Big dig under Centre Block has begun as project spending reaches $1.2-billion

Scaffolding is starting to go up along Centre Block’s iconic southern façade, and once erected, will be covered by a trompe-l’oeil tarp.

A pedestrian walks past the main gates to Parliament Hill. Known as the Queen's Gate, the wrought iron gates were removed for restoration in March 2024.The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

News

BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT

May 28, 2025

The big dig under Centre Block is now officially underway, with structural walls and columns being removed from its existing basement level, and excavation work having started in its western courtyard.

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