Library of Parliament - Former Bank of Nova Scotia

The Bank of Nova Scotia building at 125 Sparks Street was designed in the Beaux-Arts style in 1924 by Belfast architect John MacIntosh Lyle. The symmetrical sandstone south facade includes columns, basins, mahogany and bronze doors, and bas-reliefs inspired by Canadian economic activities. Inside, we note the executive office and the waiting room in walnut and white oak as well as the banking hall, in Doric style, adorned with floors of pink-gray marble from Tennessee, walls in cast stone as well as bronze wall sconces. The bank occupied the building until 1985, after which the building remained vacant for almost 15 years.

In 1999, the Government of Canada approved the bid from Schœler & Heaton Architects and LeMoyne Lapointe Magne Architectes. Renovations began in April 2000 and the Library of Parliament moved in in July 2001. Modern features added to the building include a new north facade entirely covered in glass on the exterior. Inside, a mezzanine is added to connect maple and steel offices to five stories of shelving with glass floors.

In 2017, as part of the Parliamentary Precinct's Long Range Vision and Plan DFS Inc. architecture & design and PCL Construction, in partnership with Public Services and Procurement Canada and the House of Commons, redesigned the branch as the Interim Main Library. Modernizing the building has helped the Library of Parliament meet the ever-changing needs of its parliamentary users. The space now includes a new reading room equipped with a multimedia wall on which news and sittings of the two houses of Parliament are broadcast, three collaborative rooms and an event hosting capacity.

Location and contact

Library of Parliament

In-person visiting hours

*Follow building health protocols.

  • Saturday, June 7 2025
    10am to 4pm
  • Sunday, June 8 2025
    10am to 4pm

Virtual and 3D Tours

This building does not offer virtual or 3D tours.

  • A white sandstone building with four pillars and windows with black trim. Two Canada flags are flown on either side.
  • A white console supporting the cornice above the main entrance.
  • The banking hall had marble counters and wickets, bronze chandeliers and a colorful canopy
    The main hall in 1925. Photo credit: Archives of Ontario.
  • Windows are decorated with lion heads and vases. They are also equipped with bronze railings.
  • Beaux-arts decor contrasts with modern additions in this room, now the reading room of the Provisional Main Library.
  • The current skylight is frosted glass. The original one was removed in the late 1950s.
  • A white sandstone building with four pillars and windows with black trim. Two Canada flags are flown on either side.
  • A white console supporting the cornice above the main entrance.
  • The banking hall had marble counters and wickets, bronze chandeliers and a colorful canopy
  • Windows are decorated with lion heads and vases. They are also equipped with bronze railings.
  • Beaux-arts decor contrasts with modern additions in this room, now the reading room of the Provisional Main Library.
  • The current skylight is frosted glass. The original one was removed in the late 1950s.

Architecture

Architect/Builder on record
John MacIntosh Lyle
Architectural style
Beaux arts
Construction date or date range
1924
Category
Government buildings

Amenities and features

  • Accessible access
  • Free parking
  • Bike parking
  • Metered/paid parking
  • OC Transpo nearby
  • Shuttle