East Block

The East Block (French: "Édifice de l'Est") is one of the three main buildings on Parliament Hill, Ottawa, Ontario. Situated to the east of the main quadrangle on the Hill, it contains senators' offices as well as several preserved pre-Confederation rooms.

The main section of the East Block was built in 1800s with the other two buildings. It housed offices for the Governor General of Canada and the Privy Council, and was occupied by such prominent Canadians as Sir John A. Macdonald and George-Étienne Cartier.

Subsequently, a wing to the rear of the building was added in 1910 to provide space for the civil service as well as vault space prior to the creation of the Bank of Canada. This wing enclosed an inner courtyard.

Renovations to the East Block were completed in 1997 to update mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, remove asbestos, repair masonry, and restore various important pre-Confederation rooms to their historical appearance.

Like the Centre Block, the East Block is open to the public for tours, featuring the restored pre-Confederation rooms.

During a restoration of the Centre Block planned to begin in 2012, the central courtyard of the East and West Blocks will be roofed to serve as temporary chambers for the House of Commons and Senate.

An image of the East Block is featured on the obverse of the Canadian hundred-dollar bill.

External links

* [http://www.parliamenthill.gc.ca/text/exploreeastblock_e.html Explore the Hill - East Block] (Parliament of Canada]