The facade is ornamented by repeated sequences of quatrefoils, and figures designed by Charles Adamson, which represent abstract ideals like justice, tolerance, wisdom and power, as well as more ordinary pursuits such a mining, forestry, labour, law, education and farming.

The building also once contained a bowling alley and a section set aside for live domestic and farm animals.

Being one of Ontario’s oldest government buildings, Whitney Block went under a rehabilitation project contracted by Brown Daniel Associates.

Starting in January 2018 and completing in August of 2023, it received new HVAC systems, modernized office spaces, new windows and frames with some that feature Ontario’s trillium symbols and much more.

The Ministries of Natural Resources and Forestry, Government and Consumer Services, and Northern Development and Mines are located at Whitney Block.