As the rehabilitation of Centre Block progresses, designs of what Parliament’s home will look like are taking shape.

“After focusing for years on the preparations for this rehabilitation and the details of what’s happening on site as it unfolds, it’s exciting to begin revealing to Canadians how their modern Parliament will look when the job is done,” said Senator Scott Tannas, chair of the Senate Subcommittee on Long Term Vision and Plan — which plays a key oversight role in the rehabilitation project.

The restoration and modernization of the Senate’s permanent home, led by Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC), marks the largest and most complex heritage rehabilitation in Canadian history. The goal is to make the century-old building safer, greener and more accessible for the parliamentarians and employees who work there every day and for all Canadians and visitors who will explore Parliament Hill in the decades to come.

PSPC aims to complete construction between 2030 and 2031 in anticipation of the building reopening a year later, giving Parliament time to conduct tests before resuming operations.

As of mid-2026, excavation for the three-level welcome centre is complete and the construction of the lower two levels is about 75% finished. Meanwhile, excavation continues in Centre Block’s west and east courtyards for new basement levels that will connect the original building to the welcome centre.

The Peace Tower now has a new foundation that’s secured to the main level of Centre Block. Next, in the lead up to its 100^th anniversary, the iconic 92-metre tower will disappear under scaffolding made with all-Canadian steel while workers complete restoration work.

Inside, Centre Block has been stripped to the studs. Because the building was constructed in the 1910s and 1920s and hadn’t been renovated since, it was not energy efficient. Its electrical, fire safety and HVAC systems, as well as its windows, are all being updated. Other changes will ensure spaces throughout the building can be accessed securely and without barriers.

As this complex work continues, architects, designers and engineers are completing designs for Centre Block and its surrounding landscape. In some cases, the designs might not look much different from the original spaces! This is in keeping with the overall intention: to preserve the heritage character, look and feel of this emblem of Canadian democracy, while seamlessly integrating upgrades that meet contemporary building, safety, environmental and accessibility standards.

Continue for a glimpse of what’s to come.

New and Improved

SenCAplus has provided extensive coverage of the rehabilitation of Parliament. Revisit past articles about:

• Centre Block’s seismic upgrades
• the removal and restoration of interior heritage artworks and artefacts
• the restoration of the building’s exterior stonework
• the restoration of the Peace Tower’s carillon bells
• the installation of the underground geothermal field that will heat and cool the Parliament Buildings
• the construction of the underground Parliament Welcome Centre
• the key oversight role the Senate is playing

A computer rendering of Centre Block’s updated exterior and surrounding landscape. The design features the new entrance to the underground Parliament Welcome Centre, found beneath the staircase leading to the base of the Peace Tower. The new landscape design for Parliament Hill prioritizes local, climate-resilient and long-blooming plant species that support pollinators and birds year-round. The lawn and gardens in front of Centre Block will also feature colourful seasonal plants, like tulips. (Photo credit: CENTRUS)

A computer rendering of part of the new Parliament Welcome Centre. The design incorporates materials used throughout Centre Block — including limestone, sandstone and oak — and features skylights to allow natural light to illuminate the underground space. The three-storey centre will include new boutique and exhibition spaces for the public, as well as additional rooms to support parliamentary operations. It will be connected to the original Centre Block through new basement levels constructed beneath the building. (Photo credit: CENTRUS)

A computer rendering of the ceiling of the new Parliament Welcome Centre. The design incorporates skylights that allow natural light into the underground space and offer visitors a view of the Peace Tower from the base of the iconic structure. (Photo credit: CENTRUS)

A computer rendering of the rehabilitated Senate Chamber in Centre Block. The updated design for this heritage space discreetly incorporates significant changes. The Chamber’s main floor layout will allow barrier-free access, the public galleries will be universally accessible, and cameras will be installed to permit live broadcasting of Chamber proceedings. Additionally, new clerestory windows will be installed at the top of the Chamber’s west and east walls. (Photo credit: CENTRUS)

A computer rendering of the updated landscape behind East Block, adjacent to the Rideau Canal. The new design incorporates climate-resilient plants, grasses and trees, an accessible pathway, directional signage and tactile maps. The overall intent of the design is to pay homage to past traditions, to create new gardens that reflect the region’s native plants and to enrich the visual and cultural experience of Parliament Hill. (Photo credit: CENTRUS)

A computer rendering of the updated landscape behind Centre Block and the Library of Parliament. Known as the Perimeter Plateau, these gardens are designed to be an extension of the forested slope that separates the Parliament Buildings from the Ottawa River below. The design also incorporates an undulating, sculptural wall that will frame views of the river, include seating and connect surrounding monuments. (Photo credit: CENTRUS)