EDWARDIAN GARDENS PLAN UNVEILED AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE

Yesterday, Lieutenant Governor Dr. Gordon L. Barnhart was joined by the Provincial Secretary Wayne Elhard at the first annual Lieutenant Governor's Garden Party where the plan for the Government House Edwardian Gardens rehabilitation project was unveiled.

"The gardens will showcase our province's history, pride and identity," Elhard said. "It will be one of only two such gardens in Canada, increasing Government House's appeal as a national tourism destination and drawing more visitors to our beautiful province."

The rehabilitation plans for the gardens will follow the Edwardian design, popular when Government House was built in 1891, which is based on the concept of creating "outdoor rooms." The plan re-establishes and builds on the grounds' original features with new elements such as a hedge maze and event area with a portable stage. It also includes water-efficient irrigation and lighting systems, and hard surfaced, well-lit walkways that are barrier-free and will facilitate easy snow removal in the winter months.

"It will be a welcoming, family-friendly public space that is safe and accessible so that everyone can enjoy the richness and beauty of this heritage landmark all year round," Elhard said.

The initial funding for this project has been provided by the Government House Foundation from their fundraising efforts for the Centennial Project announced in 2002. Plans with other funding partners are being finalized and details will be forthcoming.

A management committee will be formed to develop and administer a memorial/recognition program and to address future fundraising efforts for the ongoing maintenance and development of the grounds. The Lieutenant Governor paid tribute to Government House Foundation Chair Charles Knight by planting a spruce tree in his honour at the Garden Party.

Previous Centennial Project changes to Government House include a visitor and educational centre, a rehabilitated conservatory and the J.E.N. Wiebe Interpretive Centre featuring the role of the Lieutenant Governor, and the history of the Crown and governance in Saskatchewan.

Government House is a National Historic Site and a Provincial Heritage Property.

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For more information, contact:

Nicole Fellinger
Office of the Provincial Secretary
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1370
Email: nicole.fellinger@gov.sk.ca