The British Columbia Parliament Buildings are the home of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia and seat of the provincial government. The politics that have taken place within its long hallways, richly furnished rooms, and grand Legislative Chamber have had lasting impacts on generations of British Columbians, and will continue to do so well into the future. But to really understand the significance of the Parliament Buildings as they exist today, its important to understand their history throughout the past 120 years.
The history of the Parliament Buildings can be broken down into several periods or events, each having a lasting impact on the next. Generally, they are:
- 1859 - The Birdcages
- 1892 - The Competition
- 1893 - Francis M. Rattenbury
- 1893 to 1898 - Construction
- 1912 to 1915 - Additions
- 1915 to 1972 - Accommodating Change
- 1973 to 1984 - Restoration and Renovation
- 1985 to Present - Improving Accessibility
With the conclusion of the most substantial renovations in the 1970 and 1980s, the Parliament Buildings have remained stable in their use, although numerous improvements have been made since then to improve accessibility throughout the Legislative Precinct. This has allowed the Parliament Buildings to maintain their original architectural design both outside and inside, and, at the same time, has encouraged all MLAs and visitors to enjoy the unique beauty of the Parliament Buildings.
