Parliament Hill

Parliament Hill, known in French as Colline du Parlement, is the ceremonial and political heart of Canada. The site, overlooking the Ottawa River, is home to the Parliament of Canada and its iconic Gothic Revival buildings. It serves as the primary workplace for the House of Commons, the Senate, and the Library of Parliament, attracting millions of visitors annually. The grounds are a national symbol and the focal point for national celebrations and protests.

History

The area was originally a military base known as Barrack Hill after the construction of the Rideau Canal under the direction of Lieutenant-Colonel John By. In 1859, following Queen Victoria's selection of Ottawa as the capital of the Province of Canada, construction began on the original Centre Block and East Block. The buildings were first occupied in 1865, just prior to Canadian Confederation in 1867. A devastating fire in 1916 destroyed the original Centre Block, sparing only the Library of Parliament. The current Centre Block, featuring the iconic Peace Tower, was rebuilt and completed in 1927 as a memorial to Canadians who died in the First World War. Major renovations and restoration projects have been ongoing, including the decade-long rehabilitation of the West Block completed in 2018.

Architecture and grounds

The complex is a preeminent example of Gothic Revival architecture in Canada, characterized by its pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and ornate stone carvings. The three main buildings are arranged around a central lawn: the Centre Block houses the Commons and Senate chambers and is crowned by the Peace Tower; the East Block contains historic offices; and the West Block now hosts a temporary chamber for the House of Commons. Notable monuments on the grounds include the Centennial Flame, the Statues of the Fathers of Confederation, and the Victoria Tower Bell. The site offers panoramic views of the Ottawa River, the Gatineau Hills, and landmarks like the Supreme Court of Canada and the National Gallery of Canada.

Functions and significance

As the seat of Canada's federal government, it is where elected representatives in the House of Commons and appointed senators in the Senate debate and pass legislation. Key ceremonies include the daily Changing the Guard, the Canada Day celebrations, and the Remembrance Day ceremony at the National War Memorial. The Library of Parliament serves as the primary research resource for Parliament and is renowned for its vast collection. The Mace and the Black Rod are important symbols of parliamentary authority used in proceedings. The hill is also the traditional site for the Speech from the Throne, delivered by the Governor General.

Security and incidents

Security is managed by the Parliamentary Protective Service, formed after a 2014 merger of forces. A major security breach occurred in 2014 when a gunman, Michael Zehaf-Bibeau, attacked the Centre Block, resulting in a shootout inside the Hall of Honour and the death of Corporal Nathan Cirillo at the National War Memorial. This led to a significant review of security protocols and the installation of permanent vehicle barriers. Previous incidents include a 1966 bombing by the Front de libération du Québec and a 1989 attack using a M72 LAW rocket. The complex is now surrounded by a reinforced perimeter, and public access to interior spaces is controlled.

Cultural depictions

The image of the Peace Tower and Centre Block is ubiquitous in Canadian media, appearing on currency such as the Canadian fifty-dollar bill and former series of the Canadian one-dollar bill. It is frequently featured in film and television, including productions like The Great Detective and the series Murdoch Mysteries. The hill and its ceremonies are central to broadcasts by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, especially during events like Canada Day. Its silhouette is a common visual shorthand for the Canadian government in political cartoons and news graphics, symbolizing the nation's democratic institutions.

Category:Parliament of Canada Category:Buildings and structures in Ottawa Category:National Historic Sites in Ontario Category:Gothic Revival architecture in Canada