By 1973, the Parliament Buildings were showing considerable signs of natural and human erosion, so the Minister of Public Works, William L. Hartley, commissioned a report on its condition. This report recommended a complete restoration of the Buildings to be supervised by an architect from the private sector. Alan J. Hodgson was chosen to lead the project, which began in 1974 and was completed in 1983.
Among the many complex tasks that were undertaken during the renovations, it was noted that restoring the Legislative Chamber was accomplished in just three and a half months - roof trusses were tightened, television lighting and air conditioning were installed, plaster was repaired, windows were repaired or replaced, and the room itself was completely redecorated - an impressive accomplishment in such a short amount of time!
An army of fine craftspeople - painters, plasterers, stained-glass artisans - were employed to perform the work, which included applying some 46 ounces of 23 karat gold to detail work in the Upper Rotunda.
