislative chambers, it contains offices for parliamentarians, a branch of the Library of Parliament, and committee rooms.
History
Completed in 1865, the West Block rose as part of the original Parliament Hill ensemble. The building has been extended twice since its inauguration, expanding its capacity to meet the evolving needs of government. Since 28 January 2019, it has housed the interim House of Commons Chamber, a temporary installation created while the Centre Block undergoes major renovation work.
What you see
The building exemplifies Victorian High Gothic architecture, a style that defined Canada’s nineteenth-century institutional design. Within its walls, visitors encounter both the functional chambers and offices of working parliament and preserved pre-Confederation spaces that speak to Canada’s early government. The structure reflects both its original 1865 design and the modifications undertaken through its two subsequent expansions.
Cultural significance
Though less iconic than the Centre Block’s tower, the West Block holds its own place in Canadian identity—it appears on the obverse of the Canadian five-dollar bill. The building represents the continuity of parliamentary democracy in Canada and serves as a tangible link to the nation’s Confederation era.
Key facts
- Location: Parliament Hill, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Coordinates: 45.4232°N, 75.7005°W
- Completed: 1865
- Architectural style: Victorian High Gothic
- Current use: Interim House of Commons Chamber (since 28 January 2019); parliamentary offices and Library of Parliament branch
Practical information & getting there
The West Block is located on Parliament Hill in central Ottawa. As an active government building, access is limited; visitors typically require security clearance or must book guided parliamentary tours in advance. The site is accessible by public transit, with bus service to Parliament Hill and walking distance from Ottawa’s downtown core.
Sources & resources
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