Government House (Saskatchewan) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Government House
Government House main entrance
General information
Architectural style	Modified Italianate
Location	4607 Dewdney Avenue Regina, Saskatchewan S4T 1B7
Construction started	1889
Cost	$50,000
Client	The Queen of the United Kingdom (Victoria)
Owner	The King in Right of Saskatchewan (Charles III)
Design and construction
Architect	Thomas Fuller
National Historic Site of Canada
Official name: Government House National Historic Site of Canada
Designated:	1968

Government House in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, is a very important building. It is the official office for the lieutenant governor of Saskatchewan. A lieutenant governor is the King's representative in a Canadian province.

This building was first built as a home for the lieutenant governor of the North-West Territories. Regina was the capital of these territories back then. In 1905, Saskatchewan and Alberta became provinces. Regina became the capital of Saskatchewan. Government House then became the official home for Saskatchewan's lieutenant governor. It was closed in 1944 but reopened in 1984 for official events.

History of Government House

Building the House

First Regina Government House shortly after construction in 1883.

The Government House you see today is a strong brick building. It replaced an older, wooden Government House built in 1883. That first house was cold and drafty. It stood a few blocks west of the current site.

The old Government House around 1887. The pile of buffalo bones reminds us of Regina's original name.

The first house was put together after the capital moved from Battleford. The Lieutenant-Governor at the time, Edgar Dewdney, chose a place called Buffalo Bones. He bought land there and sold it to settlers. This area became Regina. The street where Government House is located is named after him.

The new, grander Government House was designed by Thomas Fuller. He was a famous architect who also designed the Parliament buildings in Ottawa. Government House was built in the Italianate style. This style often has a square dome on top. Its windows are shaped like Roman arches.

Construction started in 1889. A local builder named William Henderson led the project. The building was finished in 1891. It was very modern for its time. It had running water, pumped from a basement well to a tank in the attic. It also had indoor flush toilets.

Government House cost $50,000 to build. It was the first home in the North-West Territories to have electricity. The first person to live and work there was Lieutenant-Governor Joseph Royal. Later, a conservatory (a type of greenhouse) was added in 1901. A large ballroom was built in 1929.

Early Use of the House (1891-1944)

Government House North-West Territories in 1892, before the ballroom and gardens were added.

From 1891 until 1905, Government House was the home and office for the Lieutenant-Governors of the North-West Territories. Several important people lived there, including Charles Herbert Mackintosh and Amédée E. Forget.

In 1901, the Duke and Duchess of York visited. They later became King George V and Queen Mary. They stayed at Government House in Regina. They met many local citizens during their visit.

Government House during the Royal Visit by the future King George V and Queen Mary in 1901.

After Saskatchewan became a province in 1905, Government House continued to be the home and workplace for six Saskatchewan Lieutenant-Governors.

Authentic household staff at Government House, 1898.

Many important guests visited the province and stayed at Government House. These included Prince Arthur, the Duke of Connaught, in 1906. He visited again in 1912 and 1916 with his family. The Duke was the Governor General of Canada at the time. The Prince of Wales, who later became King Edward VIII, visited in 1919 and 1927.

A New Purpose (1944)

Louis Riel testifies at his trial. This scene was performed in Government House's ballroom.

In 1944, during World War II, Lieutenant-Governor Archibald Peter McNab decided to close Government House. The furniture and other items were sold. He moved his office to a hotel downtown. Royal visitors and other important guests also started staying in hotels.

Government House was then used by the federal Department of Veterans Affairs. It became a place to help veterans recover. In 1958, it was renamed Saskatchewan House. For 10 years, it was an adult education center. There were even plans to tear it down.

From 1967, a play called "The Trial of Louis Riel" was performed in the ballroom. Audience members could even act as jury members.

However, in 1968, Government House was named a National Historic Site of Canada. This meant it was protected and would be restored.

Bringing the House Back to Life (1984)

Many people and groups worked hard to save and restore Government House. In 1971, a society was formed to help. By 1980, their efforts paid off. Government House was restored to its original look. Many historical items that had been sold were brought back.

In 1984, the Lieutenant-Governor's offices returned to Government House. Official receptions and events started happening there again. However, the Lieutenant-Governors no longer live in the building. This allows the entire building to be open for public use.

New Additions (2005)

In 2005, a new visitor and administration center was added. Queen Elizabeth II herself opened this new wing. It was named in her honor. The older, historic part of the building was named the Victoria wing.

The gardens around Government House were also restored. They now look like they did in the early 1900s. Today, Government House is a museum. It shows what life was like around 1900. It is also a place for government and non-profit groups to hold events.

Public Events at Government House

Government House ballroom during the New Year's Day Levee.

One special tradition is the New Year's Day levée. The public can visit Government House on New Year's Day. They can meet the Lieutenant-Governor. Fruitcake and sherry are served in the ballroom. The house is beautifully decorated for the holidays.

Guides in old-fashioned costumes give free tours. You can also enjoy a Victorian tea in the ballroom on some weekends. This happens during the spring, summer, and fall.

Alleged Haunting

Some people say that strange things happen at Government House. Staff and visitors have reported odd occurrences. Doors might open and close by themselves. The sounds of crying babies or laughing children have been heard late at night. Some have even seen faces next to theirs in mirrors.

One famous ghost is "Howie." Many believe he is Cheun Lee, who was a cook for Lieutenant-Governor Archibald McNab. People say they hear his footsteps in the halls. He might even move objects from one room to another!

Images for kids

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  Ground floor hallway

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  Dining room

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  Parlour

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  Bedroom

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  Pool room

See also

• Lieutenant-Governors of Saskatchewan
• Monarchy in Saskatchewan
• Government Houses of Canada
• Government Houses of the British Empire
• Saskatchewan Legislative Building
• Royal eponyms in Canada—places in Canada named after royalty