It is hard to believe, but this is the last remaining part of the original Centre Block building that survived the great fire of 1916. The Library of Parliament serves as a vital repository of information and a research resource for the Parliament of Canada. The library also offers a breathtaking view of the cliffs of the Ottawa River and the province of Quebec. More details on ottawa1.one.
How It All Began
In 1857, the Parliament of Canada found a permanent home, marking the beginning of the construction of the Centre Block and the library itself. The architectural plans for the original Centre Block were designed by Thomas Fuller and Chilion Jones, who followed the High Victorian Gothic Revival style.
Nineteen years later, in 1876, the Library of Parliament officially opened. The building was circular in shape and featured intricate galleries that reflected the architects’ vision.
A significant contribution to the library’s survival came from Alpheus Todd, the first Parliamentary Librarian. He proposed integrating fire safety measures into the building’s design, an initiative that ultimately saved the library’s priceless collection during the fire of 1916.
Alpheus Todd was appointed as the Chief Librarian of the Legislative Assembly on March 31, 1856. In 1867, he became the Librarian of the Dominion Parliament, a position he held until his death. He is also remembered for authoring one of the most complex works on governance—On Parliamentary Government in England, a two-volume treatise covering the British constitution, parliamentary privileges, executive authority, and royal prerogatives.
The Fire of 1916 in Ottawa
Ottawa’s history has seen its share of tragic events, and one of the most devastating was the fire of 1916. The fire broke out in the Centre Block on February 3, 1916, at 8:37 PM during a session of the House of Commons. A gentleman in the reading room first noticed the fire and alerted a clerk. Within minutes, the flames spread from the Centre Block into the hallways.
However, fire safety measures—including a corridor with heavy iron doors separating the library from the Centre Block—prevented the fire from reaching the library.
Firefighters battled the blaze throughout the night. Before the evacuation, the library’s doors were securely shut, saving the library’s entire collection. Unfortunately, the fire claimed the lives of seven local residents.
Another fire struck in 1852, damaging the beautiful library dome, wooden floors, and walls. Experts carefully dismantled the walls and transported them to Montreal for cleaning and fireproofing. The walls were later reinstalled, and the wooden flooring was replicated and replaced.
Restoration
A major restoration and modernization project was completed in 2006, connecting the library to the Centre Block. From 2002 to 2006, the library was temporarily closed for the most extensive heritage restoration project in Canadian history. The restoration efforts included:
- Repairing the stone masonry
- Replacing three copper roofs and upgrading the drainage system
- Restoring the weather vane and decorative finishes
- Repairing 147 stained-glass windows and replacing them with modern energy-efficient equivalents
- Installing a state-of-the-art climate control system to protect the library’s collection from humidity and temperature fluctuations
As a result, both the interior and exterior of the Library of Parliament were meticulously restored. The project also incorporated modern climate control systems and seismic reinforcements.
Architectural Style of the Library
The Library of Parliament is often referred to as an “architectural marvel.” Visitors are particularly impressed by:
- Massive flying buttresses
- Decorative ironwork
- Hand-carved details
- Ample natural lighting
- Intricately carved depictions of flowers, masks, and mythical creatures
- The interior walls, which are paneled with white pine
Additionally, the library’s gallery features the coats of arms of Canada and the seven provinces that existed in 1876, the year the library opened. In the center of the library stands a marble statue of a young Queen Victoria, sculpted in 1871 by Marshall Wood.
All these elements reflect the architectural vision of Thomas Fuller and Chilion Jones.
A Symbol of Canada
The Library of Parliament is one of Canada’s national symbols and is prominently featured on the reverse side of the Canadian ten-dollar bill. The library is managed by the Parliamentary Librarian of Canada, who is assisted by a Deputy Librarian. Interestingly, Canada’s Poet Laureate is considered an honorary staff member of the library. To be appointed as the national Poet Laureate, candidates are evaluated based on:
- Contributions to Canada’s cultural and literary heritage
- Written or oral works that reflect Canadian identity or are dedicated to the country
- Influence as an established artist who has shaped the perspectives of others
Between 2021 and 2023, the position of Canada’s Poet Laureate was held by Louise Bernice Halfe, a renowned Cree poet and social worker known as Sky Dancer.
In 2023, the title was awarded to Marie-Célie Agnant, making her the tenth person to hold the position.
