CPAC Premieres Inside Centre Block — The Restoration: A look behind the nation’s most ambitious heritage project

CPAC Premieres Inside Centre Block — The Restoration: A look behind the nation’s most ambitious heritage project


September 26, 2024—Ottawa—The Cable Public Affairs Channel (CPAC) is proud to unveil Inside Centre Block—The Restoration, a two-part documentary series that takes viewers behind-the-scenes to witness Canada’s largest and most complex heritage rehabilitation project.

The crown jewel of the country’s Parliament Buildings—Centre Block—is closed to the public, undergoing repairs, upgrades and modernization that will take a decade to complete. Narrated by award winning Canadian actor Colm Feore Inside Centre Block-The Restoration explores Centre Block’s renewal, showcasing the progress since its doors closed in 2019. It’s an insider’s view of one of the most challenging restoration projects ever, offering a complete look of what’s taking place behind the scaffolding and tarps and sharing the perspectives of those who are making it happen.

“This is a rare glimpse into the behind-the-scenes restoration of one of Canada’s most loved and recognized heritage buildings and the icon of our nation’s past, present and future. This documentary series captures the essence of what Centre Block represents to Canadians. It’s more than just a building—it symbolizes our democratic values,” said Christa Dickenson, President and CEO of CPAC.

Through expert interviews, stunning visuals and rarely seen archival images of the building prior to closure, viewers will discover the delicate balance struck between modernizing Centre Block, while preserving and maintaining the building’s legacy and historic character.

Working closely with Public Services and Procurement Canada, CPAC is documenting the fascinating journey of Centre Block’s restoration from start to finish. 

“PSPC is thrilled to collaborate with CPAC on this historic undertaking and share with Canadians the intricate work we are doing in partnership with Parliament to modernize Canada’s Parliamentary Precinct while preserving this symbol of democracy for generations to come” said Jennifer Garrett, A/Assistant Deputy Minister, Science and Parliamentary Infrastructure Branch, Public Services and Procurement Canada.

CPAC gratefully acknowledges the support of the Canada Media Fund in funding a portion of this series. 

The first episode of Inside Centre Block—The Restoration airs on October 6th at 9 PM ET, and the second episode follows on October 13th at 9 PM ET. Both episodes will air again on Monday, October 14th at 7 PM ET. See it on CPAC and cpac.ca.


About CPAC:

CPAC is an independent, not-for-profit, commercial-free, bilingual media organization that connects Canadians to their democracy. On its broadcast television channel, website, and social media platforms, CPAC delivers the most comprehensive coverage of the people and events that shape Canadian public policy. Its core programming includes the complete televised proceedings of Canada’s Parliament and in-depth coverage of key political events and public policy debates.

Unique to CPAC is its digital offering, which includes up to 14 simultaneous live streams and a video archive boasting over 60,000 hours of parliamentary and public affairs content.


Media contact

For media inquiries, please contact Diana Ombe, CPAC Communications and Marketing coordinator: dombe@cpac.ca or 343-961-6231.