Parliament Hill: Concept images show future of Centre Block

The Senate of Canada has released new images of what Parliament Hill might look like once the major, years-long restoration process on Centre Block is complete.

The multibillion-dollar project to rehabilitate Centre Block and build a new Parliament Welcome Centre on the hill began in 2018. According to the Senate, as of mid-2026, excavation for the three-level welcome centre is complete and the construction of the lower two levels is about 75 per cent finished.

Excavation continues in Centre Block’s west and east courtyards for new basement levels that will connect the original building to the welcome centre, and the Peace Tower now has a new foundation that is secured to the main level of Centre Block.

0 of 7

Centre Block 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)

Parliament Welcome Centre 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)

Senate Chamber 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)

East Block 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)

Library of Parliament 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)

New images released this week show proposed designs for the Parliament Welcome Centre, the Senate Chamber, and lands around Parliament.

“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.

Scaffolding around the main building on Parliament Hill went up earlier this year, with a plan to eventually completely obscure the Peace Tower as work on its restoration gets underway.

The interior of the building has been gutted to update not only its appearance, but its electrical, fire safety, and HVAC systems, and its windows.

0 of 27

About 50 “high heritage” spaces will be restored close to their original designs during the process, while other spaces will be improved.

The Senate says the goal of the project 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.

Construction is expected to be completed between 2030 and 2031. The building would reopen a year later. The project is slated to cost between $4.5 and $5 billion.

Senate of Canada releases conceptual images of finished Centre Block rehab