Preservationists take heart—the demolition work taking place on Parliament Hill’s West Block is part of a reconstruction project that will restore the stone building’s historical and structural integrity and upgrade its ability to withstand seismic shock.

The rehabilitation project includes restoration of exterior load-bearing stone walls and sculptural stone elements, as well as the replacement of older building systems and the copper roof.

The West Block was opened in 1865 with two significant additions following. The recent demolition effort targeted much of the later work, particularly remodeling that occurred in 1965.

Nearby, a laser tool is being employed by Carleton University in cooperation with the heritage director at PWGSC to provide detailed interior measurements of each room prior to reconstruction.

“The data will help to create an accurate three-dimensional digital drawing of each room down to the bare bones showing every original nook and cranny,” says Ezio DiMillo, director general, Major Crown Projects, Parliamentary Precinct Branch. “These drawings can be overlaid with photographs for historical records.”

Much of the West Block was built in the Gothic Revival style, marked by a wealth of stone carvings. However, years of soot, smoke, dirt, and copper and iron stains have caked the fine details of the sculptures under a layer of grime. Again, both traditional and high-tech methods are being used to restore the carvings.