Ottawa — Bytown, Parliament & the Rideau Canal
Library of Parliament
Listen at the stop, then read the transcript and follow the sources behind the story.
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Transcript
The Library is the great survivor of the 1916 Parliament fire. A corridor and iron fire doors separated it from Centre Block, and staff closed the doors as flames spread.
That architectural decision saved the building and much of its collection.
The present library opened in 1876 and remains one of Ottawa's most recognizable interiors, though access can be restricted during the major rehabilitation of Parliament.
It survived another serious fire in 1952, this time in the roof.
Ottawa's most ornate library is therefore also a study in fire engineering.
If you ever doubt the value of an ugly fire door, this building is prepared to argue back.