History
The Foundation was created in 1987 to preserve, enhance and support Government House the Ceremonial Home of all British Columbians. Resources raised by the Foundation help enhance and showcase the historical and cultural values of the buildings, grounds and gardens, and fund the legacy programs of lieutenant governors past and present.
The ongoing support of Government House Foundation has ensured the longevity of the House and grounds that have played host to innumerable events and important visitors from around the world. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II visited in 1994 for the dedication of the Government House gardens. Their Majesties King Charles and Queen Camilla, when they were Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, visited in 2009 as did Their Majesties Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan. During a highly publicized tour of BC in 2016, Their Royal Highnesses The Prince and Princess of Wales and their children Prince George and Princess Charlotte stayed at Government House.
Through continued support of ongoing revitalization of the historical buildings and by supporting family-friendly community events on the grounds like the highly popular annual Music on the Lawn and the 2022 Platinum Jubilee Festival in honour of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, the Foundation is delighted to assist the Lieutenant Governor in welcoming visitors to Government House. The list of some of the projects that the Foundation has supported are:
The Honourable Wendy Cocchia, CM, OBC, LLD (Hon)
January 31, 2025 to current
Her Honour’s inherited legacy programmes are:
The British Columbia Reconciliation Award – 2021 to current
The Honourable Janet Austin and Government House Foundation in partnership with BC Achievement Foundation launched the British Columbia Reconciliation Award. This annual award recognizes individuals, groups and organizations who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, respect and commitment to furthering reconciliation or who have inspired others to continue reconciliation efforts.
The Lieutenant Governor’s Medal Program for Inclusion, Democracy, and Reconciliation (formerly the Lieutenant Governor’s Silver Medal)
1979 to Current
The Lieutenant Governor’s medal program was established in 1979 to recognize students enrolled in vocational and career programs less than two years long at public post-secondary institutions in British Columbia. The medal program was created to recognize students who excel in their studies and contribute to the life of their institution or community. For nearly forty years, British Columbia’s Lieutenant Governor has awarded the medal to outstanding students who have distinguished themselves through their post-secondary education.
Starting in 2019, eligibility for the Lieutenant Governor’s medal program was expanded to include students enrolled in all two-year diploma and four-year undergraduate degree programs at public post-secondary institutions in BC. While academic excellence and community contributions have been the primary focus of the award in years past, institutions were asked to nominate students who demonstrate outstanding contributions in support of Inclusion, Democracy and/or Reconciliation on campus or in their communities. The Foundation has been proud to support the Medal.
Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Literary Excellence – 2003 to current
Established in 2003, the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Literary Excellence is administered by the BC/Yukon Book Prizes and recognizes a writer who has contributed significantly to the development of literary excellence in British Columbia, as well as having written a substantial body of literary work throughout their career.
The Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Maritime Achievement – 2023 to current
This annual award, a collaboration between the Government House Foundation and the Maritime Museum of BC, recognizes and acknowledges individuals and organizations along BC’s coast and inland waterways that have made noteworthy contributions to the province’s maritime interests in the areas of science, technology, business, applications of maritime skills, nautical heritage and culture, art and academic endeavours, including Indigenous and traditional practices and environmental stewardship.
The Lieutenant Governor’s BC Journalism Fellowship – 2022 to 2025
The Honourable Janet Austin with the support of the Government House Foundation and in partnership with the Jack Webster Foundation established the Lieutenant Governor’s British Columbia Journalism Fellowship.
In the spirit of supporting a healthy democracy with a thriving journalistic community, the fellowship encouraged the development and support of local journalists in British Columbia. One of the greatest challenges faced in our society is the fragility of democracy in the 21st century. Across communities, politics have become increasingly polarized as we encounter trials on a magnitude never experienced, while the news outlets we rely on to maintain an informed citizenry are eroding and under-resourced. Many of the most crucial challenges we face are under-reported and do not receive the deep, complex storytelling deserved and necessary to better inform the citizens of BC.
Through the Fellowship, journalists were awarded the opportunity to develop a well substantiated, long form piece to shed light on a subject of great importance to British Columbians. Each year, one or two journalists from various stages of their careers—emerging, returning, or experienced—received a monetary award to spend two to four months to research, produce and publish their project supported by a committed media partner. The fellows were recognized at the annual Jack Webster Foundation Awards.
The Honourable Janet Austin, OBC
April 24, 2018, to January 30, 2025
Rotary Garden Pathway – 2025
One of the final pieces of the Honourable Garde Gardom’s Wheelchair Access Project which makes the gardens completely accessible to those with mobility issues is the installation of a six-foot wide, 430 foot long, gravel pathway in the Rotary Garden of Friendship. It will allow accessible viewing of all areas within this beautifully maintained garden and activity space.
Coronation Pathway – 2023
To commemorate the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, the circular route of the Woodlands Pathway was redesignated as the Woodlands Coronation Pathway. It was improved to make it more accessible and less prone to negative weather impacts. A split rail fence was also installed to protect environmentally sensitive areas. This network of improved pathways was made possible through the financial generosity of the Foundation, and carefully installed through the management of the Friends, Government House, the Foundation and Horizon Nurseries.
Her Majesty The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Garden – 2022
In 2022, the Foundation, along with the Royal Commonwealth Society, supported the Lieutenant Governor and Friends of Government House Gardens Society in creating a lovely addition to the garden in honour of Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee.
Washhouse Revitalization – 2022
As part of the Cary Castle Mews (housing Rudi’s Tea Room, the Costume Museum and Interpretive Centre) the final building, the Washhouse, was rehabilitated in 2022. Refurbishments included hazardous material abatement, plumbing and electrical upgrades, and exterior paint. The space has yet to be repurposed but remains a part of the history of the estate and BC.
Rock Garden and Woodlands Pathway Enhancement – 2022
To honour the Lieutenant Governor’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, this project provided access to these areas of the grounds via functioning pathways for those with mobility challenges.
Lieutenant Governor’s Arts and Music Awards – 2022
These one-time awards in honour of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee recognized individuals, groups, and organizations throughout British Columbia who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, creativity, community engagement, and commitment through fostering and mentoring others in the fields of Visual Arts, Music or Performance.
Lieutenant Governor’s Youth Advisory Council – 2020 to 2021
The Honourable Janet Austin was dedicated to shining a light on contemporary social issues to help create positive change and improve the lives of British Columbians. The three key themes for her mandate include supporting our democracy and public institutions, advancing reconciliation for the Indigenous peoples of Canada, and championing inclusion, diversity and gender equity.
The Youth Advisory Council assisted Her Honour through providing a perspective on these issues from engaged young British Columbians. This guiding body also advised on relevant issues impacting young people and identified ways to engage the next generation.
The Honourable Judith Guichon, OBC
November 2, 2012, to April 23, 2018
Stewards of the Future – 2014 to 2020
The Stewards of the Future project stemmed from the Honourable Judith Guichon’s interest in the land and water that sustain us. With her background in the holistic management of ranches and involvement in a range of community and environmentally-focused projects, Her Honour emphasized the need for respect, relationships and responsibility to solve challenges and leave the place we come from in as good or better condition for the next generation.
A teacher’s toolkit was developed for Stewards of the Future and distributed to schools across British Columbia. With the program launching in December of 2014, over 60 classes applied for the pilot semester of January 2015, of which 26 were granted funding to take students on field trips, visit local sites of interest, and engage in stewardship projects in their communities. The successful applicants were also invited to a conference held in various locations throughout BC.
Rudi’s Tea Room Expansion – 2014
One of the Foundation’s fundraising endeavours resulted in an expansion of the immensely popular Tea House. Rudi Hoensen covered the significant cost of expanding and enclosing the deck to accommodate more customers and in thanks, the Lieutenant Governor agreed to name the Tea Room after him. All proceeds from Rudi’s Tea Room go back into the gardens and support the dedicated volunteers whose exceptional work make the grounds so welcoming.
Sing Me a Song – 2013 to 2018
A result of the Honourable Judith Guichon’s long involvement in community music, “Sing Me A Song” was an opportunity for musical groups of all ages and genres to write and sing an original song in the lead up to Canada’s 150th birthday celebrations in 2017. Groups of eight or more voices were invited to write a song about what Canada’s 150th birthday meant to them and/or their community and to send a video of the performance to the Lieutenant Governor. Entries were posted on the Lieutenant Governor’s website and YouTube channel. A panel of judges selected a winner in three age categories and Her Honour traveled to the community to present the awards.
The Honourable Steven Point, OBC
September 30, 2007, to November 2, 2012
Governor Douglas Statue – 2012
In 2012, under the direction of the Honourable Steven Point, the Government House Foundation commissioned Victoria-based sculptor Armando Barbon to create a bronze statue of Sir James Douglas, the “Father” of British Columbia, to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Hosaqami Totem Pole – 2012
In 1959, the Royal Canadian Navy, as a 50th anniversary event, commissioned artist Chief Mungo Martin to carve a totem pole and gifted it to the Royal Navy in recognition of the enduring relationship between the two navies. The pole, Hosaqami, was displayed on Whale Island in Portsmouth, England until the late 1980s, where it was severely damaged by the weather. It was sent back to Canada to see if it could be restored, but the extent of the damage was too much and Chief Tony Hunt, who assisted his father Henry Hunt and his adoptive grandfather Chief Martin in carving the original, recommended it be returned to the earth.
In celebration of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee, the Honourable Steven Point and the Government House Foundation commissioned Chief Hunt to carve a replica of the totem pole. The original Hosaqami was moved to the Government House grounds where it lay next to the new cedar log being carved. The new Hosaqami was raised in front of Government House where it remains in perpetuity.
This project was funded by the Foundation who is thankful for the support of Chief Tony Hunt and the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations on whose territories the poles remain. In addition, the Canadian Forces, Western Forest Products and Trimac Trucking were instrumental in making this project possible.
The Cary Castle MewsTea House – 2012
After extensive rehabilitation and renovations of the Cary Castle Mews complex spanning two decades, along with significant planning on the intended use of these historic buildings, the Tea House opened in May of 2012. Partly run by volunteers, with meals provided by the Lieutenant Governor’s Executive Chef, the Tea House has proven immensely popular. All proceeds have been put back into maintaining the Tea House and gardens.
The Write to Read Project – 2011 to 2018
Write to Read started as a conversation between Lieutenant Governor Steven Point and his honorary aide de camp Bob Blacker. Blacker, a Rotarian and former district governor, mentioned the wonderful literacy initiatives Rotary was leading in other countries and His Honour suggested they should do something in British Columbia. And Write to Read was born. The project partnered remote First Nations communities with Rotary clubs to help build community libraries and assist them in accessing reading materials. The Project was a partnership between the Foundation, Rotary International and several corporate sponsors. All participating parties had a shared interest in increasing the level of literacy in remote British Columbia, and in building cooperative relationships between urban groups and rural Indigenous communities.
The Rotary clubs collected all the books required. BRITCO donated modular trailers to house the libraries, BC Ferries and Seaspan donated the module transportation, and London Drugs donated the computers. Local businesses assisted with the installation and any construction needs for the libraries, and a team of four retired librarians traveled to the communities to set up the cataloging system and train local residents in its maintenance. In 2018, Write to Read was transferred entirely to Rotary International. The Government House Foundation is proud of its participation in this project that furthered Reconciliation and literacy in BC.
Write Me a Story – January 2008 to 2011
The web-based Write Me a Story project invited school children to write stories based on a series of illustrations and to send them to the Lieutenant Governor. His Honour read the stories (some of them had accompanying hand-drawn illustrations), and admiring the students’ creativity, he sent the class an acknowledgement letter with small tokens of thanks for writing to him. The number of students who participated was 2,912 with 4,797 stories submitted in total.
Wrought Iron Fences – 2012
The deer population grew in 2012, and a solution was needed to protect the two signature rose gardens that the Friends looked after. The Foundation stepped forward to fund decorative wrought iron fencing which is both a beautiful addition to the gardens and a protective barrier for the much-admired rose collection.
Steinway Grand Piano – 2010
The House needed a grand piano to bring in high-calibre musicians to properly host Royalty and dignitaries at events held in the ballroom. As this is not an item that the Government of BC would be able to fund, the philanthropist and fundraiser Eric Charman was brought in to fundraise for it. The Steinway Grand Piano continues to be a major part of events at Government House.
Shxwtitostel Canoe – 2009
One of the main objectives of the Honourable Steven Point’s tenure was to promote cultural reconciliation. His Honour said reconciliation can be achieved by accepting and celebrating our differences and by joining hands to create a better, richer and more compassionate society. If we are to achieve true reconciliation we need to develop an understanding amongst all our citizens that we travel this life in the same canoe. No matter where we come from, no matter our cultural roots and heritage, we have to paddle and work together.
Reflecting this belief, His Honour carved two cedar canoes. The first was named Shxwtitostel which is a traditional inland river canoe that was gifted to the people of BC. In Halq’emeylem, Shxwtitostel means “a safe place to cross the river.” It is a bridge between peoples and cultures and is currently on display at the Legislature. The second canoe, Sea Raven on the Salish Sea, was carved as a gift for the Royal Canadian Navy in celebration of its one hundredth anniversary and it was launched at the naming of the Salish Sea in July of 2010.
Bandshell – 2009
The Bandshell, located on the east lawn, is used for concerts and is adorned with a carving titled The Salmon People. The carving, by Steven Point and Chief Tony Hunt, depicts the story of the Salmon People’s journey up the Fraser River. The Bandshell is the setting for the highly popular Music on the Lawn held annually on three consecutive Thursdays every July.
Cary Castle Mews Revitalization Project – 2008
The historic service buildings of Government House consist of the former stables, the carriage house, the wash house, the poultry house (part of which was later used as a gardener’s cottage), the root house and the coal shed. This grouping of buildings dates from 1872 to 1880 and was essential to the operation of a large estate in the nineteenth century. They are historically valuable as some of them are as old as British Columbia’s entry into Confederation, and the oldest buildings of their kind west of Winnipeg.
The buildings were saved from demolition in 1992 through the restoration of the exteriors; however, the interiors remained untouched until their revitalization in 2008. The stewardship of the Government House Foundation is to preserve this important site and revitalize it for public use and enjoyment as guests learn about the history of our youthful westernmost province.
Billiards Room
To help welcome distinguished resident guests, including members of the Canadian Royal Family to Government House, part of the Cloak Room was redesigned to include a Billiards Room. When not attending an official function, guests often do not leave the estate due to privacy or safety concerns. The addition of a Billiards table surrounded by Rugby Sevens jerseys and other Canadian symbols was a lovely addition to the House to help make them feel at home during their visit.
Tea Room – 2008
In 2008, the Provincial Government rehabilitated the stables, butterworth cottage, and poultry barn, enabling the Government House Foundation to open a Tea Room and interpretive centre. After five successful years of operation, the carriage house, which was fit out to feature a Costume Museum among other historic displays, was officially opened by Their Royal Highnesses The Earl and Countess of Wessex.
Costume Museum – 2008
The Costume Museum is housed in the rehabilitated carriage house and stables in the Cary Mews and showcases everything from lieutenant governors’ uniforms and chatelaines’ dresses to other historical clothing from both Government House and private collections.
The Honourable Iona Campagnolo, PC, OC, OBC
September 25, 2001, to September 29, 2007
Government House Coffee Table Book – 2007
In 2007, the Foundation was asked to support a new Government House book. The last book was Vice-Regal Mansions of British Columbia written by Peter Cotton in 1958 and produced in 1981. It was very out of date and needed to be replaced with a newer version depicting the history as well as the current status of the House and the treasures contained therein. The Ceremonial Home of All British Columbians was written by Rosemary Neering with photographs by Tony Owen and published by Sono Nis Press. It was released to the public on April 15, 2007.
Millennium Windows – 2006
Designed to commemorate the beginning of the 21st century, the Millennium Windows in the Ballroom at Government House portray a botanical theme signifying the natural beauty of Canada’s westernmost province and the importance of the gardens to the estate. British Columbia’s large size and complex landscapes support several distinct ecological zones, each with characteristic and easy-to-recognize plants. The windows capture the diversity of six major regions represented by eighteen common plant species.
Opening the Woodlands to the Public – 2005
At the request of the Honourable Iona Campagnolo, the Trustees unanimously agreed that in keeping with Dr. Lam’s long-term vision, the Garry Oak meadow should be opened to the public. Recognising the special nature and sensitivity of the ecosystem, they believed that to garner public support for its preservation required more openness. By restricting access to these publicly owned lands, the House was denying the visitors to the estate, one of the great nature experiences of BC. The Foundation supported the Friends of Government House Gardens Society plan that would see an interpretive trail through the Woodlands where the public can enjoy, unescorted, the unique treasure they are preserving.
Woodlands Viewing Platform – 2004
The Honourable Iona Campagnolo was instrumental in a number of significant projects during her tenure including opening the terrace gardens to the public; overseeing the placement of an explanatory lookout point southwest of Government House; and opening a public access path through the Woodlands. The Foundation funded the Woodlands Viewing Platform which is a peaceful spot to sit in the west of the terraces that overlooks the Woodlands.
Government House Renovations – 2003 to 2012
In 2002, it was recognized that Government House required substantial renovations to adequately accommodate Royal Visits and properly represent British Columbia to international visitors. At the request of House management, the Foundation provided funds to upgrade the décor and address structural requirements.
Lieutenant Governor’s Awards for Excellence in British Columbia Wines (Wine Awards) – 2003 to 2018
At the request of the Honourable Iona Campagnolo in 2003, the Wine Awards were established to recognize and honour excellence in the province’s fledgling wine industry. To be eligible for the competition, wines must be made from 100% grapes and grown and processed within BC. The Lieutenant Governor visited the winning wineries and presented the awards accompanied by the Consular Corps who would support the industry abroad. The Wine Awards has been so successful that it was copied in Ontario and Nova Scotia. In 2018, the Awards, having fulfilled their purpose in helping to grow the wine industry, were transferred to the Okanagan Wine Festivals Society.
The Honourable Garde Gardom, OBC, QC
April 21, 1995, to September 24, 2001
The Wheelchair Pathway Project and Accessible Washrooms – 2000
The Honourable Garde Gardom encouraged increased access to the grounds with the Wheelchair Pathway Project. His Honour directed the Foundation to raise funds to make the grounds more accessible by building new pathways, upgrading existing paths and building wheelchair accessible washrooms.
The Honourable Dr. David Lam, OC, CVO, OBC
September 9, 1988, to April 20, 1995
Cary Castle Mews Restoration – 1992
The buildings, having fallen into a significant state of disrepair, were saved from demolition in 1992 through the restoration of the exteriors.
The Friends of Government House Gardens Society (Friends)
Although not part of the Foundation, the Friends are an important partner in the maintenance and beautification of the estate, so we mention and honour them here as part of our history.
In 1991, the Honourable David Lam created the Friends of Government House Gardens Society to care for the gardens. The Friends are a registered, but not a charitable, society and all funds (fundraising and membership dues) are channeled back into the gardens. To support garden projects and the Friends’ efforts, His Honour fundraised to create a significant endowment which the Foundation administers for the gardens to this day.
With a membership of over 400, the Friends’ volunteers work in many areas of the estate including the gardens, archives, photography, publications, greeting cards, administration, tours, the Cary Castle Mews and through volunteering at special events. You can spot many volunteers hard at work Tuesday and Thursday mornings, from March to October in the many beautiful gardens throughout the estate.
The Honourable Robert Rogers
July 15, 1983, to September 8, 1988
Rogers Window – 1990
James Blomfield with brother Charles, pioneered the craft of leaded art glass in BC in the 1890’s and, at the turn of the century, produced some of the finest stained glass work ever made in the province. James, the artist and designer, created the stained and art glass for the 1903 Government House, including the great staircase stained glass window which incorporated a number of heraldic and native plant details. This window was lost in the 1957 fire which destroyed Government House and was not replaced when the House was rebuilt in 1959.
At the request of Her Honour Jane Rogers, Chatelaine of Government House, a project was undertaken to replace this window. The original design was to be expanded to reflect BC’s heritage as a parliamentary democracy and constitutional Monarchy, to symbolize the history and role of Government House in the life of the province, and to gratefully acknowledge the service of the governors and lieutenant governors, and their chatelaines, in representing the Sovereign since 1849. The project was successfully concluded with the unveiling and dedication of the window on May 2, 1990. It is believed to be the largest secular stained glass window portraying heraldic art in Canada at the time.
Creation of the Government House Foundation – 1987
The Government House Foundation started in 1987 as an advisory committee to the Honourable Robert Rogers and they continue to retain this purpose. As a result, all trustees are appointed by expertise, based on the needs of the Foundation and the Office at the time. Trustee backgrounds have included art, fundraising, public relations, etc.
Over time the Foundation started to financially support projects that the Government couldn’t commit to as they had more of a focus on maintenance and not enhancement. As a result, the Foundation started fundraising to accommodate the House’s unique needs and high standards as a centre of hospitality that welcomes Royalty. This expanded to include Lieutenant Governor’s Legacy Programmes.