Description of Historic Place

Inspired by the medieval chapter house, the Parliament Hill –Library is an octagonal stone building attached to the Centre Block. Designed in a highly romantic, Gothic Revival style, it is distinguished by richly coloured stonework, steep copper roof capped by iron cresting, radiating buttresses and by large pointed-arched windows that bring light into its spectacular reading room. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.

Heritage Value

The Parliament Hill -Librarywas designated Classified because it is a national symbol of outstanding architectural and artistic merit which continues to serve its historical function in support of the operation of the Parliament of Canada.

The Parliament Hill -Library building is the best extent example of the work of Thomas Fuller, a distinguished Canadian architect. It plays a feature role in establishing the overall character of the Parliament Hill complex. In the library’s role as an archival depository, it harbours a collection that began as an initiative of Lord Simcoe, following his appointment as first Lieutenant-Governor of Upper Canada in 1791. It presently contains a rare and specialized collection of more than 600,000 volumes dealing primarily with parliamentary procedure, economies, finance, and constitutional law.

Sources:
Jacqueline Adell, Parliament Hill Complex, Ottawa, Ontario, Federal Heritage Building Review Office Building Report 86-052;Parliament Hill Complex, Ottawa, Ontario, Heritage Character Statement, 86-052.

Character-Defining Elements

Key elements that embody the heritage character of the Parliament Hill –Library include
-all of the exterior chapter house form of the Library;
-the form, surfaces and fitments of its domed reading room with radiating stacks;
-the quality of natural light in the reading room;
-its historical function in support of the operation of the Parliament of Canada.