Government of Canada Commemorates the National Historic Significance of Government House in Edmonton

News Release

December 4, 2016 Edmonton, Alberta Parks Canada Agency

Randy Boissonnault, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre, on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna, today unveiled a Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada plaque commemorating the importance of Government House in Edmonton as a national historic site. The ceremony was held at Government House and was attended by the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, the Honourable Lois Mitchell, and many proud citizens.

From 1913 to 1938, Government House in Edmonton served as the official residence for Alberta’s first six lieutenant governors and became the centre of political and social life in the province in that era. With its imposing exterior and dramatic location overlooking the North Saskatchewan River, Government House symbolized the provincial status acquired by Alberta in 1905 and Edmonton’s position as its capital city.

As we near the 150th anniversary of Canada and the 100th anniversary of Canada’s national historic sites in 2017, the Government invites all Canadians to experience and learn more about our environment and our history. Canada’s national parks, national marine conservation areas and national historic sites enable Canadians to experience their heritage in a special way and will play a big part in the celebration of Canada 150.

Quotes

“Government House is an impressive building with a rich history and distinctive architecture that reflects its function as the centre of political and social life in Alberta in its early years. The Government of Canada is committed to connecting Canadians to significant people, places and events that contributed to our country’s rich and varied history. We encourage Canadians to take the opportunity to learn more about this inspiring place and the significant role it played in Canadian history.”

Randy Boissonnault, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre

“From the residence of Alberta’s first Lieutenant Governor, to a hospital helping veterans recover from their injuries, to a gathering spot for celebrations and discussions on affairs of Alberta and the world — this national and provincial historic site has many important stories to share. As a place where so much of our province’s history has been and continues to be written, Government House stands as a testament to Alberta’s storied past and a symbol of the enduring spirit of its people..”
Ricardo Miranda, Minister of Alberta Culture and Tourism

Quick facts

From 1944 to 1950, Government House was used as a convalescent home for wounded Second World War veterans. In 1951, the Department of Veterans Affairs took possession of the building and turned it into a residence for disabled veterans until it was purchased by the province of Alberta in 1964.
Government House is representative of an eclectic approach to architecture wherein late neo-Queen Anne Revival style elements were combined with classical components inspired by the Beaux-Arts to produce the clean lines of its façades, giving it a sober and formal character that reflects its official function.
In 1985, the province of Alberta declared Government House a Provincial Historic Resource.
Created in 1919, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada advises the Minister of Environment and Climate Change regarding the national historic significance of places, people and events that have marked Canada’s history.