Queen’s Gates project

First installed in 1876 and named in honour of Queen Victoria, the Queen’s Gates have welcomed visitors to the grounds of Parliament for more than 150 years. The gates were designed by Canadian architect Frederick J. Alexander. They are made of a mix of cast iron and forged wrought iron. The design was such a celebrated example of ironwork that the drawings were exhibited at the American Centennial Exposition in 1876.

Now, the Queen’s Gates are in need of restoration to return them to their original splendour. The gates have been removed and are currently in Montréal, where they will be restored by experts.

Project overview

Project description

The restoration work will involve dismantling the gates into their individual parts for repair and refinishing. The old paint will be stripped and rust will be removed from the gates to reduce future wear. Missing decorative details and parts that can't be fixed will be replaced with replicas crafted by restoration professionals.

The main central vehicular gates weigh approximately 907 kilograms (2,000 pounds). A mobile crane was used to remove the gates so they could be loaded and transported to a shop in Montréal, where Dominion Restoration, a Canadian company with expertise in heritage metal restoration, will complete this important work.

This project will ensure the gates will be preserved for another 150 years and continue to be a part of the heritage of Canada's Parliament Hill.

Photo gallery

Click on the image to view a larger version.

The Queen’s Gates, photographed before the project began. (Click to view enlarged image.)

Age and exposure to the elements took a toll on the gates, as seen in this photo taken before the project began. As part of the project, professionals will strip the old paint and remove rust. (Click to view enlarged image.)

The west gate is lifted by a crane. The gates were transported to a shop in Montréal, where they will be restored. (Click to view enlarged image.)

A crew prepares the east gate for removal. (Click to view enlarged image.)

Project background

• The Queen’s Gates were made in 1872 and installed in 1876
• The gates were named to recognize the reigning monarch of the time, Queen Victoria
• They have stood as the main gateway to the grounds of Parliament Hill for nearly 150 years
• The gates, designed in the High Victorian Gothic style, are located at Wellington Street and Metcalfe Street
• They feature 3-tiered wrought iron main gates with arches bounded on either side by a stone pier
• After the restoration work is complete, the gates will be reinstalled on Parliament Hill

Related link

CanadaBuys: Contract information for the Queen’s Gates project

From: Public Services and Procurement Canada