Sixth Grade
Worksheets
Burning of the Parliament Buildings
The site for Canada's parliament buildings was chosen before Confederation. The buildings were designed at first to house the government of Canada's East and West (now Quebec and Ontario). The buildings sit on Barracks Hill overlooking the Ottawa River. The Rideau Canal borders it on the east. The buildings were still being constructed when Confederation was begun in 1867.
The West Block was constructed in 1865. The first part of the East Block was built in 1867. The second part was finished in 1910. The Library of Parliament and the Centre Block were finished in 1876 and 1878.
As in any proud young nation, the people wanted the buildings to reflect their history and people. A majority of Canadians at the time were of British descent. The people were proud of their continued link with Britain. The Victorian Gothic style of the building reflected that. Other elements of the architecture included French roofing, a German tower, and an English-style library. Canadians were rightfully proud of their new government buildings whose style reflected their own past. When the first meeting of the new Parliament of Canada was in session, they had a place to meet.
