Government House is the home of B.C.'s Lieutenant Governor and is the ceremonial home of all British Columbians. Located in Victoria, B.C., the home stands on the traditional lands of the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations and overlooks both the city and the sea.
Cary Castle was the first official Government House to be built on the location, being constructed in 1859 by George Hunter Cary as a private home before being purchased by the Colony of Vancouver Island six years later. When fire destroyed Cary Castle in 1899, Francis Rattenbury and Samuel Maclure were commissioned to design a new house on the same location. Opening in 1903, this Government House operated for 54 years before burning down in 1957.
The current Government House was opened on May 19, 1959, and closely reflects the original design of Rattenbury and Maclure. Although much of its history was destroyed during both fires, successive Lieutenant Governors have left permanent impressions on the "new" Government House, with examples being rose gardens, a conservatory, and even a swimming pool!
More can be learned about Government House and the role of the Lieutenant Governor by visiting the website of the Office of the Lieutenant Governor.
