Government of Canada Commemorates the Union Club of British Columbia National Historic Site
News Release
May 22, 2017 Victoria, British Columbia Parks Canada Agency
Today, John Aldag, Member of Parliament for Cloverdale—Langley City, on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna, commemorated the Union Club of British Columbia National Historic Site with the unveiling of a Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada (HSMBC) plaque. A special ceremony was held at the Union Club in Victoria in the presence of the Honourable Judith Guichon, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, Lisa Helps, Mayor of the City of Victoria, Bernard Beck, President of the Union Club of British Columbia, and Dr. Hal Kalman, HSMBC member for British Columbia.
The Government of Canada is committed to connecting Canadians to the significant people, places and events that contributed to our country’s rich diverse heritage. Established in 1879, the Union Club of British Columbia is an excellent representative example of a gentlemen’s club based on a members-only, private club prototype originating in Britain and popularized in Canada during the late-nineteenth and early twentieth century.
The name of the Club reflects its founding members’ pro-union stance during a period of political turbulence in British Columbia’s history when disappointment over the postponement of a rail link to the rest of Canada threatened the union of 1871. Since 1913, this elegant building has been home to the Union Club of British Columbia. Its monumentality, symmetry, and classical decoration reflect the principles and characteristics of Beaux-Arts design, and are well suited to the building’s use as a private club.
Canada’s national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas enable Canadians to experience their rich and varied history in a special way and will play a big part in the celebration of Canada 150. As part of the centennial of national historic sites, Parks Canada invites Canadians to be inspired and captivated by the stories of the people and events that shaped the Canada of today.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada is committed to connecting Canadians to the significant places that contributed to our country’s rich and varied history. I am pleased that this majestic building that houses the Union Club of British Columbia is commemorated as a national historic site, not only for its monumental design but as an example of historic gentlemen’s clubs across Canada. I encourage all Canadians to take this opportunity to learn more about this impressive landmark and its important role in our country’s history.”
John Aldag,
Member of Parliament for Cloverdale—Langley City
“The Union Club of BC played a very significant role in shaping Vancouver Island, and today we continue to be part of the community. It is wonderful to be recognized as a national historic site.”
Bernard Beck,
President, Union Club of British Columbia
Quick Facts
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The Union Club of British Columbia became a home-away-from-home for politicians, civil servants, military officers, professionals, and the press soon after its formation in 1879.
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In 18th century Britain, gentlemen’s clubs were places where men could play games, drink, and enjoy a fine meal with their peers. These private clubs conferred prestige and status to their members, who socialized and networked in what were often luxurious surroundings.
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Like most, if not all such clubs in Canada, the Union Club of British Columbia welcomed women as members in 1994.
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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.
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Contacts
Laura Judson
Public Relations and Communications Officer
Parks Canada
250-654-4086
laura.judson@pc.gc.ca
Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca