Library of Parliament: A History of Resilience and Architecture
The Library of Parliament stands as a testament to Canada's legislative evolution and architectural ambition. From its fragmented beginnings in the late 18th century to its current status as a preserved national treasure, the library has survived fires, natural disasters, and the challenges of aging infrastructure to remain a cornerstone of the Canadian government.
Foundations and Early Development
The origins of the institution date back to the 1790s with the creation of separate legislative libraries for Upper and Lower Canada. These collections remained distinct until 1841, when the Province of Canada was formed. Following this unification, the amalgamated collections moved frequently, following the provincial capital through Kingston, Montreal, Toronto, and Quebec City.
The library finally found a permanent home in Ottawa after Queen Victoria selected Bytown as the seat of the crown for the Dominion of Canada in 1867. The formal establishment of the institution was codified through the Library of Parliament Act in 1871.
Architectural Innovation and Challenges
Construction of the current library building began in 1859, though the process was fraught with delays. Work halted in 1861 and did not conclude until 1876, at which point 47,000 volumes—including several gifts from Queen Victoria—were installed.
One of the building's most significant features is its domed roof. Around 1869, builders realized they lacked the technical expertise to complete the structure. Consequently, they contracted the Thomas Fairbairn Engineering Co. Ltd. of Manchester to provide a prefabricated dome. This innovation made the Library of Parliament the first building in North America to feature a state-of-the-art wrought iron roof (iron that has been worked by hammering or pressing).
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The building continued to evolve, with its 300 gas lights being converted to electricity in 1883. However, these additions pushed the library's cost to $301,812, significantly exceeding the original budget for the parliament buildings. Nature also left its mark; a tornado in 1888 stripped the roof of its slate shingles, leading to the installation of the copper cladding seen today.
Survival Through Fire and Decay
The library is perhaps most famous for its survival during the catastrophic fire of 1916, which destroyed most of the Centre Block. Because the library was connected to the main complex by only a single corridor, the library clerk, Michael MacCormac, was able to secure the iron doors, preventing the flames from entering the sanctuary.
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Fortune was less favorable in 1952, when a fire broke out in the cupola. This event caused extensive smoke and water damage, necessitating structural repairs, the installation of a replica inlaid parquet floor, and the shipment of wood panelling to Montreal for cleaning and fireproofing. While other parliament buildings received climate control upgrades shortly after, the library was largely overlooked during that period.
Modern Restoration and Technology
By the late 20th century, the library required urgent conservation. A major $52 million renovation was researched in 1996 and executed between 2002 and 2006. The project was managed by the Thomas Fuller Construction Company, notably operated by the great-grandsons of the original building designer.
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The restoration addressed critical exterior issues, such as roof leaks and crumbling mortar, while repairing interior plaster and woodwork and installing modern climate control systems. Engineers also performed a nine-metre-deep excavation into the bedrock to create additional storage, mechanical space, and a loading dock link.
This project utilized cutting-edge technology for its time, including photogrammetry (the science of making measurements from photographs), precision survey, laser measurement, and Computer Aided Three Dimensional Interactive Application (CATIA). The library reopened to the public on June 5, 2006, although the project ended in legal dispute when Thomas Fuller Construction filed a $21 million lawsuit against the Crown for cost overruns.
Key Facts
- First in North America: The first building on the continent to feature a prefabricated wrought iron roof.
- Survival: Saved from the 1916 Centre Block fire by the quick action of clerk Michael MacCormac.
- Initial Collection: Opened in 1876 with 47,000 volumes.
- Cost of Construction: The library's specific cost reached $301,812.
- Modern Upgrade: A $52 million renovation (2002–2006) introduced modern climate control and bedrock excavation.
| Year/Period | Event | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1790s | Creation of legislative libraries | Founding of Upper and Lower Canada libraries |
| 1871 | Library of Parliament Act | Formal institution of the library |
| 1876 | Completion of construction | Installation of 47,000 volumes |
| 1888 | Tornado strike | Slate shingles replaced with copper |
| 1916 | Centre Block Fire | Library survived due to secured iron doors |
| 2002–2006 | Major Renovation | $52 million structural and climate upgrade |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the roof of the Library of Parliament historically significant?
It was the first building in North America to have a state-of-the-art wrought iron roof, which was prefabricated by the Thomas Fairbairn Engineering Co. Ltd. of Manchester because local builders lacked the technical knowledge to construct the dome.
How did the library survive the fire of 1916?
The library was only connected to the main Centre Block by a single corridor. The library clerk, Michael MacCormac, managed to close and secure the iron doors, which blocked the fire from spreading into the library.
What caused the roof to be changed to copper?
In 1888, a tornado hit Parliament Hill and stripped the roof of its original slate shingles, leading to the installation of copper cladding.
What technologies were used during the 2002–2006 renovation?
The renovation employed precision survey, laser measurement, photogrammetry, and Computer Aided Three Dimensional Interactive Application (CATIA) to ensure accurate restoration and structural upgrades.
Who managed the most recent major renovation?
The project was managed by the Thomas Fuller Construction Company, which was operated by the great-grandsons of the building's original designer.